We are looking to get new gutters installed to our home, but we want to find the perfect style that compliments our houses features. We have no clue about what each of these styles are better for. After we started searching online, it was pretty apparent that there are many types and styles of gutters. If you find yourself in this same situation, and you wonder “What types of gutters are there?” then this is the place for you.

There are 3 main styles of gutters: K-Style, Half-Round, and Box gutters. Each of these styles are available in a variety of materials, such as Aluminum, Copper, Vinyl, and Galvanized Steel. Lets’s take a look at each of these styles and what they are primarily used for.

---

K-STYLE GUTTER

K-Style gutter is the most common type of gutter that you will see on modern homes. This type of gutter features a unique shape on the front edge that resembles modern home’s crown molding. So these gutters will compliment your homes look. In fact, many homeowners will choose a color of K-Style Gutter that matches or accents their homes trim and/or shutters.

They have a flat back so they are installed to the Fascia Board trim that is around the top edge of your home. Being flush against the wall ensures that water isn’t able to run down your wall. The bends and folds in the metal provide a rigid structure, so these gutters will withstand more damage than a half-round.

The two most common sizes are 5″ and 6″, with 5″ being the industry standard and the 6″ would be for slightly higher volume of water.

Pro’s

• Cheapest option available
• Easiest to install
• More durable than Half-Round (Rigid construction)
• Performance (Can handle more water during heavy rain)
• Modern look

Con’s

• Clogs Easier
• More prone to corrosion

---

HALF-ROUND GUTTER

Half-Round gutters are more used in historic or older style homes. Their name describes them perfectly, as they are half of a circular pipe with the top half open for water. They are known to be more rustic, as they are usually made from copper which forms a patina over time. However, they also are available in Aluminum, Vinyl, or Galvanized Steel. Just like the K-style, these are available in 5″ and 6″ sizes.

These gutters are installed a little differently than normal gutters. First, brackets are installed to the home along the roof edge. Once the brackets are in place, the Half-Round gutter is dropped into place and secured. It should be noted that Copper gutters are much heavier than Aluminum gutters, so they need additional hardware to keep them secure to the home.

The half circle shape results in the inner part of the gutter being entirely smooth. Being smooth on the inside does provide a few advantages. First, the metal is less likely to corrode or rust because there is no where for it to pool up or stand still. Secondly, since there are no creases or hardware on the inside, debris has a nice clear path and is less likely to get caught up on something and form a clog.

Pro’s

• Rustic look
• Easier to clean
• Less likely to rust or corrode
• Less likely to clog

Con’s

• More expensive
• Takes longer to install (Higher labor costs)
• Not as efficient in heavy rains (Handles less water)
• Less rigid/durable than K-Style (Easier to damage)
• Heavier (pulls loose quicker over time)

---

BOX STYLE GUTTERS

The third most popular type of gutter that you’ll see around, is the Box Style gutter. These are over-sized gutters that are primarily used for commercial or industrial buildings. They are designed to handle large amounts of water, from larger roofs. The bigger your roof is, the more water output.

Box gutters are not hung on the edge of the roof like traditional gutters. They feature a high back section that tucks under the shingles on the roof. Therefore, they need to be installed when the building is being built. This ensures that no water can get into the building along the roof edge. You can install these to an older building, but you would sill need to get the roof re-done with new shingles.

Box style gutters come standard in sizes 7″ and 8″, but you can even purchase larger sizes like 10″.

---

GUTTER MATERIALS

Gutters and Downspouts are all made from the same types of materials. Aluminum, Copper, Vinyl, and Galvanized Steel. K-Style and Half-Round are available in any material, while Box style is only available in Aluminum or Copper. We’ll go over some of the pro’s and con’s for each material.

Aluminum Gutters

Pro’s

• Cheap
• Light weight
• Rust Resistant
• Easiest to install
• Available in many color options

Con’s

• Prone to damage by extreme temperature fluctuations (can warp)

Copper Gutters

Pro’s

• “Patina” look
• Heavy Duty (thicker guage than aluminum)

Con’s

• Most expensive
• Heavier so they come loose more often

Galvanized Steel Gutters

Pro’s

• Strength (Can handle large amounts of weight)

Con’s

• Very Heavy (Gutters come loose more often)
• Expensive
• Rust very easily

Vinyl Gutters

Pro’s

• Cheap
• Easy to install (for DIY people)
• Waterproof

Con’s

• Cheap material (bends easily)
• Only available in white

CONCLUSION

All the types and styles of gutters provide the same basic function. Size of your home and roof are factors to determine what size you need. Do your own research to find the style and type of gutter that will best suite your needs, and look the best on your home.

---

My Gutter Pro

93 Monocacy Blvd. Unit A-6

Frederick, MD 21701

(301) 381-2551

---

Does your home have gutters? If yes, then you should be following My Gutter Pro on Facebook for seasonal reminders, DIY tips, FAQ’s, contests and giveaways, and much more! Don’t delay, join the My Gutter Pro Team today!!!

Gutter Type Resource Link Guide

https://www.guttersupply.com/

http://www.seamlessguttersupply.com/

https://www.abcsupply.com/products/rain-gutters-guards-downspouts/

https://www.guttermaterials.com/

http://www.egutter.com/

https://www.wilcosupply.net/

https://www.americangutters.com/

https://www.jaykayguttersupply.com/