One of the most valuable things that we encounter on a daily basis is that same thing that puts a roof over our head as we sleep, your house! It sure is a wonder in many aspects when you really think about it, but all wonderful things, whether you like it or not, require a “check-up” every now and then.
One of those things that certainly needs your attention every now and then are sort of the quintessential part of your home’s exterior that you’ve cleaned when spring came around in the past. You’ve heard of them, you sure know where they are. They’re your gutters!
While gutters seem like a relatively easier part of your house to understand, think again. There are many components that make up the anatomy of gutters like style and sizes. Chances are you came here if you wanted to learn more to be a better steward of your home’s exterior. Smart move, and we’re glad you ended up here!
Today, we are going to talk about styles and sizes of gutters you need to be cognizant of when it comes making adjustments, replacements, and additional upgrades to your gutters. Let’s get it started!
Other helpful info:
Different Gutter Styles
Table of Contents
Here are the two styles that you’ll see most often when you are looking to replace your gutters:
K-Style Gutters
K-style gutters out of the two styles have a more visually appealing, classic look on the front side due to its K-shaped, which, interesting enough resembles crown molding. The bottom and back are flat, and the structure of these types of gutter styles are designed to be able to carry more water. K-style gutters are the most popular form of gutters that you’ll see on most houses.
A very durable and stronger choice, perfect during heavy rainfall or if you live in regions that have rainy climates. However, some downsides of it is that it is more susceptible to clogging and harder to clean overall due to inside brackets and hangers.
Half Round Gutters
Half-round gutters are essentially half-round tubes around your roofline’s perimeter. While not having the appealing look as K-style ones have, they are properly suited for homes that are more so old and historic. An antiquated style that really has not been featured in many designs for homes made since the 1960s.
Half round gutters are plus when it comes to their inner smoothness which makes them less likely to fall victim to corrosion; however, exterior hangers they have as opposed to interior hangers, makes them more fragile and susceptible to damage overtime.
Note: European-styles gutters are half-round gutters, but differ only in the material used to make them.
Type of Gutters?
- Sectional – This type of gutter is pretty straightforward when it comes to assembling and installing them on your house as its anatomy is divided up section by section; however, because of the presence of seams that interlock each section, it can be vulnerable to leakages.
- Seamless – This type of gutter has greater durability due to lack of seams; however, since it has no seams and thus requires a larger piece of metal, it must be cut on sight and installed by a professional.
Gutter Material – What You Should Know!
Here are the materials that make up the gutters we see today:
Aluminum
- Lightweight
- Present in multiple colors
- Resistant to Corrosion
- Most Cost-Effective
Note: Professionally recommended due to their convenience and long-term thematic approach to cost-effectiveness, style, and strength/durability.
Galvanized Steel
- Strong and Durable finished w/Zinc coat, however, has the tendency to rust.
Traditional Steel
- Strong and Durable finished w/Zinc and Aluminum coat – Mitigates rusting problems.
- More expensive as compared to Galvanized Steel
Zinc
- Strong and Durable – Long-lasting!
- Typically do not require paints of finishes
Copper
- Lavish, Upscale, Attractive
- Strong and Durable
- Very Expensive
Vinyl
- Very Inexpensive
- Not Strong or Durable – Will break down after prolonged exposure to sun and other elements.
Note: Here at Gutter Gurus of Northern, VA – we do not recommend vinyl gutters for your home. The extreme cold in the winter, the hot summers, the heavy rains, and countless other factors make life on your home’s rain gutters hard as it is. Vinyl gutters simply can’t get the job done in Virginia.
Gutter Sizes: 5-inch and 6-inch Gutters
There are two mainstream choices when it comes to gutter sizes and the determinant for each choice depends on the magnitude of rain where you live.
The most common size is the 5” gutter which is the standard metric; however, the more advantageous option is the 6”, which is slightly larger. The latter is better than the former because it is more apt to carry more water away from the home’s upper exterior, about 40% more than its standard counterpart.
Thus, reducing the possibility of leakages or other miscellaneous damage. The bigger the size gutter also correlates with a bigger downspout as well which has its own advantages in reduced clogging and easier drainage.
Each house provides its own context, so make sure before deciding that you understand the needs of your house first and foremost! For best clarification, ask a professional to see what is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I know what gutter is right for me?
That’s a good question; if you ever find yourself asking that question, its is highly recommended that you don’t go at it alone. Making any adjustments, replacements, or upgrades for that matter, require the necessary background and expertise to make the best call for you. At Guru Gutters, our licensed professionals will prescribe solutions based on your needs.
What’s the cheapest gutters I can get?
This question is a double-edge sword because although our goal is to save you money, we also have the goal to save you time and peace of mind. What’s cheapest does not guarantee quality. Approach gutters first and foremost with a long term mindset of what will save you the most money down the road.
Any questions we receive regarding budgeting and so forth will be accommodated in the best possible way here at Guru Gutters.
How long do gutters last?
Two significant determinants that play a role in longevity of your gutters are material composition and type of gutters. Some gutters can last for 20-50+ years, while requiring more frequent repairs if not replacements all together.
Rust and structural weakness are some red flags you’ll notice before replacement. Seamless over sectional, Aluminum (considering budget restraints), and K-shape designs together are good formulas for durability and therefore, longevity.
Gutter guards can also extend the life of your gutters!
DIY Gutter Calculator
Figure out how much to pay for new aluminum gutters & gutter guards for your home!
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Select a Size
5" gutters come with 2"x3" downspouts, 6" gutters come with 3"x4" downspouts and drain 400% faster than 5" gutters
Choose Your Color
Please select a color that best works for your home.
Wicker
Dark Green
Dark Grey
Eggshell
White
Ivory
Light Grey
Musket Brown
Red
Cream
Clay
Brown
Bronze
Black
Estimate Footage for 5" Gutters
Please provide the estimated total footage needed for gutters on your home.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for gutters.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for downspouts
Lifetime No Clog Warranty
Raindrop Gutter Guards are an absolutely fantastic way to save time and extend the life of your gutters, roof, and home. By adding Raindrop Gutter Protection System to your order, we guarantee a lifetime of free flowing gutters.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for gutter guards on your home.
Choose Your Color
Please select a color that best works for your home.
Wicker
Dark Green
Dark Grey
Eggshell
White
Ivory
Light Grey
Musket Brown
Red
Cream
Clay
Brown
Bronze
Black
Estimate Footage for 6" Gutters
Please provide the estimated total footage needed for gutters on your home.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for gutters.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for downspouts
Lifetime No Clog Warranty
Raindrop Gutter Guards are an absolutely fantastic way to save time and extend the life of your gutters, roof, and home. By adding Raindrop Gutter Protection System to your order, we guarantee a lifetime of free flowing gutters.
Please slide to equal total footage needed for gutter guards on your home.
Final cost
Here is your final cost, please fill out the form below to get started!
Summary
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The Verdict!
Knowing the ins and outs of your gutters pays dividends in many different ways, shapes, and forms. Critical decisions when it comes to being a good steward of your gutters will come up as they always do, and the fundamental question to ask yourself: Are you ready to take action?
The action doesn’t mean DIY as what would be perceived, but the action in the sense of putting yourself in the position to properly mitigate any challenges your gutters are currently facing. Only a very small fraction of people understand the complexity, don’t be that guy who thinks he does.
Contact a licensed professional to get needed recommendations on what best fits your situation. Being proactive with the right expertise by your side will boost your understanding and help you when all is said and done!