Can You Add Gutters to a Tiny House on Wheels? 

Published on
April 3, 2024
Learn about Clever Tiny Homes' approach to gutterless tiny houses on wheels, including built-in jack stands and rainscreens for effective water management.

Gutters are an integral part of most traditional homes They are designed to capture rainwater runoff and channel it away to prevent water from accumulating around the foundation. This prevents water damage, such as basement flooding and soild erosion, which can lead to costly repair. 

But what if you add gutters to a tiny house?

Keep in mind that tiny house trailers are more than just a dwelling. A lot of individuals actually considers it as a type of investment that needs extra protection to maintain its value.

Do You Need to Install Gutter?

While gutters play a crucial role in protecting traditional homes from water-related damage, the same cannot always be said for tiny houses. Tiny houses on wheels from Clever Tiny Homes are designed to possess features that negate the necessity of gutters. 

Simply put, the Clever Studio does not require gutters to prevent rain water from seeping through its underbelly. There are two main reasons for this, including: 

  • Top-quality water sealing: Clever uses premium-quality materials and industry-best practices to make sure that the home is impervious to water.
  • Rainscreens: These are exterior cladding systems implemented on Clever's walling to protect it from moisture and water damage. In the extreemly rare case that any water penetrates the exterior cladding of the home, the rainscreen allows any water that penetrates to drain or evaporate away rather than seep deeper into the home where it could cause problems to the home. Rainscreens are code in many of the more rainy regions of the country. Clever includes rainscreens standard in all home in order to make gutters unnecessary.

The two main features are already enough to manage rain and its associated challenges effectively without the need for gutters.

Maintaining Tiny House Gutters 

If you still prefer to use a gutter, you can always consult with to assess the project's feasibility and potential design solutions.  Once you've added gutters to your tiny house, make sure to perform regular maintenance to prevent clogging. Here are some maintenance tips you can follow: 

  1. Keep the gutters free of debris, leaves, and dirt by cleaning them at least twice a year.
  2. Regularly inspect the gutters for any damage, such as leaks or loose brackets.
  3. Ensure that all joints and connections are sealed properly to prevent water from leaking through gaps. 
  4. Check the downspouts for clogs, and make sure they are securely attached.
  5. If your tiny house is parked beneath trees, trim overhanging branches to reduce the amount of debris that enters the gutters. 
  6. Consider repainting or refinishing the gutters to extend their lifespan. 
  7. Add heating cables to avoid ice buildup and damage during winter. 

If you're unsure about maintaining your tiny house gutters, or if significant damage occurs, it's wise to seek professional assistance to address the issue promptly. By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your tiny house gutters continue to protect your home effectively and extend their lifespan. 

Conclusion 

While gutters may not be a standard feature of tiny houses, they can be added if you desire the extra protection they offer. However, the innovative design of tiny houses, along with their elevation, makes them well-equipped enough to handle rain without gutters.  

Whether you choose to add gutters or not, your tiny house journey is all about creating a space that suits your unique needs and preferences. 

So, to gutter or not to gutter? It all boils down to your choices, preferences and needs. You can also contact Clever Tiny Homes through this link to request an estimate for this additional feature.