With enough time and debris, any gutter can clog. However, different-sized gutters clog differently. When
it comes to standard residential 5-inch gutters and smaller sizes, clogging poses a significant threat every
time leaves fall. 6-inch gutters do not live in constant fear of clogging; although, it is possible for them to
get clogged in the case that a lot of debris has fallen into them, and they haven’t been cleaned for a while.
Technology has not advanced enough yet for clog-free gutters to be a thing; however, 6-inch gutters can
be helpful if you live in an area that poses a large risk for clogging!
Do larger downspouts clog less?
When you get 6-inch gutters installed, it’s standard practice for larger downspouts to be installed as well
to ensure water can be diverted safely and effectively away from your house. The great thing about larger
gutters and downspouts is that they are less prone to clogging from normal leaf debris as there are fewer
nooks and crannies for leaves to be stuck in. It is true that larger downspouts clog less, which can provide
relief to homeowners who have anxiety about cleaning their gutters frequently. However, gutters still
require regular maintenance and cleaning to function properly, even oversized ones. With a proper
cleaning and maintenance schedule, all gutters can be free of clogs.
Why would I need 6 inch gutters?
While you don’t need 6-inch gutters to prevent clogging, you do need them if your 5-inch gutters are
overflowing even without being clogged up. With large roofs that have a steep roof pitch, 5-inch gutters
can overflow even when they are installed and maintained perfectly. This large volume of water can only
be controlled with the larger volume capacity provided by oversized gutters and downspouts. In fact, 6-
inch gutters with oversized downspouts can carry around 40% more water by volume at any given time
point, which is more than enough for almost all residential applications.
Are 5 inch gutters sufficient?
The question of whether 5-inch gutters are sufficient is highly dependent on your house and its roof
specifically. If you have a small to medium-sized house with a roof surface area under 1400 square feet
and an average roof pitch (the slope of the roof), 5-inch gutters should be more than enough for your
home. However, once you get larger than 1400 square feet, have a steep roof pitch, and live in a very
rainy environment, you will probably need larger gutters for your home.
The best way to know whether your gutters are too small is to observe your gutters in a rainstorm. If all
the water from your roof is being diverted away from your house through the downspouts, your gutters
are the right size, and you don’t need larger gutters unless you want them for aesthetic reasons. However,
if your gutters are overflowing even in light rain, first check for a clog, and then if there’s no clog or other
damage, you might need larger gutters.
Why 6 inch gutters are better than 5 inch gutters
6-inch gutters are better than 5-inch gutters if the 5-inch gutters cannot handle the volume of water
coming off your roof. In other aspects, 6-inch gutters are better because they are less prone to clogging
and can protect your fascia boards more effectively. However, they do cost a little bit more per foot as
they require more material to manufacture. If you are interested in 6-inch gutters or 5-inch gutters but are
stuck deicing between oversized gutters vs regular gutters, consulting with an experienced big gutter
company can help you make the right decision for your home. If you’re in need of a responsible gutter
service professional with over 20 years of experience and great reviews, contact GutterPros for a free
consultation.