6 Inch Gutters are Easier to Maintain The debris is much easier to clean out. Shingles can lean over onto the gutter as much as 1.5 to 2 inches. On a 5 inch gutter, the gap can be as small as two inches because of a shingle overhang being so long.
6-inch gutters can handle almost 50% more water than 5-inch gutters. They are installed with bigger 3”x4” downspouts for better water management.
More Protection from Water Damage
The main purpose of gutters is to reduce the risk of water damage. Larger gutters bump up the level of protection because they have the capacity to convey larger amounts of water from the roof and away from land in less time.
On average, for 6” aluminum gutters, the cost per foot is about 50 cents to 1 dollar higher than the cost of 5”.
5-inch K-style gutters are the best size for roof areas under 5,500 square feet. If your roof is between 5,500 and 8,000 square feet, a 6-inch gutter is optimal.
For example, a one-foot section of 5 inch gutters would be able to hold roughly 300 cubic inches of water at any given time, while the same length of 6 inch gutters would hold 432 cubic inches. This is roughly 1.4 times or 40% more than the volume of a 5 inch gutter system.
A 5 inch gutter is typically recommended for your standard shingle and slate roofs with little to no overhang. Roofs with an overhang, commonly seen with tile or metal roofing, should have a larger 6 inch gutter system.
So, when it comes to gutter protection, gutter guards are essential. 5" gutter systems require gutter guards for 5-inch gutters. Same goes for 6" gutter systems; meaning they require gutter guards for 6-inch gutters. 6-inch micromesh gutter guards are the perfect solution for these problems.
The downspout requirements for five and six inch gutters are about the same even though gutter downspout sizes vary. The general guideline for downspouts is one for every 25 feet of gutter, with 40 feet between downspouts being the maximum limit.
This larger drop outlet allows larger debris to more easily pass through the gutter and into the downspout, reducing the likelihood of clogs. Additionally, if the volume of water shedding off the roof is so significant that it easily spills over the gutter, then an oversized gutter with a 6” tray is necessary.
The thicker the gauge, the stronger the resulting gutters will be. There are, however, a few factors that you should consider before choosing thick-gauge aluminum gutters. Cost – Thick-gauge gutters require more aluminum to manufacture, which means the gutters will cost more.
Gutters do not necessarily add to the value of your home. If you spend $2,000 on gutters, your home's appraisal value probably won't increase by $2,000. That doesn't mean they're a bad investment though. In fact, they could be one of the best investments you make for your home.
Maximum length of gutter. (50 ft. (15.2 m) between ends or expansion joints is the limit unless the system is especially designed to accommodate the greater expansion, the larger flow and the need for special supports.)
If they have an in-house gutter division, most roofers also offer gutter installation services with or without a roof replacement. On the other hand, companies that subcontract their work may only install gutters when replacing your roof.
If your gutters or downspout is too small, it becomes vulnerable to being overwhelmed by the water that it can't handle. Too small gutters can also result in damage such as sagging or separating joints because of the weight of water.
If you live in an area with heavy rainfall or frequent storms, 6-inch gutters may be the better choice. They'll be able to handle more water and protect your home from water damage more effectively.
Your new gutters should be installed at a certain angle to ensure rainwater is diverted to the drains. As a rule of thumb, gutters should have a slope of 1/4 inch for every 10 feet.
By using more material, 6 inch gutters cost more per foot than 5 inch gutters, but they are almost always worth the extra investment as they reduce the risk of excessive rainfall overflow and resist clogging.
While 5-inch gutters are the standard size, some homeowners opt for larger ones. 6-inch gutters are more expensive, but they can handle large amounts of water and are less likely to get clogged.
Because contractors charge per linear foot of guttering installed, gutter replacement is more expensive for homes with bigger footprints. Larger homes also have a larger drainage area and require more downspouts, which adds to the cost of materials. Number of stories.
Both vinyl and aluminum gutters have their merits. Vinyl gutters are more budget-friendly, while aluminum gutters offer better durability and resistance to extreme weather conditions. Your choice depends on your priorities and the local climate.
Six-Inch Gutters Can Handle More Water
Compared to five-inch gutters, six-inch ones can hold twice as much water even though they're just an inch bigger. Upsizing your gutters allows them to efficiently divert a more significant amount of water from your roof and home.
Gutter Capacity
One foot of 5″ K-Style gutters holds 1.2 gallons of water. One foot of 6″ K-Style gutters holds 2.0 gallons of water.