The Different Types of Gutters: Material, Styles, and Sizes

Rain gutters are an essential part of every home or building as they provide added protection against the elements. They collect the runoff from rain and melting snow and divert it away from your roof, siding, fascia, soffit, and foundation to areas where it can do the least amount of water damage.

Knowing the value that gutters provide, it is important that you make an informed decision on which type, style, and/or material you would like to install on your home in order for you to make the best choice that goes with your personal preference, home needs, and budget.

But you don’t have to do all the work. We’ll help you out. Here is a list of the common types of gutters in terms of material, style, and size.

Rain Gutter Materials

Aluminum

Aluminum is perhaps the most commonly-used type of material because it is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, easy to work with, available in a wide range of colors, and very cost-effective.

Copper

Copper is slightly more expensive than aluminum but is not that much better or more durable than aluminum. For instance, the 160z copper typically used for gutters is only a little stronger than aluminum. One of the biggest advantages of copper is that it does not mildew like any painted surface.

Steel

It is typically coated with a layer of zinc. It is very strong but once the coating fades is susceptible to rust. Proper installation and frequent maintenance is necessary to ensure proper damage and reduce the probability of rust formation.

Galvalume

Galvalume is also steel, but with a coating of 55% aluminum and 45% zinc. It is a strong, durable metal with proven long-term corrosion resistance and depending on the location of the installation, has approximately nine times the longevity of galvanized steel.

Vinyl

Made from polyvinyl chloride, vinyl is one of the best alternatives for rain gutters because of its low price, durability, and light weight. They are also very easy to install and they come in pre-cut sections to help with the installation. They are available in a variety of colors and it requires little maintenance.

Zinc

Zinc gutters are made from an alloy of 99.5% zinc and the 0.5% coming from other metals such as copper and titanium. They are normally made unpainted and will develop a protective patina that protects the zinc gutter from weathering and corrosion. The cost more than aluminum gutters initially, but they will also have over twice the lifespan and they also require no paint and very little maintenance.

Gutter Styles

Rain gutters are also available in different styles or profiles. The most common gutter styles include:

K-Style Gutters

The most popular type of gutters used today is the 5-inch aluminum K-style. The name does not come from its shape but because the letter K is the 11th letter in the alphabet and this type of gutter is listed number 11 most common gutter type in the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) alphabetical listing. They are also called ogee gutters, meaning “double arc”, because of their decorative crown molding appearance.

Fascia Gutters

Fascia gutters are commonly used on homes that have not installed fascia boards over the rafter tails. The smooth face of the fascia gutters hides the edge of the rafter tails from view. They are most commonly found on the western part of the US.

Half-Round Gutters

As the name implies, the half-round gutter appears as a semi-circle, with the open half facing the roof. They are half as deep as the K-5 gutter, which could be a problem if there appears to be even the slightest leveling problem or debris in the gutter, causing it to overflow. Gutter hangers are used under the gutter instead of hidden hangers to hold the gutter up because it does not have a flat back.

European Gutters

European gutter systems have been used for centuries. They use natural weather metals like copper. They are usually distinguished by having a gutter bead that turns to the outside against the inside of the gutter. They are typically a half-round gutter style but appear more elegant.

Gutter Sizes

The sizes indicated in the names of the gutter refer to the width across the top of the gutter. They are most commonly available in just two sizes, namely 5 inches and 6 inches. The typical 5-inch K-style gutter comes with 2 in x 3 in downspouts while the larger 6 in residential rain gutter system would come with a 3 in x 4 in downspout.