As a homeowner, you understand the importance of protecting your home from the elements. Particularly, the home’s foundation requires extra protective measures to prevent water damage from seeping in and wreaking havoc. The best line of defense against water damage in your foundation is a functional and effective gutter system, but what kind of gutters are the right fit for your property? Typical gutter sizes in the United States are 5 inch gutters and 6 inch gutters in a wide variety of shapes and colors to match your home’s aesthetic, so deciding on a particular size is mostly up to the demands of your local climate and roof conditions. 6 inch gutters have become the standard for larger homes in climates that experience more precipitation, and they are experiencing a surge in popularity among home designers as well!
What is the standard size for gutters for a house?
In American homes, the most common size of gutter is a 5 inch system. However, 6 inch gutters are becoming more popular. Considering how widely used 6 inch gutters are today in residential purposes, it’s a fairly safe bet to say that they’re becoming the standard in rainier climates. In reality, gutter size is something that cannot be made fully standard as different homes require different guttering systems. For example, a house with a large roof surface area, generally over 1400 sq. ft., might need 6 inch gutters to handle the high volumes of water flowing off the roof surface. Alternatively, a small home in a dry climate might only need 5 inch gutters. Gutter needs vary by property, and the best way to determine what size of gutter would be best for your home is to consult trusted gutter service professionals in your area.
Are 5 inch or 6 inch gutters more common?
Believe it or not, gutters have been around for millennia! There were even gutter like systems in the Indus Valley Civilization between 3000 and 1500 BC. However, when speaking of traditional gutter systems, you likely think of the modern building era, and rightfully so. The construction of modern houses absolutely requires gutters due to the shallow roof overhang and the requirement that the foundation remains dry. In the past, gutter sizes were more varied than today, and some older houses still have 4 inch gutters. While non-standard sizes such as 3 inch and 4 inch gutters exist today, they are uncommon, and it is generally suggested that homeowners invest in either five or six inch gutters.
Are 6 inch gutters worth it?
Deciding whether or not you need 6 inch gutters vs 5 inch gutters that are likely already on your home is completely subject to the drainage requirements of your property and your aesthetic desires. If you have found in the past that your 5 inch gutters are subject to overflowing and excessive clogging, then with the larger than standard gutter downspout size and wider channels, it may be a good idea to invest in 6 inch gutters as they can carry up to 40% more water, while also reducing the negative effects of tight nooks and crannies that catch debris. The 6 inch gutter downspout size is ideal if your home has a very steep roof pitch, a large surface area, or large fascia boards, 6 inch gutters may be for you. Additionally, some homeowners find that 6 inch gutters match the style of their home exterior, and even though 5 inch gutters work well for their drainage requirements, 6 inch gutters just look better, so that’s another reason 6 inch gutters may be beneficial to you.
5 and 6 inch gutters are the standard sizes of gutters in homes, with 6 inch gutters becoming significantly more popular in areas with large volumes of precipitation. Additionally, in the current housing market, utilizing the bold accents provided by 6 inch gutters is very popular. If you are looking to install 6 inch gutters or have questions about which gutter size may be best for you, contact GutterPros for a consultation.