Gutters play an important role in protecting your home from water and foundation damage. However, sometimes, they can be expensive and difficult to install &#; they just don&#;t match the look of your home, or you may not even need gutters. Thankfully, gutters aren&#;t the only rainwater management system for homes.

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This guide looks at several affordable, durable, and DIY-friendly options, so keep reading to learn about the ten best gutter alternatives.

Top 11 Best Gutter Alternatives for Your Home

There are many alternatives to gutters, but finding the best one for your home is crucial. The solutions below are great gutter alternatives. Depending on where you live, the grading of your property, and the environment around your home, one solution may be better than the others. And you might choose a combination of two or more for your home&#;s rainwater management system.

1. Drip Edge

Most homes have a drip edge, whether or not they have gutters. They are always along the edges of the roof or shingles, and they are critical in keeping water from running down the fascia boards and soffits and causing wood rot.

So, instead of the rainwater trickling off your roof and flowing down the fascia and along the siding, the water drips directly downward (assuming there aren&#;t windy conditions). Drip edges aren&#;t a complete solution to rainwater management, but they are a vital part of any water management system, whether it is a gutter or a rainwater management system below.

If you have a drip edge with no rain gutters, you may consider adding another rainwater management system to help control the water. But if you have gutters, make sure they are in good shape and the drip edge is properly installed and working correctly.

2. Drip Path

Drip paths are another great alternative to gutters. A drip path is made up of large pavers or blocks that you install in the ground directly along the roofline. You angle the block downward and away from your home, and they help direct water away from the house.

You can make drip paths from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, or even concrete. Plus, they are simple to install around the perimeter of your home. Homeowners commonly use drip paths along with a drip edge to create an effective rainwater management system for their homes.

3. Underground Rain Chain

An underground rain chain is a great way to collect rainwater and direct it away from your home. This type of system has two major parts &#; above-ground rain chains that attach to the edge of your roof and a below-ground drainage system that carries the water away from your home.

The above-ground rain chains come in a variety of styles and materials, so you can find one that fits the look of your home. Plus, they are easy to install and don&#;t require any major changes to your roofline. The below-ground drain system is usually best for professionals to install, but it is a relatively simple and straightforward process.

4. Above-ground Rain Chain

An above-ground rain chain works exactly the same way as the underground version, except it lacks the below-ground drainage system. These rain chains attach to the edge of your roof and direct water away from your home to collect water in a rain barrel or into a french drain.

5. Ground Gutters or French Drain

A ground gutter, also called a french drain, is a type of rainwater management system that is installed underground along the perimeter of your home. It collects rainwater that falls off your roof and directs it away from your foundation to help prevent flooding and water damage.

Ground gutters are usually made of PVC or other types of plastic, perforated pipes, and a professional or most DIYers can install them. The installation process is relatively simple but requires a lot of digging. However, french drains are an effective way to protect your home from water damage.

6. Box Gutters

Box gutters are a type of gutter that is part of the roof, usually along the edge. Historical homes built in the late s to early s often have them. They are also common on flat homes and commercial buildings with flat roofs.

A box gutter system helps protect the roof and the fascia boards from water damage by channeling rainwater away from the home. However, they don&#;t hang from the roof edge like traditional regular gutters. Instead, they are part of the roof itself. This makes installing them extremely expensive on an existing roof because you would need to remodel the roof entirely. But they are larger and less prone to clogs and blockages, and there are gutter guards made for box gutters that keep debris out.

7. Yard Grading

Proper yard grading and landscaping around your home can help prevent water damage by directing water away from your foundation. When your home is graded correctly, rainwater will naturally flow away from the foundation and toward the street.

Most rainwater management experts recommend grading your yard so it slopes away from your home at a rate of at least 6 inches for every 10 feet. This will help ensure that water flows away from your home and doesn&#;t pool around the foundation and damage it.

8. Rain Dispersal System

A rain dispersal system, like Rainhandler, is a type of louver system that helps direct rainwater away from your home and into the ground. Instead of collecting rainwater and diverting it to a downspout, the rain dispersal system uses a series of curved louvers installed at the roof edge to throw it into your yard.

When rainwater rolls off the roof onto the rain dispersal system, the louvers direct the water away from your home. The water then falls to the ground onto your grass, plants, etc., where it is absorbed. This helps prevent water damage to your foundation and landscaping. Plus, it puts the extra water to use instead of dumping it into the sewage system.

9. Copper Gutters

Copper gutters are technically still gutters, but they are so different from traditional aluminum gutters that they warrant their own category. They have a distinct look that will boost the curb appeal of any home.

Copper gutters are more expensive than aluminum gutters but offer several benefits. First, they are extremely durable and will last for decades with proper maintenance. Second, they are low-maintenance, resistant to corrosion, and easy to clean. Third, copper is a beautiful metal that adds a touch of class and elegance to any home.

10. Built-in/Hidden Gutters

Built-in or hidden gutters are a type of gutter that is installed behind the scenes, so to speak. They are usually installed on the underside of the roof eaves and are hidden from view under or inside of the roof overhang.

Hidden gutters are an excellent option for those who want the functionality of gutters without the unsightly look. They are also less likely to get clogged because debris has a harder time reaching them. However, they are more expensive than traditional gutters and can be challenging to install.

11. Landscape River Rock Beds

Landscape river rock beds offer an attractive and functional alternative to traditional gutters. These strategically placed rock beds help disperse falling water from your roof, preventing erosion and directing moisture away from your foundation.

You also need proper grading to use river rocks for diverting water away from your home. The ground should slope away from your home, allowing water to flow naturally through the rock beds and away from your house.

How Do You Handle Rain Runoff Without Gutters?

There are several ways to handle roof runoff without gutters. You can choose from any of the ten options above or a combination of several. The most important factor is ensuring the rainwater is directed away from your home&#;s foundation. This will help to prevent any water damage and maintain the integrity of your home&#;s structure.

Why Some Houses Don&#;t Have Gutters

Some houses don&#;t have gutters because they are built on a slope or hill. The natural grade of the land causes water to run away from the house, making gutters unnecessary. Other homes may not have gutters because they are equipped with other means of rainwater management, such as French drains, rain chains, or splash blocks.

Some homes even use barrel systems to collect rainwater for gardening or other uses. While gutters may not be needed in these cases, it&#;s still a good idea for most homeowners to have a system in place to protect their homes from water damage.

Benefits of Using Gutters

Gutters are an important part of your home&#;s rainwater management system. They help to collect and channel water away from your house, protecting your foundation, siding, and landscaping from water damage.

Gutters also help to prevent soil erosion around your home by controlling the flow of rainwater. In addition, gutters can help to keep your basement and crawl spaces dry by redirecting water away from these areas.

Installing gutters is a relatively inexpensive way to protect your home from water damage, and they are typically easy to install yourself. If you&#;re unsure whether gutters are suitable for your home, talk to a contractor or rainwater management specialist. They can help you assess your needs and find the best solution for your home.

Do Rain Chains Work as Well as Gutters

Rain chains are a popular alternative to gutters but are not necessarily better. Rain chains can be just as effective as gutters at directing water away from your home, but they have a few drawbacks.

First, rain chains can be noisy in heavy rains. The sound of the rain hitting the metal can be quite loud, and it may not be ideal if you live in a quiet neighborhood. Besides being noisy, rain chains can be messy, too. The water flowing down the chain can splash and create puddles around your home. This can be a problem if you have landscaping or walkways near your rain chain.

Lastly, rain chains can be dangerous in high winds. The metal chains can become airborne and cause damage to your property or injure someone. For this reason, it&#;s important to choose a heavy-duty rain chain that is designed to withstand high winds.

Ultimately, whether or not rain chains are a good option for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you don&#;t mind the noise and mess, rain chains can be a beautiful and effective way to manage rainwater runoff.

Key Takeaways

There are several ways to handle rain runoff without gutters, but gutters with downspouts are the best solution. Gutters are the best in heavy rains, don&#;t leave pools of water around your home, and are effective at diverting water to prevent expensive water and foundation damage.

However, the ten solutions above are the best gutter alternatives. And the most important factor when installing one or more on your home is to ensure that the rainwater flows away from your home&#;s foundation. This will help to prevent any water damage and maintain the integrity of your home&#;s structure.

Gutters are an important part of your home&#;s rainwater management system. They help to collect and channel water away from your house, protecting your foundation, siding, and landscaping from water damage.

Rainwater management helps to prevent soil erosion around your home by controlling the flow of rainwater. In addition, it can help to keep your basement and crawl spaces dry by redirecting water away from these areas.

Installing gutters or any of the ten alternatives we recommend is a relatively inexpensive way to protect your home from water damage, and they are typically easy to install yourself. If you&#;re still unsure which gutter alternative is right for your home, talk to a contractor or rainwater management specialist. They can help you assess your needs and find the best solution for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a house have no gutters?

Yes, some homes don&#;t have gutters, but they are the exception. Most houses have some type of gutters because they effectively channel water away from the foundation and prevent flooding and leaks. There are a few reasons why someone might not install gutters, but the most common is simply because they are not required by code.

Or, they may have other solutions for managing rainwater, like French drains or yard grading. Some homeowners also feel that gutters are unsightly and prefer the look of a home without them. Whatever the reason, if you don&#;t have gutters, there are still some things you can do to manage rainwater and prevent water and foundation damage to your home.

Why do modern homes not have gutters?

Many modern homes may not have gutters because they are located in dry, arid climates. In these areas, there is not as much rain, so the gutters would not be necessary. Also, some newer homes are built with materials that are more resistant to water damage and don&#;t require gutters for protection.

Another reason why some modern homes don&#;t have gutters is that they are equipped with other rainwater management solutions, like French drains, yard grading, drip edges, or other alternatives we recommend above. These solutions are sometimes more effective than gutters in managing rainwater, so there is no need for gutters.

Can not having gutters cause foundation problems?

If rainwater pools around the foundation of a house, it can lead to leaks and cracks. This is why gutters are so important; they channel water away from the foundation and prevent this type of damage. Without gutters, you will need to be extra vigilant about managing rainwater around your home to avoid any foundation problems.

Some homes are completely fine without gutters, especially if they are appropriately graded or have another means of managing rainwater. However, if you live in an area with a lot of rainfall or your home is susceptible to foundation damage, it is best to err on the side of caution and install gutters.

Are house gutters necessary?

In most cases, yes. Gutters are necessary to channel water away from your home and prevent foundation damage and other major issues. Without gutters, you will need to take extra steps to manage rainwater, like grading your yard or installing a French drain.

Article Update Log

6/20/

Reviewed for accuracy, cost data, industry best practices, and expert advice by Jonathon Jachura

Best Gutter Alternatives for Your Home ()

By Sam Wasson

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A functioning drainage system is essential for your home. Without it, water will seep into your walls, erode your home&#;s foundation, and saturate your lawn. Rain gutters are the standard, but other options are available. We&#;ll break down gutter alternatives, describe how they work, and evaluate if they&#;re valid options for your home&#;s drainage system.

Note: Cost data in this article was sourced from Angi, HomeAdvisor, and internal data.

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Drip Edge

Most homes with gutter systems also have a drip edge. These structures consist of a thin piece of metal, called flashing, that runs along the edge of your roof. Drip edges direct rainwater away from the fascia board into a gutter or downspout.

While drip edges are primarily used to improve gutter functionality, drip-edge-only systems do exist. These systems can be effective in dry climates but fail to direct water away from your home in heavy rainfall.

Pros and Cons of a Drip Edge

Pros

• Provides minor protection against water damage
• Applies to homes with and without gutters
• Is more cost-effective than traditional gutter systems

Cons

• Can&#;t handle large amounts of water
• Provides no protection against runoff for your foundation and landscaping

Drip Edge Cost

Depending on the type of drip edge you install, it will cost between $1 and $15 per linear foot. A 2,000-square-foot home requires about 200 linear feet of guttering materials, including drip edges. You can expect to pay between $200 and $30,000 for drip-edge installation.

Drip Path

A drip path, also called a drip edge in landscaping (not to be confused with a drip edge in roofing), is an installation that helps prevent erosion. Drip paths are a series of trenches that run along the base of the home, filled with rocks, bricks, or other materials. Like roofing drip edges, drip paths work alongside gutters. These installations help divert excess water away from the foundation, preventing dirt splashback, reducing erosion, and limiting soil saturation.

Homeowners may install drip paths along sections of the home that lack gutter systems or underneath locations where spillovers are common. Drip paths could function as a gutter alternative when installed around the entire perimeter of the house. They aren&#;t as effective as gutters but can be a suitable replacement in low-rainfall areas.

Pros and Cons of a Drip Path

Pros

• Prevents foundation erosion
• Features customization options with different paving materials
• Helps prevent lawn saturation

Cons

• Does not protect fascia, walls, and roof structures
• Is labor-intensive to DIY install

Drip Path Cost

We conducted extensive research across landscaping websites and gravel suppliers to establish an average estimate for this project. Most landscaping drip paths are roughly 2 feet wide and 4 inches deep. If you need 200 linear feet for your drip paths, you will need to fill approximately 134 cubic feet with gravel. Gravel costs between $1 to $3 per cubic foot, depending on the type you choose, totaling $134 to $402.

You also need edging material to cover the perimeter of the trench. Our research shows that standard garden bed edging costs $20 to $30 per 40-foot roll&#;or $100 to $200 for the length of the 200-foot trench. Not including tools, your total cost to install a DIY landscaping drip edge will be $234 to $602. Expect to pay $30 to $90 per hour in labor if you hire a landscaping crew for professional installation.

French Drain

Also called ground gutters, French Drains are similar to drip paths but look better, recycle water, and can expand to the entire yard. They resemble a trench filled with gravel. Underneath the trench is a perforated pipe that funnels water into a designated area.

French drains are thinner and more elegant than drip paths. They also serve complex functions, such as water recycling by connecting to irrigation lines or underground water storage systems. Unlike drip edges, French drains are not DIY installed, requiring the aid of a landscaping company.

Pros and Cons of a French Drain

Pros

• Possess an elegant, high-end look
• Allows for the collection and reuse of water
• Protects both the home and nearby turf

Cons

• Is prone to overflow in heavy downpours
• Can be expensive

French Drain Cost

You can expect to pay between $10 to $50 per linear foot for an exterior French drain. Let&#;s say you need at least 200 square feet for your home and an additional 200 feet to drain into a nearby deposit area. Your total costs will range from $4,000 to $20,000.

Rain Chain

Rain chains, also known as kusari-doi, are Japanese systems that can replace downspouts. These chains use surface tension to direct the flow of water away from the home into a drainage area. While these chains are functional on their own, they are more effective when paired with additional systems such as French drains, standard gutters, or rain barrels.

Multiple rain chain types are available, but cup and link styles are the most common. Link-style chains are the baseline model and connect your roof system to drainage areas. Cup-style rain chains have a series of metal cups attached to the chain sections, allowing them to collect and funnel more water.

Pros and Cons of a Rain Chain

Pros

• Creates a beautiful cascading effect when water funnels through
• Is low-maintenance and easy to install
• Allows water to funnel into storage or drainage system

Cons

• Can functionally replace downspouts but does little to protect fascia and soffits
• Can make cleaning, weed-eating, and other home maintenance more difficult

Rain Chain Cost

An individual rain chain can cost anywhere from $10 to more than $100, but our research indicates most cost around $65. You&#;ll need one rain chain for every 20 to 30 feet of roofline (or guttering) on your home.

Yard Grading

Yard grading is the process of adjusting the slope of your yard to drain water away from the home. Adjusting the incline of your yard allows water to flow evenly away from your foundation, which prevents erosion. Yard grading helps with other landscaping problems, such as soggy lawns, puddles, root rot, and uneven turf.

While yard grading can benefit your foundation and surrounding terrain, it doesn&#;t protect the upper parts of your home from water damage. Yard grading can help prevent future lawn problems but is most effective when paired with an existing gutter or drain system.

Pros and Cons of Yard Grading

Pros

• Directs water away from your home&#;s foundation
• Helps prevent soil erosion, root rot, and other problems
• Creates a more curated, picturesque lawn

Cons

• Doesn&#;t protect fascia and other upper home structures from water damage
• Can destroy gardens and other landscaping features if poorly graded

Yard Grading Cost

Yard grading is a major undertaking that requires permits, heavy equipment, and professional crews. The cost of grading varies based on factors such as yard size, slope, soil composition, and local labor rates. On average, however, you can expect to pay between $400 and $6,000 for lawn grading.

Nontraditional Gutter Systems

Most U.S. homes use K-style or half-round gutters. Less common options are also available. Box gutters, also called hidden gutters or built-in gutters, are standard in industrial buildings but not commonly seen on homes. When installed on a house, these gutters are built within or under its overhang, making them nearly invisible.

Box gutters are efficient drainage systems but have several drawbacks. They are typically wider and deeper than traditional residential gutters, so they can handle more water flow. However, because they&#;re built directly into your home&#;s overhang, they can be prone to clogs and are difficult to clean. We recommend pairing box gutters with gutter guards.

Pros and Cons of a Nontraditional Gutter System

Pros

• Is completely hidden, unlike traditional gutters
• Funnels, drains, and redirects water from the home to a drainage area
• Features a wide, deep system that can handle large amounts of water

Cons

• Can easily become clogged with debris
• Can be difficult to find a residential installer

Nontraditional Gutter System Cost

Box gutters are more expensive than other styles, as they&#;re thicker and more difficult to install. Installing box gutters costs between $20 and $50 per linear foot, including labor and materials. Expect to pay more for high-quality, corrosion-resistant materials such as galvanized steel.

Do These Gutter Alternatives Work?

After researching each system&#;s benefits, drawbacks, and qualities, we&#;ve concluded that most of these alternatives cannot replace gutters outright. When they can, they aren&#;t as effective as traditional gutters. Most of these gutter alternatives redirect water flow away from the home in some fashion, but few offer complete protection to your home&#;s systems.

While not viable as full replacements, these systems offer many benefits when combined with standard gutters. Lawn grading, for example, can help your lawn filter heavy rainfall. Rain chains can replace downspouts while adding a stylistic flair to your home.

Our Recommendation

After analyzing rain gutter alternatives, we recommend traditional gutter systems for most homeowners. While these alternatives may be effective in dry climates, most cannot withstand heavy rains. Only nontraditional gutters offer the full protection of standard home drainage systems.

Nontraditional gutters require regular cleanings and may suffer the occasional blockage. While twice-yearly cleanings are ideal for good gutter maintenance, you can simplify this job with top-recommended gutter guards.

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Gutter Alternatives FAQ

How do I divert water away from my house without gutters?

You can divert water away from your home without gutters using a French drain, drip edge, or yard grading. While these techniques keep water away from the foundation, they donu#;t protect other important home structures and are most effective when paired with a gutter system.

What are the benefits of not having gutters?

Gutter systems can be unsightly, require continuous upkeep, and become clogged, leading to ice dams and overflows. However, choosing not to install a gutter system to avoid these problems will result in significant issues arising later, such as water damage.

What is the best way to protect against rainwater?

A clean, well-maintained gutter system is the best way to protect against rainwater. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, combining your gutter with some of the options on this list can improve their performance.

What is the cost of installing gutters?

On average, you can expect to pay between $200 to $8,000 to install a gutter system.

How We Chose the Top Gutter Guard Providers

We researched and analyzed dozens of gutter guards and gutter guard companies to create an in-depth review methodology. We formulated a rating system based on the factors homeowners find most important. We evaluated each provider&#;s gutter guard design and aesthetics, service offerings, customer service and communication, quote process, warranties, and financing options. 

We created a separate rating system for DIY-installed gutter guards sold on retailer sites. We evaluated these guards based on their quality of materials, aesthetics, communication, warranty, customer reviews, and cost.

We evaluated each provider&#;s reputation using independent, third-party sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google My Business pages. For products, we analyzed the customer reviews on whichever online retailer primarily hosts the product.

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