Need New Gutters? Learn About The Basic Types
It's fairly obvious when your gutters need to be replaced. They tend to develop holes and start leaking. They may also become bent or start detaching from your home. When the time does come to replace your gutters, you are under no obligation to choose the same type you have currently. There may be an option better suited to your needs. The best way to know is to learn a little about the basic types of gutters. So, keep reading!
Half-Round Gutters
As the name suggests, half-round gutters are rounded on the bottom. They look like long tubes that have been cut in half. These gutters are often made from steel or copper, but you can find aluminum ones if you look. Half-round gutters have a simple, soft look that people often like for older and more rustic homes. This is the type of gutter you see on most cottages.
When it comes to functionality, half-round gutters perform decently well, but they are not show-stoppers. They do need to be installed with strong, heavy-duty brackets as they tend to be quite heavy. They also do not hold quite as much water as other gutter styles, making them a less optimal choice in rainy climates.
K-Style Gutters
K-style gutters have a flat back. The bottom is positioned at a right angle to the back, but the front of the gutter comes forward at more of a slope. Because these gutters rest flat against the back wall of your home, water does not seep behind them as easily as with other gutter styles. As such, they tend to work well on homes with wood and stucco siding. You don't want these materials to be exposed to too much water.
The downside to K-style gutters is that they are more prone to corrosion than other shapes. Water and debris can get caught in the creases, accelerating the rate of deterioration.
Box Gutters
Box gutters look a lot like K-style gutters, but they are mounted to your home differently. Instead of being hung from the eaves, they are positioned under the last row of shingles. As such, they are hard to install unless you're getting a new roof at the same time that you're getting gutters.
Box gutters have a larger capacity than other gutter styles and therefore work well in really stormy climates. They are also less likely to blow off in the wind because of the way they're attached.
Now that you know about the basic types of gutters, you can better choose the one that meets your needs. For more information on residential gutter installations, contact a professional near you.