By the late twentieth century, the most common gutter width increased from four inches to five. This growth helped solve some of the earlier problems with gutter overflow in heavy rains since the larger troughs could carry more water. But if five inches is good, why not six? Depending on a few factors, pricier six-inch gutters could be overkill. Anderson Exteriors has years of experience with seamless gutter fabrication and installation. Here's what you need to know about modern eaves troughs.
Benefits of 5-inch Gutters
Before 5-inch gutters became ubiquitous, the smaller troughs usually had simple half-pipe configurations. But the K-style profile has more depth. Of course, 5-inch K-style gutters outperform the narrower models as long as the downspout drains and spouts themselves allow for the most possible unobstructed flow to the ground.
Downspouts make up a major component of efficient drainage. If the gutter can run storm water quickly away from the roof but encounters a choke point at the downspouts, the width of the gutters will make little difference.
Most single-family residences in the Twin City metro area fare fine with 5-inch gutters. As long as the troughs enjoy sufficient pitch to move water to the spouts, and the spouts have large enough apertures to drain the water as it comes, you can do well with the more economical 5-inch K-style gutters. However, certain roof types take more water and drain it more swiftly. In these cases, 6-inch gutters may be in order.
Benefits of 6-inch Gutters
Since asphalt shingles and stone-coated steel have granules on the surface, water encounters some obstacles as it rushes to the eaves. But certain roofing materials offer no resistance to flowing water. These include some tile, cedar, standing seam metal, slate or plastic composites designed to look like slate or cedar. With these systems, a large load of water can overwhelm 5-inch troughs with their swifter flow rates. Six-inch troughs can hold twice as much water as 5-inch gutters.
Also, the steeper the pitch of the roof, the more wind-driven rain it will take. Plus, the precipitous incline works with gravity to drain the roof rapidly. If your roof is either steep, slick, or both, spending the extra money for 6-inch gutters would probably save you on home repairs in the long run.
Premier Gutter Covers for Any Size Gutter System
Naturally, if your gutters and downspouts become clogged, no matter which width you choose, water will back up and overflow. But cleaning gutters twice a year (at least) presents every homeowner with a dangerous and unpleasant chore. We highly recommend you install Premier Gutter Covers for your 5- or 6-inch gutters. These covers eliminate most of the leaves and debris that fill open gutters every year, reducing your maintenance demands considerably.
To learn more about the right-sized gutters for your home, please call Anderson Exteriors at 763-323-0970 or fill out our email form today.