Gutter and Downspout Size Guide
Proper gutter sizing is crucial for effective water management, protecting your home from water damage, and ensuring the longevity of your roofing and foundation. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about gutter sizes, including the importance of measuring in linear feet, the differences between standard and oversized gutters, tools needed, measurement steps, gutter materials, and tips for choosing the right gutter system for your home.
Professional Gutter Installation: Our Process
While DIY gutter projects most often involve assembling gutter systems from sections bought at Home Depot or Lowe’s, professional gutter installation is different. We purchase gutter coil and accessories, then load the coils onto our machine in our trailer, either at our shop or the supply house. We then bring these materials to your home and fabricate the seamless gutters on-site, custom-cutting to the exact lengths needed for your house. This can add to both aesthetics and functionality.
What distinguishes 5-inch gutters from 6-inch gutters?
A 5-inch gutter measures 5 inches in width and 3.5 inches in height, capable of holding about 1.2 gallons of water per foot. In contrast, a 6-inch gutter is 6 inches wide and 5 inches tall, with a capacity of two gallons per foot.
Why Gutter Size Matters
To better explain, when a roof is installed, there is always an overhang to meet code requirements. Shingles should always extend past the fascia. Whether or not you have gutter guards, this overhang reduces the effective width of a 5-inch gutter to about 4 inches. When water flows quickly down the roof, it can easily overflow such a gutter. A 6-inch gutter provides more space for water to enter, making it more effective, especially on steep roofs or roofs that shed water quickly. While a 5-inch gutter may suffice in areas with a low slope, we most often recommend using a 6-inch gutter, because it can handle more volume.
In this video, we showcase a complete gutter installation project in Barrington Hills, IL, where we upgraded the home’s gutters from 5″ to 6″ oversized gutters with improved pitch and larger downspouts to fix overflow issues. Along with highlighting our expert installation process, the video features a fun moment with a surprise guest—a little turtle making his way to the family’s pool!
Choosing the Right Gutter System
- Roof Size and PitchLarger roofs or those with steep pitches may benefit from oversized gutters to manage increased water flow.
- Aesthetic PreferencesChoose a material and style that complements your home’s exterior.
- BudgetBalance your needs with your budget, considering the long-term benefits of higher quality materials.
Standard Gutters vs. Oversized Gutters
Standard Gutters
- Typically 5 inches wide.
- Suitable for most residential homes with average roof sizes and moderate rainfall.
- Cost-effective (you are going to save around a dollar per linear foot with this option) and easier to install.
Oversized Gutters
- Usually 6 inches or wider, and 1.5" deeper than standard. Any wider than this is typically only seen in commercial buildings.
- Ideal for homes with larger roof areas or in regions with heavy rainfall.
- Handle larger volumes of water, reducing the risk of overflow and offering enhanced durability.
- Oversized gutters are typically easier to clean than standard.List Item Description
- Fascia boards, to which gutters are attached, are typically 5.25" - 7.25". A 6-inch oversized gutter, being 5 inches tall, looks more proportional and balanced than the smaller option. It will cover the trim and add to the curb appeal of your home.List Item Description
Case Study: Upgrading to 6-Inch Gutters – A Success Story of Solving Overflow Issues
Gutter and Downspout Size Considerations
- K-Style Gutters: Common sizes are 5 and 6 inches.
- Half-Round Gutters: Standard sizes are 5 and 6 inches.
- Downspout Sizes: Depend on gutter size and style. For example, 5-inch K-style gutters typically use 2-by-3-inch or 3-by-4-inch rectangular downspouts.
Gutter Materials
- Aluminum: Lightweight and rustproof.
- Vinyl: Inexpensive and corrosion-resistant.
- Steel: Requires maintenance to prevent rust.
- Copper: Expensive but long-lasting and develops a patina.List Item Description
- Zinc: Strong and durable, develops a patina.List Item Description
Pricing
- 5" K-Style aluminum seamless gutters currently run around $16/ft.
- 6" K-Style aluminum seamless gutters currently run approximately $18/ft.
- Accessories needed can significantly impact pricing: downspouts, box miters, etc.
- Complexity of the building, pitch of roof, existing gutter materials (depending on material used, can be complicated to remove), type of shingles, etc. can all also impact pricing.List Item Description
Measuring Gutters in Linear Feet
- Use a Measuring TapeExtend a measuring tape along the edge of your roofline, from one corner to the other.
- Account for All SidesInclude all sections of your roof where gutters will be installed.
- Include DownspoutsMeasure the height from the gutter to the ground for downspout placement.
- Count the Corners, End Caps, and Elbow PiecesRecord the number of end caps, specifying how many are right ends and how many are left ends. Additionally, count the corner pieces and the elbow pieces needed for your downspouts.
Conclusion
For large roof sections with varied slopes: oversized gutters (shown here) are the hands down winner!
If you have any questions or need professional advice on choosing the right gutter size for your home, feel free to contact us. Our experts are here to help you make the best choice for your home’s water management system.
