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.
Your gutters are responsible for moving water away from your house and into a designated area, which is essential for protecting your property from water damage. The size of your gutters depends on the size of your roof. However, the most common size for most homes is 5 inches for seamless gutters.
6 Inch Gutters Have Double the Water Capacity of 5 Inch
Water capacity is a factor to consider depending on where you live and what the weather is like. If there is a lot of heavy rain in your area, 6 inch gutters might be a better option for helping you protect your home and landscape.
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.
What was the market size of the Gutter Services in the US in 2023? The market size of the Gutter Services in the US was $776.6m in 2023.
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.
Gutters are an essential part of any home. They ensure water properly drains off of your roof, helping to protect the roof, siding, landscaping, and foundation from water damage. On average, gutters need to be replaced every 20 years.
On average, gutter installation costs $32 per linear foot based on data we analyzed from RSMeans, a construction cost database.
Yes, seamless gutters are generally worth the cost due to their durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Although they have a higher initial cost, the long-term savings on repairs and maintenance make them a cost-effective choice over time.
Copper gutters are the most expensive option but offer unique aesthetic appeal and durability. They cost between $15 and $25 per linear foot and can last over 50 years.
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.
Gutter guards, especially when professionally installed gutter guards, provide numerous benefits, making them a valuable investment for homeowners. They: Reduce the frequency of cleaning. Lower the risk of gutter overflow.
One of the primary reasons that home and property owners choose 7″ seamless gutters over other types of gutters, such as 6″ gutters, is their ability to handle larger volumes of water. This is especially important in areas that receive heavy rainfall, like Florida.
On average, for 6” aluminum gutters, the cost per foot is about 50 cents to 1 dollar higher than the cost of 5”.
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.
If a windstorm, lightning strike, or another covered peril damages your home's gutters, your homeowners policy may pay for their repair or replacement, up to your coverage limits and minus your deductible. Your homeowners policy won't cover damage to your gutters due to negligence or wear and tear.
Seamless gutters cost between $3 and $25 per linear foot on average. Therefore, a roof with a greater surface area may cost more than a roof with a lesser surface area.
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.
Problem #1: Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
Perhaps the most common gutter problem of all, clogging occurs when debris accumulates in the gutter and downspouts, blocking the flow of water and causing it to get backed up. This can result in leaks and damage to attic insulation, as well as your home's foundation.
Pure copper gutters are considered the longest-lasting material. They can last over 50 years with proper maintenance and develop a beautiful patina over time. However, they are also significantly more expensive than other gutter materials.
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.
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.
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.
Generally speaking, 6 inch gutters cost per foot is between $4 and $10 for most styles, though copper gutters will be more expensive per foot.