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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT TYPES OF GUTTERS
Rain gutters are crucial for protecting your home from the elements. They direct rainfall away from the main structure to prevent direct water damage and latent effects such as mold and mildew. Gutters can also keep your basement from leaking or flooding and will protect your landscaping from trenching and erosion. However, despite being such a simple component of your home, the world of gutters features its own language. Gutters come in various styles and materials, and there is vital information the average homeowner may not know.
Types of Gutters
Different types of gutters serve different functions. Based on your preferences, budget, and home design, gutters can add style in addition to maintaining your home.
Half-Round Gutters
These gutters feature a semicircular design and a curved lip. Due to the rounded design, they feature round downspouts. Half-round gutters come in 5-inch and 6-inch widths. Many homes built before 1960 feature this style, so these gutters work well if your home is historic or brick. In fact, local ordinances may require you to have this type of gutter if your home is historic or in a historic neighborhood.
These gutters have a semi-circular shape and a curved lip, which looks great on older and historic houses. Half-round gutters are more expensive because of the materials used to manufacture them. They have a smooth inner surface that is easy to clean away debris and leaves. Typically, half-round gutters are low maintenance, and they come in different sizes and widths.
K-Style Gutters
K-style gutters are the most common style of gutter. Like half-round gutters, K-style gutters come in 5-inch to 6-inch widths, but they tend to feature rectangular downspouts. Due to their flat backs, you can nail K-style gutters directly to your fascia boards without brackets. However, cleaning K-style gutters is more challenging than other gutters because their inner angles collect a lot of debris.
K-style gutters look like an indented cube with an open top. They have a flat back and an angular shape, which can accent a modern facade. They don’t need brackets and accessories for an easy installation, but K-style gutters are considered high maintenance. A gutter protection system will keep them from getting clogged. Most people choose 5-inch to 6-inch widths.
Built-In Gutters
Built-in gutters, also referred to as “box gutters” are considered a concealed roof drainage system. Since they are not readily visible, they typically don’t alter the historic character of buildings and don’t detract from or conceal decorative cornice details. Unfortunately, being unseen often results in neglect. The simplest form of maintenance is keeping them clear of debris. This is necessary for any gutter system to perform its duty, but with built-ins, trapped, standing water can lead to a shorter life and very costly repairs.
Gutter Materials
Gutters are made of various materials, with vinyl and aluminum being the two most popular options. However, each gutter material has perks and downsides. Below are the different types of gutter materials.
Vinyl Gutters
These are the most common types of gutters. Vinyl gutters are easy to install. Made from plastics and PVC, vinyl gutters are not durable and have an average lifespan of 10 to 20 years. Be aware that vinyl gutters tend to deteriorate faster in wetter climates. If your home is in a location with wet weather conditions, you may want to consider a metal gutter, such as steel or copper.
Aluminum Gutters
Another great option for DIYers, aluminum gutters are lightweight and rust-resistant. They have an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years, but they’re at a higher risk of cracking than other metal gutters.
Galvanized Steel Gutters
Galvanized steel gutters are more durable and sturdy than aluminum gutters, but they require professional installation due to their need for soldering. These gutters are ideal for homes that experience heavy rainfall and wet weather. They last 20 to 30 years but may rust if not correctly maintained.
Copper Gutters
Copper gutters are very durable. They do not warp, bend, or rust in extreme weather conditions. They also give your home a unique look with a beautiful shine and traditional style. However, copper gutters tend to be the most expensive option and require professional installation.
