Shop Gutter & Drainage

When you need reliable gutter and drainage products, look no further than Arlington Coal and Lumber Company (Arlcoal.com), your premier one-stop shop and local lumber store. We are proud to offer an extensive range of high-performance roofing and gutters materials for both contractors and homeowners throughout the Greater Boston area, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and the surrounding New England region. Our comprehensive stock includes superior roofing systems like CertainTeed roofing, covering all the essentials from Landmark shingles and XT25 shingles to specialized items like hip and ridge caps and lead flashing. We also carry a variety of critical roof underlayment options, including products from CertainTeed and Warrior roofing, as well as solutions for rubber roof applications and vents and louvers. Visit any of our conveniently located local lumberyard branches, including Arlington Coal and Lumber Company, Burlington Lumber Company, Wilmington Builders Supply, Sudbury Lumber Company, Chelmsford Lumber Company, and Hudson Lumber Company, or contact us today for expert advice and material estimates.

What is gutter and drainage? Gutters and drainage are interconnected components critical to protecting your home or commercial structure from water damage. Gutters are installed along the edges of a roof to collect rainwater, while the broader drainage system manages where that water is ultimately directed and dispersed away from the foundation. A properly functioning system prevents costly damage to your foundation, siding, landscaping, and basement.

What is the difference between gutters and drainage? The primary difference lies in their function and scope:

• Gutters are the collection system. They are the horizontal troughs attached to the roofline designed to intercept and channel rainwater and snowmelt as it runs off the roof surface. They are typically made of materials like aluminum, copper, vinyl, or steel and are measured in inches (e.g., 5-in or 6-in sizes) depending on the roof pitch and area.
  
  
• Drainage is the management system. This refers to the entire network of components-including downspouts, extensions, underground pipes, catch basins, and French drains-that safely move the water collected by the gutters away from the building's foundation, basement, and landscaping.
  
  

What is a gutter drainage system and why is it essential? A gutter drainage system is the complete, integrated process of collecting water off the roof and discharging it away from the structure. The system begins at the roof edge with the gutters, which direct water into downspouts (vertical pipes). The downspouts then empty the water into a discharge method, such as a splash block, a flexible drain extension, or, most effectively, an underground pipe that carries the water to a dedicated, remote release point.

When selecting materials for your project, consider the common gutter shapes and materials available at your local building supplies store:

• K-Style Gutters: These are the most common style, featuring a decorative front that resembles crown molding. They are highly efficient and available in sizes like 5-in and 6-in. Half-Round Gutters: Popular on older or historic homes, these gutters provide a classic, rounded appearance. They are often chosen for aesthetic reasons and are easier to clean.
  
  
• Material Selection: We offer durable options including painted aluminum (lightweight and affordable), copper (highly durable and develops a distinctive patina), and galvanized steel (strong and weather-resistant).
  
  

If you're planning a roofing or drainage project in the Greater Boston area, rely on Arlington Coal and Lumber Company for all your local building supplies.

What are the three main types of drainage systems? Drainage systems can be categorized based on their function in managing excess surface water. Selecting the right type is crucial for effective water management:

• Surface Drainage System: This involves managing visible runoff. It uses gutters, downspouts, shallow ditches, and elements like catch basins and area drains to channel water from the surface toward an appropriate outlet, preventing pooling near the structure. For instance, a quality catch basin can prevent pavement erosion caused by heavy rain.
  
  
• Subsurface (or Underground) Drainage System: This system uses buried components, such as French drains or perforated pipes surrounded by gravel, to manage groundwater and excess soil moisture. Water seeps into the perforated pipes and is then carried away to a lower-grade area or a municipal drain. This is essential in areas with naturally high water tables or poor soil absorption.
  
  
• Slope or Grading Drainage System: This is a passive system that relies purely on the terrain's slope (or grade) to direct water naturally. Proper grading involves ensuring the land immediately surrounding a structure slopes away from the foundation by at least 6-in over the first 10-ft. This directs surface runoff away from the building before it can cause damage. We recommend checking your property's grade before starting any drainage project.
  
  

Arlington Coal and Lumber Company and our family of local lumberyards, including Wilmington Builders Supply and Chelmsford Lumber Company, stock all the components you need for any of these drainage systems. We are your best partner in bringing your dream project to life by providing best material estimates with our friendly locations close to you from Arlington Coal and Lumber Company, Burlington Lumber Company, Wilmington Builders Supply, Sudbury Lumber Company, Chelmsford Lumber Company, and Hudson Lumber Company.