What Are Half-Round Gutters? – Family Roofing

Posted on by David Reid

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What Are Half-Round Gutters?

Gutters don’t have to be boring.  It’s true that most homes in the U.S. are equipped with the same drab style of aluminum gutters.  The angular shape and neutral color of these gutters are not visually stimulating.  But what if you want something a little different and stylish for your home’s gutters?  Then you should consider going with half-round gutters.

Half-Round Gutters

The Basics

Just like the name implies, half-round gutters look like you took a fully-enclosed pipe and cut it in half lengthwise.  A “true” half-round gutter section has curled-top outer edges on both sides, although you can purchase these types of gutters where the outer edge has a curled top on only one side.  Like traditional K-style gutters, half-round gutters are available in different widths and colors, and can be purchased in sections or installed as a seamless gutter.  Half-round gutters were historically preferred on homes because they were easy to create using basic tools.  Today, half-round gutters are known for their availability in a wide range of materials from aluminum and copper to galvanized and zinc-coated metal.

They Don’t Grow on Trees

Conversely, half-round gutters are not as widely accepted among builders and homeowners in the United States. The K-style gutter came into fashion as a complement to more modern homes because of its resemblance to interior crown molding. As a result, K-style gutters became the industry standard and manufacturers have tailored their gutter manufacturing facilities to create those types of products. So if you’re looking for companies that sell and/or install half-round gutters, you’ll find that they aren’t as plentiful as those who deal with K-style gutters. That said, half-round gutters can really add a dash of flair to the right home. If your home was built in the early to mid-20th century, the exterior may be better suited to the half-round design. In addition, half-round gutters are ideal for the rounded rooflines which can be found in certain styles of architecture.

Advantages

Half-round gutters also hold a few advantages over their K-style counterparts.  The major difference is that the inner shape of half-round gutters is smoother than the angularly-formed K-style gutter.  This smoothness reduces the likelihood of corrosion, since there are fewer areas where wetness can form.  In addition, their smooth surface allows waterborne debris to flow more freely instead of getting caught on rough edges or sides, which can lead to clogs over time.  Given this fact, it’s easy to see why half-round gutters are easier to clean than K-style gutters.

Disadvantages

However, you should be aware of the drawbacks of half-round gutters before installing them on your home.  In most cases, half-round gutters are more expensive, not only due to their reduced availability in the marketplace, but also because they require special threaded rods and hanger brackets to put them up.  Furthermore, the volume of water that a half-round gutter can hold is less than a K-style gutter of similar width, which may be an issue in areas with substantial rainfall.  Finally, half-round gutters tend to be heavier than standard gutters because their shape requires more material to support the same amount of weight as a comparably-sized K-style gutter.

Besides their advantages, Half-round gutters also have some drawbacks that need to be considered for homeowners when choosing their best option, like:

  • Their price can be higher than standard gutters

  • Require professional installation

  • They are heavier than K-style

No matter what style of rain gutter you choose, you should consider having installed a drainage system if you want to keep your home in perfect condition and safeguarded from water damage that can start with a simple leak and then become a serious issue such as garden flooding, damaged foundation, insects that breed in standing water, mold, stained walls, damp walls, among others.

Durability

Half-round gutters are one of the most efficient and long-lasting types in the marketplace. Their round shape with no beards allows rainwater and debris to flow freely all the way down, also letting them fill with more water than the K-style.  When made of copper, aluminum or steel, half-round gutters can last for more than 20 years, with regular maintenance. They are extremely strong and less prone to rust thanks to their smooth design without edges where wetness can form.

Seamless Option

The seamless design offers the protection of a single piece of material professionally cut to the exact length that your home needs, without joints or fasteners that can sag over time and hence produce leaks to your gutter system.  This also reduces the accumulation of debris that will eventually clog your gutters causing overflow.  When it comes to the aesthetic look of your property, seamless gutters provide a pleasant finish to your home’s curb appeal in no time with a high-quality protection, which makes it a great option for both residential and commercial buildings.

Low Maintenance

After you install your rain gutter system the most important thing to keep them in good shape is the maintenance.  In the case of half-round gutters, is very easy to keep them clean and free of debris, there will be less clogging, and they are also less prone to corrosion unlike the K-style gutters.  However, try not to overlook them whenever they need to be upgraded, this way you won’t deal with future costly repairs.

Are Half-Round Gutters for You?

If you are strongly considering half-round gutters for your home, be sure to locate a contractor who has experience in hanging that specific product; don’t settle for a company who has only installed K-style gutter systems.  Also, be aware that you may have to shop around for the exact style, material, and color you’re looking for.  As previously stated, be prepared to pay more for gutter installation than you would if you were settling for standard gutters.  Once your half-round gutters are mounted on your home’s roofline, you’ll be impressed with the extra panache and increased curb appeal they provide.