There are some elements of a house or commercial building that are essential to its upkeep and longevity but that people rarely think about. One such element is gutters. More often than not, the only time that individuals think about gutters is if they are already clogged and overflowing.
However, gutters are the unsung heroes of a home or building.
They are rarely thought of, but they protect foundations and siding by transferring rain and snow away from buildings. As gutters are fundamental to a building’s continued upkeep, it is important to choose the right gutter for your needs.
So, what are the different types of gutters and how do they differ?
The three main types of gutters are box gutters, K-style gutters, and half-round gutters. Each has a different shape with their own pros and cons, and each can be composed of either copper, aluminum, vinyl, or steel, which is another topic entirely. We will discuss each style and the pros and cons of each below.
Box Gutters
Box gutters are shaped like, well, a box. They have a large bottom face and are curved upwards at a ninety-degree angle. They are typically used for commercial buildings or larger style buildings. As commercial buildings have larger roofs that run off a lot of water, box gutters are typically wider and deeper than K-style and half-round gutters to be able to hold this water. Most are around 8” but some are 10” or larger.
As these types of gutters do hold more water than others, they are not fastened to buildings in the same manner as other gutters. Other gutters are attached to the edge of a roof, but box gutters are festooned underneath the shingles to be sturdier. As such, they are typically attached during the initial construction of a building, not attached afterwards.
The pros of box gutters is that they are sturdier and can hold large amounts of water without trouble. However, box gutters are not for everyone. If you have a smaller house or are located in drier climates, box gutters may appear bulky and obnoxious due to their size.
K-Style Gutters
K-Style gutters are similar to box gutters in that their shape is all angles. However, the major angles are slightly larger, and there are more of them. A K-style gutter will have a smaller base with larger, more angular sides rather than sides that are straight up and down.
Due to the shape and style, this gutter is the most popular with modern homeowners as it compliments a house due to its resemblance to inside molding and is often painted to match siding.
The pros of K-Style gutters is their structure. First, the lip of these gutters lie flat against outside walls, so there is no chance for water to leak through. Second, the multiple angles and bends create an extremely sound and strong design that can withstand a lot of weight, wind, and damage.
However, the extra bends and angles do have some downfalls. The multiple bends and flat surfaces will hold on to standing water and will corrode more quickly. They will also hold on to debris such as leaves, twigs, and such, making them clog more easily.
Half-Round Gutter
A half-round gutter is exactly how it sounds. Picture a large, circular tube and then cut it in half. This is an older style of gutter that is used more in historic homes. They are popular with homeowners who are going for a more rustic or charming style.
Half-round gutters tend to be extremely smooth. As such and the fact they have no angles, water and debris move through them more easily, leading to less chance of corrosion and clogging. They are also easier to clean than K-style or box.
There are some downsides, though, as a result of their styled age. As half-round gutters are an older style, they also have older installation techniques, meaning it takes more time and can be more expensive. They are also heavier than more modern styled gutters and can pull loose easier. Also, they tend to hold less water than box or K-style so heavy storms may prove troublesome.
Overall
As much as we may not think about gutters, they are essential to the continued function of a home or commercial building, so it is important to think about the different types of gutters and their use in different situations.
For instance, do you live in a dry or wet area? How much rain or snow does the area typically see? Are there tall trees that could leave leaf and twig debris to clog the gutters? What is the aesthetic you are trying to give your home and which gutter fits that aesthetic? There are many factors to consider, but with a little research, you can go back to letting your gutters do their work with little to no thought from you.
Get premium gutters installed on your home with Excel Home Improvement Services in Romulus. We provide professional gutter installation services to homes and businesses throughout Southeastern Michigan. Our commitment to high quality products, workmanship and customer care make us a top choice in the home improvement industry. Call us for your exterior home improvement project including new roof installation, siding installation, gutter systems and more! Free Estimates