Soda Can Gutters?

[Evelynisorganic]

I was thinking the other day of alternatives I could use for guttering for my house. I would like for it to look pleasing as well as work efficiently to get the rain into my rain barrels. What if I took soda cans and caulked them together after cutting off the top and bottom and cutting them in half? Do you think that would work?

[Chris]

I don't see why it wouldn't work. As long as the have a good seal connecting them they should be fine. The only suggestion I would make is using some type of reenforcement every few cans or so, because once they are cut in half they might be pretty weak.
[IMG]http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j164/chebert83/cutcan.png[/IMG]
Something like this, just for some stability. It doesn't really matter what you use. But if they aren't too weak, don't worry about it.

[Michy Luv]

I never would have thought of using cans to make a rain gutter, but that is very inventive. I have also heard of people making things like chairs out of old cans. I wonder how many cans it would take to make a whole patio set? Anyone up for the challenge?

[SarahC]

That's a great idea and so eco-friendly! I would reinforce as Chris suggested. Also you will need to make sure the seals are good and fold over or file the edges so they aren't so sharp.

[Bobsthelast]

That's a wonderful idea! Good use of available resources. I wonder if you could paint them to match the house a bit better. Of course my neighbors are used to my efforts to make something out of nothing, so that wouldn't be a problem.

[CleanGreen]

That seems like a great idea! The only thing I am curious about is if they would rust or something after a while. You will have to keep us updated in how they hold out. Great idea to be green and eco-friendly! Not to mention it saves money because you won't have to buy gutters from a store.

[Chris]

[QUOTE=CleanGreen;4056]That seems like a great idea! The only thing I am curious about is if they would rust or something after a while. You will have to keep us updated in how they hold out. Great idea to be green and eco-friendly! Not to mention it saves money because you won't have to buy gutters from a store.[/QUOTE]

Ah… very good question CleanGreen, but that is exactly why they are a good candidate. Soda cans are made of aluminum, which is a highly rust resistant metal.

[Shallow Child]

Interesting! I wouldn't have thought of anything like that. I have considered using old, broken PVC pipes that my brother who's a plumber brings home. He does recycle them but I thought if you could cut them in half and using plumber's glue, put them together. They are white or black so you wouldn't have to worry about the color.

[Michy Luv]

You gave me a great idea Evelynisorganic! I have two dogs, each eat one can of dog food a day. So if I do what you suggested ad make gutters with these cans, I'll have some nice gutters. Also, another suggestion for you is "[URL="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002WKM356/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=overgame-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399349&creativeASIN=B002WKM356"]Envirolon[/URL]" an environmentally friendly rubber pool paint to coat it with, in whatever color you want. This will ensure that it lasts and looks good.

[Greenzo]

That's a great idea too Michy Luv! I guess any type of food can would be a little more stable and not even require extra support like Chris mentioned. For those who go through a lot of soup, dog food, or any other type of canned product could use this as well. Good idea on the rubber paint too.