By
eHow Home & Garden Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Step1
Learn about wooden gutters. Although they're rare, some old homes still have them. They are often found on restoration projects and historic buildings.
Step2
Recognize that wooden gutters take a good deal of time and money to maintain. They're expensive to build, install, repair and restore.
Step3
Clean out the wooden gutters. You'll need to clean them out twice a year--once in the spring and again in the fall. Put on a pair of heavy-duty gloves and remove the dirt and debris by hand. Then, use a garden hose to eliminate any remaining waste. Let the gutters dry completely.
Step4
Prime the wooden gutters with an oil-based primer. You need to ensure all the wood is thoroughly covered with one or two thick coats of primer, including the front, back and edges. This will create a seal and prevent water from penetrating the wood and damaging it.
Step5
Repair any cracks in the gutters with caulk.
Step6
Use caution if you decide to install metal liners on the inside of the gutters. With this option, no air can reach the wood located underneath the liners. If any water leaks into the seam between the gutter and the metal, mold and mildew will grow and the wood will likely rot. Metal liners require expert, quality installation.
Step7
Apply another coat or two of primer every five to seven years.
