Gutters play a critical role in collecting rainwater and channeling it away from your roof. This helps protect your entire house and the foundation from water damage. Having the correct size of gutters installed is crucial to having long-lasting protection. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best gutter size for your home.
Why Gutter Size Matters
When choosing the right gutter size, a single inch may not seem like much. However, there is a considerable difference between 5-inch and 6-inch gutters, meaning size really matters. Your gutter system should have the capacity to collect rain and effectively route it away from the house.
Gutters that are too small can lead to gutters pulling away from your house or overflowing. This leads to extensive damage, including:
- Ruining your lawn and landscaping
- Damage to the foundation
- Damage to the roof
- Could cause ice dams
On the other hand, selecting oversized gutters increases the probability of gutters detaching due to too much weight. They could also cost more than you need to spend. It’s always wise to work with a professional gutter installer to make the right choice right from the beginning.
6-Inch vs. 5-Inch Gutter Size
There are two main sizes of gutters for standard homes: 5-inch and 6-inch gutters. Most home can get by with 5-inch gutters. However, there are many times when 6-inch gutters may be the best choice for your home. After all, they can handle nearly 50% more rainwater than their 5-inch counterparts. Here are a few reasons why you should consider getting 6-inch gutters instead of 5-inch ones:
- Is your roof large? Small sloping areas won’t gather as much rainfall as larger areas.
- Do you live in a rainy area? A 6-inch gutter system can withstand a storm burst without getting overwhelmed, making it suited for high rainfall intensity areas.
- Do you have many trees surrounding your home? If so, the falling leaves and twigs may warranty larger gutters to handle the excess debris better.
- Do you have a steep roof? This will cause more rainfall to be directed to your gutter system, resulting in a need for larger gutters to prevent overflow.
Other Factors To Consider
When sizing your gutters, don’t forget to consider the downspouts. You’ll need larger downspouts for 6-inch gutters. Additionally, you may need to consider adding additional downspouts if you have long, sloping sections of roof.
Additionally, consider installing leaf guards or screens to help prolong the life of your gutters. They can block the debris from filling up your gutters, leaving space for the water to drain from your roof away from your house.
Work With Professional Gutter Installers
Always work with professional gutter installers to ensure your gutters are installed right the first time. Bill West Roofing provides expert gutter installation in Lee’s Summit, MO, and surrounding communities. We always treat every home as our own and offer quality work and a quick turnaround. Contact us today to schedule your free gutter inspection or request an estimate for gutter installation, repair, or replacement!