In the past, 6 inch gutters were much less common, but now they are seeing a surge in popularity as homeowners begin to understand the benefits of larger gutter systems. 6 inch gutters are shaped the same, are installed the same, and perform the same task as 5 inch gutters; however, 6 inch gutters are more efficient at moving higher volumes of water. By doing a little bit of math with the 6 inch gutter dimensions and the volume of a rectangular prism (roughly the shape of a gutter), you can determine the difference that the extra inch on both sides adds. You will find that increasing the width and height of gutter walls from 5 inches to 6 inches will lead to a roughly 40% increase in total volume.

6 inch gutters are a homeowner’s best friend for those with properties that have large roofs with steep pitches because for these homes, 5 inch gutters may not be sufficient for the volume of water coming off a roof. However, 6 inch gutters are almost always more than enough for any roof. Installing oversized gutters does come with a cost, which is generally between 50 cents to a dollar more per foot of gutter. However, the extra exterior and foundation protections generally pay off over time. Additionally, 6 inch gutters can accent a home beautifully and make it look more proportional if you have large fascia boards.

Gutters have been around for basically if permanent residences, and the need for removing precipitation from the roof in a way that does not impact a home’s foundation. In the modern era, 5 inch gutters have taken precedence, and 6 inch gutters have primarily been used on larger commercial buildings. The most common gutter on American homes today is the 5 inch variety; however, gutters have been installed on homes in a wide range of sizes from 2 inches up to seven or eight inches. This wide diversity in gutter installation in the past goes to show there’s no one right way to have gutters on your home. Once your gutter system fulfills the basic requirements of channeling sufficient water away from your home, the style options are up to you!

Thankfully, with 6 inch gutters, you don’t have to sacrifice the traditional look if you don’t want to, as they appear roughly the same, if not a little larger. This increase in size may be beneficial to your fascia boards and exterior, as the extra surface area covered by the gutters protects your home from rain that much more. However, if you want a more modern look on your home, 6 inch gutters come in a wide variety of colors that can complement your home with bold outlines and show off the exterior of your home in a way that is fashionable and elegant.

Traditionally, 6 inch gutters were reserved for commercial properties. So, why use 6 inch gutters on a house? 6 inch gutters can benefit your home by protecting your exterior and foundation as well as clogging less than their 5 inch counterparts. Since 6 inch gutters are larger in diameter, the turns and downspouts are also wider, which ensures debris can flow freely without getting stuck. 6 inch gutters are also easier to clean as there is less difficulty reaching into the gutters and less risk of scraping your hands. Beyond the practical benefits of 6 inch gutters, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your gutter system can handle large and sudden influxes of water can greatly reduce anxiety around storms and precipitation. Finally, 6 inch gutters can be a great decorative feature on your home’s exterior, creating strong outlines that make your home look more distinguished. Your gutters deserve recognition for all the hard work they do, and 6 inch gutters can be shown off all around the neighborhood, making your home even more beautiful.

The answer to the question of whether larger gutters make a difference is mostly subject to the needs of your property. For properties not experiencing difficulties with their 5 inch gutters, it’s likely that 6 inch gutters will not significantly improve the efficiency of water drainage from the home. However, 6 inch gutters truly shine where 5 inch gutters struggle, as they can channel much larger volumes of water at a faster rate. To ensure that larger gutters make a difference, it is important to match the parts of gutters properly. This means that for oversized gutters, oversized downspouts should be used, and the opposite is true for standard gutters. By increasing the size of downspouts, you ensure that the water has a proper outlet once collected from the roof, reducing the risk of system overflow. At the end of the day, if a gutter system is installed responsibly and sized adequately for the home, it would be a great choice for you.

Deciding whether 5 inch or 6 inch gutters are right for you primarily depends on the practical need for larger gutters. However, it’s also essential to consider your personal preferences when it comes to gutter design. Fortunately, if you require 6 inch gutters, there are various styles and colors to choose from. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional or modern look, your chosen gutter service provider can present options to help you determine the best gutters for your home. Ensuring that your gutter contractor is willing to accommodate your needs and the specific condition of your home is crucial. When searching for someone to do the job, be sure to look for good reviews, testimonials, and years of experience in the industry.

In the past, 5 inch gutters were the most popular choice. However, they are now being challenged by 6 inch gutters for their practicality and aesthetic appeal. In modern housing design, making bold exterior choices, such as different colored siding and utilizing all elements of the home as decorative features, is trendy. Using 6 inch gutters can enhance your home’s curb appeal, a term used in the real estate industry to describe how aesthetically pleasing and attractive a home appears. The primary consideration when installing a new gutter system should be its ability to benefit your home, prioritizing functionality over the popularity of size and style. Speaking with an experienced gutter service provider can help you determine which gutter size is best for your home.

You may find yourself asking, what size gutters are best for a house then? There is not a. universally “best” gutter size; the best size depends on your specific needs. This decision should be made by considering your personal requirements for gutters. The advantage of both 5 inch and 6 inch gutters is that they cater to homeowners, offering a wide variety of design and style options. This means that you don’t have to compromise on your gutter preferences, whether you need larger or smaller gutters. Choosing the best gutter size can be determined through a practical assessment if that’s your preference. Since roof gutter material is usually some form of metal, either copper or aluminum, you can count on a durable and long-lasting solution for roof runoff. Just ensure that when you select a gutter contractor, they are a reliable service that provides high-quality gutter installation at a reasonable price.

The cost difference between 5 inch and 6 inch gutters is not substantial for smaller roofing projects, and the labor cost to install gutters is roughly the same between sizes. For 6 inch gutters, you can expect a price increase ranging from $0.40 to $1.20 per foot of gutter, with a similar price increase for oversized downspouts. If you are considering installing new gutters on your home, you might be tempted to opt for 5 inch gutters due to their slightly lower cost. However, if you have a large roof surface area, a steep roof pitch, or live in a very rainy environment, or if your 5 inch gutter system has struggled in the past, investing in 6 inch gutters could save you money in the long run.

If the 5 inch gutter system works for your home without leaks or excessive clogs, then it’s the right system for you. However, don’t let overflowing gutters cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home. If you notice your 5 inch gutter system overflowing, even if it is not clogged or damaged, it might mean that your gutters are not large enough. Even a minor overflow can be very damaging to your home’s exterior and foundation. Water that lands next to the exterior walls can seep in, promote mold growth, cause wood to rot, and lead to significant winter damage during freeze-thaw cycles, which can result in settling and cracking in the foundation. As soon as you notice overflowing, consult your trusted gutter contractor, as they can provide guidance on protecting your home.

The 6 inch gutters vs 5 inch cost for gutters varies based on the home’s size and the amount of guttering material used. For some projects, the cost difference will be negligible, while for others with larger roof perimeters, the price will be higher. The gutter installation labor cost per foot will generally be similar for both 5 inch and 6 inch gutters, but it’s a good idea to shop around local gutter contractors to find the best quality service at the most reasonable price. However, the real cost difference between the two sizes can be observed on homes with insufficient gutter coverage. For many larger homes, 5 inch gutters may not adequately handle roof runoff, leading to overflow and potential foundation and exterior damage. So, if you have a larger home with a steep roof pitch, discussing oversized gutter options with your gutter contractor may be a wise choice.

Deciding whether to install 5 inch or 6 inch gutters should involve a discussion with your gutter contractor. After conducting your research, you may find that you need 6 inch gutters. Speaking with your experienced gutter service provider can help ensure you make the right choice. Situations where you should consider investing in oversized gutters include when your 5 inch gutters are overflowing without being clogged or damaged, or if you prefer the aesthetic value of 6 inch gutters. Otherwise, the decision between 6 inch gutters vs 5 inch is not so clear-cut and is entirely based on personal preference and what may be most advantageous for your home. Both questions can be fully addressed when you consult a trusted gutter service provider, such as GutterPros.

If you’re contemplating installing a new gutter system and are torn between 5 inch and 6 inch gutters, taking the time to assess your property’s requirements, your curb appeal goals, and advice from a reputable gutter contractor can help you make the right decision. In most situations, you can’t go wrong when selecting a gutter system, if it is installed correctly. However, ensuring that oversized gutters are installed where needed can go a long way in safeguarding your home’s exterior and foundation. If you’re seeking a reliable gutter contractor with over 20 years of experience, contact GutterPros. They can provide more information about gutter installation and assist you in deciding whether 5 inch or 6 inch gutters are the right choice for you!