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Gutters are one of those things that we probably don’t think much about. But when you’re building a new home or renovating an existing building, you can’t overlook rain gutters. There are several sizes of gutters, and which one you need depends on multiple factors. Let’s take a look at the various types and sizes of rain gutters, as well as how to find the right size for your home.
Gutters can be 4, 5, or 6 inches with downspouts that can be 2×3 or 3×4 inches.
For most homes, 5-inch K-style gutters and 6-inch half rounds work. If you live in an area where rainfall and storms are typical, wider gutters with extra downspouts may be more suitable.
The correct way to figure out gutter size is to multiply the drainage area by the roof pitch and the intensity of rainfall in your area. Hiring a professional to do this for you may save you a lot of complicated math and a headache.
Your drainage area is the entire area of the roof where water collects and then heads down the gutter. The larger the roof, the more drainage area you will need. If your roof is not straightforward but has lots of complicated smaller parts, you’ll need to take those into account as well. The more complicated your roof is, the harder it will be to calculate the entire drainage area.
The pitch of your roof also affects your choice of gutter size and type. Think of your roof pitch as a water slide: the steeper it is, the faster the water is going to splash and flow down the gutter. If the gutter is not the right size for the pitch, the water can overflow. This causes pools of water that damage the shingles and tiles underneath.
The intensity of the rainfall in the area that you live in is also important to gauge. A medium drizzle of water that lasts all day or a very heavy rain that lasts an hour may be the same amount of water but are two different intensities for your gutters.
Light but prolonged rainfall is easier for smaller gutters to deal with than sudden heavy showers. You can look up rainfall in your area at the US Weather Service website.
The right size and style of gutters will help your home stay safe and dry for years to come. For more information about how to choose and install the right gutters and downspouts for your home, contact Affordable Gutter Service today!