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5" vs 6" K Style Gutters - Key differences
We've previously discussed the numerous advantages of having a seamless gutter system and the significance of it for your home. Now, the question arises - which gutter size should you opt for, 5 inches or 6 inches? Well, the good news is that we are going to discuss the details between the two sizes and explain why we lean towards one over the other, taking into consideration the performance and cost that best suits your home's requirements.
There are numerous gutter styles and types available, such as half round, box, commercial, and many others. For residential homes, the K-style gutter is the most popular choice, with the 5in and 6in sizes being the most commonly used. It's interesting to explore how this 1in difference can have a noticeable impact on a 5in vs 6in gutter system.
The image above shows that the 6in gutter can hold 2 gallons per foot, while the 5in gutter only holds 1.2 gallons per foot, resulting in about a 50% increase from just 1 inch!
There are several factors for choosing the size of your gutter like:
Size of your home / roof layout
Roof's Pitch
Amount of rainfall in your area
Look and style
Roof type
Size of your home and roof layout
To ensure proper drainage for your roof, it is important to select the appropriate gutter size based on the square footage of your roof. A 5-inch gutter is suitable for roofs under 800 square feet, while a 6-inch gutter is recommended for roofs that are 1400 square feet or larger.
Roof Pitch
The angle of your roof, also known as the pitch, plays a crucial role in determining how rainwater flows off your roof. A steeper pitch will cause the water to flow at a faster rate. It is essential for your gutter system to be designed in a way that matches the pitch of your roof to effectively collect and divert the rainwater away from your home, preventing any potential damage or flooding.
Amount of Rainfall in your Area
Taking into consideration all the points we have covered, the quantity of rainfall stands out as the most significant factor. In the event of infrequent and brief rainfall, a 5-inch gutter would suffice for your roof. However, in the RGV area, we advise opting for a 6-inch gutter, as rainfall is not frequent and the region tends to be dry for most of the year. Nevertheless, when it does rain, it pours down heavily and rapidly. It is always better to be overly prepared than to be caught off guard.
Look and Style
The appearance of your home, including how well the gutters complement it, is crucial to many homeowners. We strive to assist you in envisioning how each size will enhance your home's aesthetic appeal. Taking into account the size of your home, we suggest opting for a 5-inch or 6-inch gutter to maintain a proportional look.
Roof type
The type of roof you have, whether it's shingle or metal, plays a significant role in how water flows off your roof. Similar to how the pitch of the roof impacts the speed of water flow, the material of the surface also affects it. When it comes to metal roofs, a 6-inch gutter is the most suitable and recommended option, thanks to its low friction surface that allows water to quickly shoot off the roof at high speeds.
Shingle roofs offer more flexibility in terms of gutter size preference, but ultimately, the decision should be based on other factors that could potentially cause issues with a smaller 5-inch gutter. It's important to consider all aspects when choosing the right gutter size for your shingle roof to ensure proper water drainage and prevent any potential problems in the future.
If your roof has shingles or metal that extends more than 1.5 inches beyond the edge, there is a risk of water overshooting the gutter during heavy rainstorms. In such cases, opting for a 6-inch gutter can help accommodate the overhang and prevent water damage to your property.
Summary
6-inch gutters are designed to handle nearly 50% more water compared to 5-inch gutters, thanks to their larger size and 3”x4” downspouts for improved water management and reduced clogging. The increased capacity of 6-inch gutters makes them ideal for homes with larger roofs or steeper slopes, while 5-inch gutters are suitable for smaller homes with less water runoff. When choosing between gutter sizes, it is essential to consider the quality of materials and components used by your contractor to ensure a reliable seamless gutter system. Learn more about the features of an efficient gutter system before making your decision.
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