Gutter Style Options
These days, customization is available for anyone that is buying an item, service or experience. People love a menu of options to choose from as it allows them to make it their own. That should include gutters. Local Gutters provides different options of styles and sizes for both gutter and downspouts. Below are overviews of these options.
Aluminum: (0.027″ or 0.032″) Standard Thickness
- Typically used on residential and commercial projects
- PRO: Most readily available; least expensive material; most color and size options
- CON: Dent-able; 20-25 finish life expectancy
Steel: (29 Gauge) Standard Thickness
- Typically used on commercial projects. It is now being incorporated into home design
- PRO: very rigid; Exact color match any metal roof; 40-50 year finish life expectancy
- CON: exposed edges and surfaces will rust; often only available through same supplier and/or manufacturers for metal siding or roofing; Materials and labor costs more than aluminum
Copper: (16 oz.) Standard Thickness
- Typically used on higher end projects or as accents pieces such as a patio or rain chain
- PRO: Longest life expectancy; Beautiful natural patina; Seams can be soldered
- CON: PRICE!!!
Gutter Design Styles
K-Style Gutters
With the most color and size options available, the K-Style gutter is most common profile in the Midwest. They’re called “K-Style” gutters because these gutters look like the letter “K” from the end profile. Its contoured shape is also meant to replicate the look of crown molding at the eaves. This style comes in 5-inch, 6-inch and even 7-inch for industrial applications. We recommend 3″ x 4″ downspouts or 4″ round downspouts for 5″ and 6″ gutters.
Other reasons homeowners prefer K-Style gutters are because they:
- Are Less Likely to Leak
- Accumulate Debris Slower
- Handle Heavy Rainfall Better
- Are Resistant to Bending from Damage and Weather
K-Style (5-Inch Gutters)
Most common style and size, which makes it the most affordable option. Since 5-inch gutters are smaller than their 6-inch counterparts, they require less material, making them more cost-effective. This size gutter has been the standard for decades, but with larger rainfalls these days, this size can be susceptible to being overwhelmed and cause overflow. When installing this size gutter, we only recommend larger downspouts to help clear the gutters quicker.
K-Style (6-Inch Gutters)
Are you the type of homeowner that doesn’t like to do the minimum. Would you rather have the best option when it comes to protecting your home. Then you should get 6-inch gutters. Despite only the 1-inch difference, 6-inch gutters can hold up to 33% more water than 5-inch gutters, which makes a huge difference in areas with heavy rainfall. The increased width will also help stopping heavy rains shoot over the lip of the gutter on steep slope roofs and metal roofs. No extra labor to install and reasonable material costs, this option has now taken on 50% of our installs on replacement projects and 80% of our new build projects. This is becoming the standard.
6″ Euro-Box Gutters
Euro-Box gutters are the latest trend in our industry that is providing that sleek modern contemporary design. They can provide a bold statement or blend in seamlessly in the right design. All of the bends in the metal that make up this style also makes it the most rigid style out there. The Euro-Box gutter should paired with 4″ smooth round downspouts or 3″ x 4″ downspouts
6.5″ Half-Round Gutters
This is the original profile of gutters. This simple design can bring so much flare and style to your home. These gutters have that “classic” smooth, rounded look that fits craftsmen and farm house style designs . At the same time, their rounded design promotes better water flow with no hard edges that allows the water to stay centered in the bottom and clear faster. All while reducing clog frequency and making cleaning easier. Always installed with round downspouts that are either smooth or fluted.
Downspout Profiles
This is an important choice in function and style. Larger the downspout, the more exit volume there is, which can clear from a gutter. It will also be less susceptible from debris clogging the downspout themselves. Color options change with each style and size. Consult the color page offerings for clarification or Local Gutters will guide you through the options.
Rule of Thumb: Every square inch of downspout opening will clear 100 square feet of roof.
- 2″ x 3″ Rectangular: Entry level and only installed on repairs — Volume: 6 square inches — Color Options: All gutter colors
- 3″ x 4″ Rectangular: Local Gutters Entry level for all 5″ and 6″ K-style gutters — Volume: 12 square inches — Color Options: The 25 most popular colors
- 4″x 5″ Rectangular: Used for commercial and industrial projects — Volume: 20 square inches — Color Options: Basic offering
- 4″ Round (smooth or fluted): Can be used on any style gutter, required for Half-Round gutters
