A modern French-style home
An often overlooked detail, gutters can completely change the look of a house. By using gutters that match the style of your house, you create strong curb appeal while adding value to your home, while the wrong gutter detracts from the exterior. Gutters for a French-style house should match the design and fit with the flared eaves. Does this Spark an idea?
Material
Common aluminum gutters detract from stonework.
The material you choose for your gutter should match the time period, the style and the other materials used for your house. Antique bronze and copper offer a decorative look to most French-style homes, which often have brick and stonework along their roofs and exteriors. These options cost more than common aluminum gutters, but bring up your home's curb appeal immediately.
Downspouts
Choosing custom downspouts can enhance a French-style home.
Inexpensive corrugated aluminum will not look right on a million-dollar home, so why cheapen your French-style home? If your budget only allows for aluminum gutters, opt for smooth downspouts or use a contrasting, higher-end material on the downspouts and hide the actual gutters. Intricate downspouts and rain chains add decorative flourishes that enhance the French-style exterior and are made in a variety of materials.
Style
Half-round gutters complement the flat tile roofs found on many French-style homes, but may not be suitable for your climate. Make sure that the capacity of the gutters can withstand the amount of annual rain fall in your area. A fascia-style gutter hangs like a crown molding and can be worked into your roof's edge detail. Since it is thinner than traditional options, a fascia can be hidden well within the exterior design.
Flourishes
After choosing your gutters and downspouts, you can also add Old World, European-inspired flourishes to your house with ornamental hangers, leader heads (or outlets) and spires. The hangers literally hold your gutter to your house, but can be finished with curls and other design work. A leader head serves as an outlet connecting the gutter to connect a downspout and can add an architectural element to your home.These can be quite ornate and should match your home's molding and roof. A spire is merely a decorative finial placed along your gutter to enhance your roofline. All of these touches can make a necessary gutter an exquisite architectural enhancement to your French-style house.
Tags: your home, your house, aluminum gutters, French-style home, should match, your gutter
