Choosing the Right Gutters: A Comprehensive Guide on Gutter Types
Rain gutters are designed to direct and carry rainwater away from the roofs of commercial or industrial buildings and into downspouts. This protects buildings from water damage, water accumulation, and potential structural issues. Gutter systems are a necessity for most properties, especially for those located in areas that experience plenty of rain and storms throughout the year.
At Robbins Roofing and Construction, we know all about roofing, including the importance of having the correct gutter types and systems for your property. We’ve been in the roofing industry for years, so trust us when we say we’ve seen the catastrophic damage caused by water issues on roofs. Typically, one of the factors that lead to water-related problems is a faulty and poorly maintained gutter system. Many homeowners wonder what gutter type would be most effective in preventing water issues in properties. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but we can definitely walk you through the most important factors to consider when choosing the ideal gutter style, type, and material for you and your property.Different Types of Gutters
K-Style Gutters
A K-style gutter looks like the letter “K” (hence the name). These gutters typically have a flat bottom and back that effectively channel water away from the roof. K-style gutters have a higher water capacity due to their design and are especially beneficial to areas that experience regular heavy rainfall and storms. K-style gutters usually feature rectangular downspouts. Additionally, K-style gutters are among the more decorative types of gutters, as they typically resemble crown molding.Half-Round Gutters
Half-round gutters look like horizontally cut tubes with a rounded bottom and curved lip. It’s called a “half-round gutter” because it has a semi-circle shape. They often come with round downspouts and channel water effectively from the roof. However, to handle the same water capacity as the K-style gutters, half-round gutters must be one inch larger than the former.Flat Roof Gutters
Flat roof gutters are specially designed for properties with flat roofs. it effectively directs water off of low-slope or flat roofs and into downspouts. Wider and shallower than other types of gutters, it does a good job of preventing leaks.Fascia Gutters
When you choose fascia gutters, you’ll have to install them directly onto the fascia board. Fascia boards are long, straight boards laid horizontally on the lower edge of roofs, attached to the ends of trusses or rafters. With fascia gutters integrated into the fascia board, water is channeled toward downspouts more seamlessly.Box Gutters
With a square or rectangular shape, box-style gutters are deep and wide. Unlike other types that are attached to the edge of the roof, box-style gutters are integrated into the roof itself. This gutter system is usually customized to fit roofs for a more efficient water runoff.Seamless Gutters
Seamless gutters have no seams or joints. It’s a custom-made gutter system that’s built onsite to perfectly fit the roof’s dimensions and measurements. Unlike standard, traditional gutters which are often sectional and segmented, seamless gutters are less likely to suffer from leaks and debris buildup. Due to its durable design, it’s also one of the low-maintenance gutter options out there.Custom-Built Gutters
Custom-built gutters are tailored to fit the exact dimensions and measurements of the roof, making it one of the most efficient types of gutters. These gutters require professional installation and are generally more expensive than other gutters.Different Types of Gutter Materials
Aluminum Gutters
Lightweight and rust-resistant, aluminum gutters are typically durable and long-lasting. These seamless aluminum gutters are generally low maintenance due to their beneficial properties. Aluminum gutters are a popular choice for areas with salty air, like beaches, as they don’t rust easily and will likely last a good while.Copper Gutters
These are rain gutter systems made from copper. While they’re a bit more pricey than other metal gutters, they’re corrosion-resistant and rarely require gutter repairs due to their durability and appealing appearance. Additionally, due to oxidation and exposure to elements, copper gutters are also known to naturally develop a self-sealing patina.Wood Gutters
These types of gutters are made of wood and are quite rare. Wood gutters feature a traditional charm and direct rainwater from roofs with the use of wood planks. Aside from requiring regular maintenance, wood gutters are also quite expensive, with prices ranging from $15 to $25 per linear foot.Vinyl Gutters
Made from PVC or polyvinyl chloride, vinyl gutters are a popular choice among homeowners due to their durability and lightweight properties. Compared to other types of gutters, vinyl gutters cost $3 to $8 per linear foot in hardware stores, which makes them relatively more affordable.Zinc Gutters
Zinc gutters are made from zinc and mixed in with titanium and copper. They’re corrosion-resistant and, similar to copper gutters, form a protective layer of patina over time. Pre-weathered zinc gutters in particular are designed to stimulate the patina development process, giving them an aged and stylistic appearance from the get-go.Steel Gutters
Stainless Steel Gutters
Stainless steel gutters are rust-resistant and can hold up against various environmental factors such as heavy rainfall and fallen heavy objects like tree limbs or branches. Their gutter material features a seamless and smooth appearance that often blends well with most architecture. Steel gutters are also among the more expensive types of gutters.Galvanized Steel Gutters
Coated with a layer of zinc to prevent corrosion and rust, galvanized steel gutters are thick and strong, though they often need to be repainted to keep the underlying steel from rusting once the outermost layer is compromised. They have a shiny metallic appearance that can wear off over time due to various external factors.What to Consider When Choosing Gutters
Choosing from a wide range of gutter types and materials can be overwhelming. The technique is to narrow down your options based on factors such as your area’s extreme weather conditions, your budget limitations, and the type of roof you’ve got.Climate
Areas with heavy rainfall, colder climates, high winds, and humidity should consider their climate conditions before buying rain gutters.
Heavy Rainfall:If you experience heavy rainfall and storms often, it’s best to ensure that your rain gutter can handle the weight, pressure, and volume of water that regularly flows down your roof. That said, choose large cross-sectional gutters or rain gutters with a higher flow rate such as K-style gutters which typically feature a large gutter size. Otherwise, you might end up with overflowing gutters.
Snow and Ice:
For places that regularly experience snow, consider gutter materials like aluminum or vinyl to reduce the risks of freezing and cracking.
High Winds:
In windy places, consider heavier materials. Additionally, you can securely attach the gutters to your roof with hangers or brackets to prevent them from flying off.
Humidity:
Lastly, for those in humid climates, you’d do well to choose aluminum gutters or steel gutters to prevent rust and deterioration.
Budget
Choose gutters that align with your budget. Weigh the costs for the materials and labor, and make sure you’re not overspending or compromising quality. We suggest asking for quotes from contractors and dealers so you can get an accurate estimate of the expenses required for your new gutters.
Roof Type
Your gutter should depend on your roof design for an effective water runoff. For steep roofs, look for gutters that can handle rapid water runoff. Your options are K-style gutters and box gutters.
On the other hand, low-pitched or flat roofs would work best with wide gutters to prevent overflowing. Typically, flat roof gutters and half-round gutters are suitable for these types of roofs.
Personal Preferences
Of course, it’s important to consider your tastes and preferences in terms of aesthetics, convenience, and functionality. For instance, whether you have cedar shingled roofs or sleek modern flat roofs, remember to look for a gutter system that will complement your property’s existing architecture and design. Make sure you’re happy with the way it looks and functions.
Additional Features to Consider
While you’re shopping for gutter systems, also consider getting one (or more) of the following additional features that can work well for your climate and home’s design:
- Gutter hangers and brackets
- Downspouts and extensions
- Gutter guards or gutter protection
- Splash blocks
Gutter Installation and Maintenance Tips
It may be tempting to attempt a DIY installation to save gutter installation costs, but we highly recommend contacting a trusted contractor for a professional installation. Installing gutters can be tricky, so letting a professional with years of experience do the job can give you peace of mind.
For maintenance, keep these in mind:
- Clean gutters at least two times a year.
- Repair any holes or cracks with sealant.
- Check your downspout elbow for clogs or damage.
- Check for proper slope (around 1/4 inch per 10 feet) to ensure efficient water flow per linear foot.
Call Robbins Roofing and Construction for Your Roofing Needs in Oklahoma City
Our qualified team of roofers is the best choice for your commercial and residential roofing OKC needs. When you choose us, you’re choosing quality, reliability, and competitive pricing.
Call us at (405) 376-4466 and get a free quote today!
