CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
What Types of Gutters Are There?
There are 3 main styles of gutters: K-Style, Half-Round, and Box gutters. Each of these styles are available in a variety of materials, such as Aluminum, Copper, Vinyl, and Galvanized Steel.
K-Style gutter is the most common type of gutter that you will see on modern homes. This type of gutter features a unique shape on the front edge that resembles modern home’s crown molding. So these gutters will compliment your homes look. In fact, many homeowners will choose a color of K-Style Gutter that matches or accents their homes trim and/or shutters.
They have a flat back so they are installed to the fascia board trim that is around the top edge of your home. Being flush against the wall ensures that water isn’t able to run down your wall. The bends and folds in the metal provide a rigid structure, so these gutters will withstand more damage than a half-round.
The two most common sizes are 5″ and 6″, with 5″ being the industry standard and the 6″ would be for slightly higher volume of water.
Pro’s
Cheapest option available
Easiest to install
More durable than Half-Round (Rigid construction)
Performance (Can handle more water during heavy rain)
Modern look
Con’s
Clogs Easier
More prone to corrosion
HALF-ROUND GUTTER
Half-Round gutters are more used in historic or older style homes. Their name describes them perfectly, as they are half of a circular pipe with the top half open for water. They are known to be more rustic, as they are usually made from copper which forms a patina over time. However, they also are available in Aluminum, Vinyl, or Galvanized Steel. Just like the K-style, these are available in 5″ and 6″ sizes.
These gutters are installed a little differently than normal gutters. First, brackets are installed to the home along the roof edge. Once the brackets are in place, the Half-Round gutter is dropped into place and secured. It should be noted that Copper gutters are much heavier than Aluminum gutters, so they need additional hardware to keep them secure to the home.
The half circle shape results in the inner part of the gutter being entirely smooth. Being smooth on the inside does provide a few advantages. First, the metal is less likely to corrode or rust because there is no where for it to pool up or stand still. Secondly, since there are no creases or hardware on the inside, debris has a nice clear path and is less likely to get caught up on something and form a clog.
Pro’s
Rustic look
Easier to clean
Less likely to rust or corrode
Less likely to clog
Con’s
More expensive
Takes longer to install (Higher labor costs)
Not as efficient in heavy rains (Handles less water)
Less rigid/durable than K-Style (Easier to damage)
Heavier (pulls loose quicker over time)
BOX STYLE GUTTERS
The third most popular type of gutter that you’ll see around, is the Box Style gutter. These are over-sized gutters that are primarily used for commercial or industrial buildings. They are designed to handle large amounts of water, from larger roofs. The bigger your roof is, the more water output.
Box gutters are not hung on the edge of the roof like traditional gutters. They feature a high back section that tucks under the shingles on the roof. Therefore, they need to be installed when the building is being built. This ensures that no water can get into the building along the roof edge. You can install these to an older building, but you would sill need to get the roof re-done with new shingles.
Box style gutters come standard in sizes 7″ and 8″, but you can even purchase larger sizes like 10″.
GUTTER MATERIALS
Gutters and Downspouts are all made from the same types of materials. Aluminum, Copper, Vinyl, and Galvanized Steel. K-Style and Half-Round are available in any material, while Box style is only available in Aluminum or Copper.
Aluminum Gutters
Pro’s
Cheap
Light weight
Rust Resistant
Easiest to install
Available in many color options
Con’s
Prone to damage by extreme temperature fluctuations (can warp)
Copper Gutters
Pro’s
“Patina” look
Heavy Duty (thicker guage than aluminum)
Con’s
Most expensive
Heavier so they come loose more often
Galvanized Steel Gutters
Pro’s
Strength (Can handle large amounts of weight)
Con’s
Very Heavy (Gutters come loose more often)
Expensive
Rust very easily
Vinyl Gutters
Pro’s
Cheap
Easy to install (for DIY people)
Waterproof
Con’s
Cheap material (bends easily)
Only available in white
CONCLUSION
All the types and styles of gutters provide the same basic function. Size of your home and roof are factors to determine what size you need. Do your own research to find the style and type of gutter that will best suite your needs, and look the best on your home.
CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004 FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM
The two most common sizes are 5″ and 6″, with 5″ being the industry standard and the 6″ would be for slightly higher volume of water.
Con’s
Copper Gutters
