5-inch aluminum K-style gutters are the most common gutter style in the North Carolina area. But aren’t there other options? And why are K-style so common? Today, we are going to take a comprehensive, organized look at the different types of gutters.
First, we will look at different shapes, materials, and sizes of gutters. We will then go over classic shape-material-size combinations. Finally, and most importantly, we will provide you with some handy comparison charts to see side-by-side comparisons in factors including price, water capacity, and durability.
We know, that’s a lot of information for one post! But we wanted to make a one-stop guide for homeowners who are picking new gutters for their home.
In order to make it more accessible, we are going to keep it short, sweet, and to-the-point.
Types of Gutters by Shape
K-Style
About
- Look like a K from the side
- Most common style for US homes
- Typically aluminum
Pros
- High water capacity
- Wider opening catches water easily
- Inexpensive and easy to install
- Seamless options
- Resemble crown molding
Cons
- Can clog easily
- Attractive for nesting animals
- Can be hard to clean
Half-Round
About
- Sometimes called European Style gutters
- Resemble a tube cut in half
- Second most common style for US homes
- Work well with brick or farmhouse style homes
Pros
- Unique aesthetic
- Multiple material options
- Less attractive for nesting animals
- Less likely to clog
Cons
- Low water capacity
- Prone to leaks
- Can be expensive
- Can require unique accessories
- Heavy
- Difficult to install
Box-Style
About
- Feature a square box shape on the bottom with different varieties of openings
- Most common on commercial builds or modern residential properties
- Typically galvanized
Pros
- High water capacity
- Blend into fascia
- Larger size options
- Seamless options
Cons
- Frequent cleaning required
- Heavy
- Ideal for nesting animals
- Can fill with debris easily
- Expensive
Fascia-Mount
About
- Act as fascia along the roofline.
- Most common on the West Coast
- Directly installed onto rafters & framing
Pros
- Larger than K-style or half-round
- Secure
- Customized
Cons
- Higher maintenance without gutter guards
- Expensive
- Require professional installation
Victorian Ogee
About
- Rare in the US, most common in the UK
- Looks like a combination of half-round and k-style with a shallow base
- Originally cast iron
- Typically aluminum
Pros
- Known for their aesthetic look
- Good for historic homes
- Good for Victorian homes
- Customizable
Cons
- Minimal water capacity
- Expensive
- Require many accessories
- Tend to only work well on small homes
Now that we’ve given you the sell sheets for the different gutter shapes, let’s look over the different gutter material options.
Types of Gutters by Material
Aluminum
Pros
- Most common
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Seamless and sectional options
- Durable
- Will not rust
- Color Options
Cons
- Can dent & bend
- Average lifespan (20 years)
Vinyl
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- DIY option
Cons
- Weak
- Sectional only
- Leak easily
- Wear down & break in hot and cold climates
Copper
Pros
- Curb appeal
- Premium option
- Sturdy
- Do not rust
- Long lifespan
- Seamless option
- Low maintenance
Cons
- No color options
- Most Expensive material
- Heavy
- Will oxidize and change color over time (pro or con depending on your taste)
Zinc
Pros
- Premium option
- Long lifespan
- Multiple color and design options
- Heavy material
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Expensive
- Vulnerable to acid rain/runoff
Steel (Stainless and Galvanized Options)
Pros
- Galvanized is rust resistant
- Stainless Steel is rust-proof
- Durable
- Won’t dent
- Seamless options
- Good for extreme weather conditions
Cons
- Stainless steel 2x more expensive than galvanized
- Few professionals install steel gutters
- Seamless is rare
- Minimal color options
- Noisy in the rain
Classic Gutter Style Combinations
While almost every option style is available in every option, the trouble is finding someone who actually specializes in it. Just because seamless k-style copper gutters exist does not mean that everyone installs them. With that in mind, we wanted to go over the top gutter combinations found in the North Carolina area.
5-inch K-Style Aluminum Seamless Gutters
These are the most common gutter for new construction homes. Most builders opt for the 5-inch to save on material expenses. These require a professional installation as the gutters are custom-made onsite.
5-inch K-Style Aluminum Sectional Gutters
You can find the materials for sectional gutters at Lowes or Home Depot, and they do not require a special gutter machine. As a result, these are one of the most common DIY options for homeowners.
6-inch K-Style Aluminum Seamless Gutters
6-inch gutters are rising in popularity, especially in areas with heavy rainfall. They hold 40% more water than 5-inch gutters. Consequently, they are a good option for homes with large or steep roofs. These, like the 5-inch, also require a professional installation.
Aluminum Sectional Half-Round Gutters
A stylish option, some builders install half-round gutters in new community developments to give homes a farmhouse aesthetic. While these types of gutters hold less water, they work well for smaller roofs.
Copper Sectional Half-Round Gutters
The “premium” option, copper gutters are popular among high-end communities for their aesthetic and durability. Although it’s more challenging to find a professional who installs copper gutters, they are still the most common type of premium gutters.
Types of Gutters: Comparison Guides
Who doesn’t love charts? In order to compare the different types of gutters by price, water capacity, and durability, we created a simple chart to compare each factor.
Price
Water Capacity
Durability/Lifespan
We hope you found this guide to the different types of gutters helpful! Still have questions about gutters? Let us know in the comments!