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.
Size. Smaller gutters, such as 112mm half round gutters, are ideal for residential buildings. In contrast, 150mm half round gutters are more commonly used for commercial properties with a higher volume of runoff water. Ogee gutters are 120mm wide, while square line gutters are 114mm wide.
Gutter size is determined by measuring across the top of the gutter. To help you understand gutter measurement and dimensions, here is a relative comparison in size between 2×3 inch downspouts vs. 3×4 inch downspouts… likewise, a comparison between 3 inch round downspout and 4 inch round downspout.
A 2x3 inch downspout can handle roughly 600 square feet of roof area for every inch of rainfall within an hour. On the other hand, a 3x4 inch downspout can handle twice that - 1200 square feet of roof area per inch of rainfall in an hour.
This can make installation more complex and potentially more expensive compared to K-style gutters. The unique design and potentially more complex installation process often lead to a higher overall cost for half-round gutters compared to their K-style counterparts.
5” gutters typically get the 2×3” downspout, so be aware that if you add 3×4” downspouts to 5” gutters, it will look very odd. Since work must be done to add your additional, larger downspout, now would be the best time to switch out to 6” gutters, as well.
As a general rule of thumb, choose 6-inch gutters for larger and steeper roofs and 5-inch gutters for smaller, low-slope roofs. Larger gutters typically hold more water, making them ideal for areas receiving heavier rains. However, different conditions may call for an adjustment in gutter size.
Instead, the six-inch K-style gutter with a capacity of 7,960 square feet should be used. Downspouts must also be sized to handle this level of rainfall. Rectangular 2 x 3-inch downspouts have a capacity of 600 square feet, while 3 x 4-inch downspouts can handle 1,200 square feet.
How many downspout installations should your gutters have? If we have to sum it up in a single rule, gutters need a downspout around every 30 to 40 feet. For most homes, this means installing spouts at either end of a gutter section.
The problem with an undersized gutter system is that debris will build up and clog really fast. If you're dealing with frequent clogs and water problems, it could be a sign your gutters are too small. Oversized gutters aren't necessarily problematic, but they'll cost you a lot more than you need to spend.
Half-round - provides a simple, uniform profile with smooth curves that allow rainwater to flow into the centre of the gutter channel with ease. Square - has a greater capacity than half-round gutters and boasts an attractive rectilinear profile. These can be fitted with either round or square downpipes.
Gutters should be installed so that the gutter falls towards the outlet dropping by 10mm over every 3m length, (a fall of 1:300).
Aluminum gutters rank as the most popular choice for rain gutters in U.S. homes due to their easy installation and low cost. This lightweight material comes in various colors, and you can paint it as needed. Aluminum gutters resist rust, withstand extremely cold temperatures, and endure inclement weather.
The wider the fascia, the smaller the gutter will look. So, if your fascia is 1”x6” you are most likely going to install 5-inch gutters. If your fascia is 1”x8” or 1”x10” you are going to need 6-inch gutters to keep everything looking proportional.
It is approximately two thirds the size of normal domestic guttering, most manufacturers Mini Gutter measures around 75mm (3”). The Floplast MiniFlo system stocked by Gutter Supplies measures 76mm (3”) across the top and is 38mm deep. The rainwater downpipe which connects to this system is 50mm (2”) in diameter.
The standard size for residential gutters is 5 inches. Some houses opt for 6-inch gutters to stand against heavy rain since they can hold significantly more water. Five-inch gutters are 3.5 inches deep, and 6-inch gutters are 3.75 inches deep.
The general rule is that there needs to be a downspout for every 40 feet of the gutter. If you follow this rule, you'll make sure that no downspout is taking in too much water. You'll also ensure that no part of the gutter is keeping too much water at any moment.
K-style gutters feature a flat bottom, with vertical back and front walls that give them their K-shape. This design allows them to collect more water than other types of gutters while still taking up less space. They are also easier to clean, since they don't have any sharp corners where debris can accumulate.
The general rule of thumb is that your rain gutter slope should be anywhere from ¼ to ½ of an inch per every 10 feet of gutter.
Gutter regulations for new house construction exist. Guttering, for example, should drain water at least 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) and ideally 10 feet (3 meters) away from the house. Downspouts should be spaced at least 20 feet (6 meters) apart but no more than 50 feet (15.2 meters).
Anything more than a quarter of an inch of standing water in small spots can lead to algae growth and water damage. Standing water in gutters is a common symptom that can have multiple causes. Essentially it breaks down to two main possibilities with different variations between them.
Superior Rainwater Management: The primary benefit of oversized 6” gutters is their ability to handle up to twice as much rainwater than a standard system without overflowing. This prevents water from pooling around your home's foundation, which can lead to cracks, seepage, and costly repairs.
To get the best draining results from your gutters, we recommend having at least one downspout for 50 feet, and two 2 downspouts for over 50 feet.
Put brackets at 1 metre centres for half-round, deep flow, square guttering and mini guttering systems. Put brackets at 60cm centres for industrial guttering such as 160mm, 170mm and 200mm. Put brackets at 80cm for Ogee guttering systems.