Whether you’re building a new house or remodeling your old one, rain gutters are an essential part of the process. They serve several crucial functions in your home. Most importantly, they direct water away from your home’s foundation to prevent flooding, cracking, and severe foundation damage. Gutters also help protect rainwater from dripping down your home’s exterior, which can cause excess wear and even erode your siding.
If you think you might prefer your home’s appearance without gutters, think again. There are three main styles that gutters come in: k-style, half-round, and box style. Each of these styles comes in a variety of materials, so with the help of a qualified professional, you can pick and choose a gutter that will complement the look of your home while also keeping it safe from water damage. Here’s an in-depth look at the different types and materials of gutters.
K-Style Gutters
Next time you’re walking through the neighborhood, pay attention to the rain gutters on each house. Most of the systems you’ll see are k-style. Despite their name, they aren’t shaped like the letter K. They look more like crown molding that you might find in a modern home. The back of these gutters is totally flat so that they can be easily installed around the trim around your roof. Industry-standard gutters are five inches, but they can also be purchased in a six-inch size if they need to hold more water.
There are many reasons k-style gutters are so standard. First of all, they are typically the cheapest option available. They also have rigid construction, so they’re more durable than half-round gutters, and they’re easy to install. If you live in a wet area, you might like k-style gutters because they can hold more water than other styles. For all the benefits, though, there are some downsides. This style is more likely to clog than other types and is also prone to corrosion.
Half-Round Gutters
Half-round gutters are more common in older homes and historic buildings. They look exactly like they sound, with half a round pipe on the bottom and an open top. Since they are round, installing these gutters is a little more complicated. Brackets are first installed around the edge of the roof, and then the gutters are set in and secured.
This type of gutter is more expensive than the k-style, and they can’t handle as much rain. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t have their benefits. Half-round gutters’ biggest pros are that the entirely smooth interior helps prevent clogging and is easier to clean.
Box Style Gutters
The least popular gutter on the market is box style. They’re very rare in homes and are most often used in commercial or industrial buildings. That’s because they are oversized to handle a large amount of water. The bigger the roof, the more water your gutters need to be able to hold. So it makes sense that large roofs like those in commercial buildings would need larger gutters. They come in seven, eight, and even ten-inch sizes.
Box-style gutters must be installed simultaneously with the roof because they slip underneath the shingles. So if you’re remodeling, they’re not typically an option unless you’re getting a new roof.
Rain Gutter Materials
The gutters and downspouts on your house are all made from the same materials, and it’s most likely aluminum, copper, vinyl, or galvanized steel. You can get k-style and half-round gutters in any of those materials, but box gutters usually only come in copper or aluminum. Most can be painted to match your home or commercial building’s exterior. Let’s break down each material and look at its pros and cons.
Aluminum
Aluminum is an extremely common material for gutters because it is lightweight, making it easy to install. It’s also inexpensive, is resistant to rust and corrosion, and comes in several color options. The one downside of aluminum gutters is that they can warp easily when temperatures fluctuate because they are so lightweight.
Copper
There’s a reason copper is so desirable in things like piping and gutters. It’s a highly durable metal and adds sophistication and elegance to your home. Over time, copper gutters develop a desirable patina. There’s a lot to love about copper gutters, but that doesn’t mean it’s all sunshine and roses. They are typically the most expensive option, and they are heavy, so installation is more complicated. Their weight also causes them to pull loose more often than lighter materials like aluminum.
Vinyl
Vinyl is creeping its way into many home construction items, primarily because it’s cheap and easy to work with. It’s also waterproof, which is a must for gutters. Surprisingly, there aren’t a lot of color options for vinyl gutters. Most come in white only. The cheap material also breaks and bends easily, so they aren’t as durable as some of the other materials.
Galvanized Steel
If you’re looking for gutters that can handle heavy rains and snow, galvanized steel is right up your alley. They’re extremely strong and durable, but that comes with a price. They are one of the more expensive options, they’re super heavy, and they are prone to rust.
Keep Your Home Safe With M & M Gutters & Exteriors
Your home is one of the most significant purchases you will ever make, and it’s essential to protect it from rain and storm damage. That’s why M & M Gutters & Exteriors is here to help. We offer several different types of rain gutters, including copper, box round, k-style, and custom box gutters.
We have installed thousands of gutter systems on homes across Northern Utah, including Lehi, Salt Lake City, Park City, Ogden, and more. We offer superior service to new construction, remodels, apartments, and even commercial buildings. We also offer siding installation and repair, leaf guards, and ice melt systems. Contact us today for an estimate!