Choosing the right size gutters for your home is an important decision. It's essential to get the right size to ensure that your gutters can handle the amount of rain that falls on your roof. To determine the size of gutters you need, you'll need to calculate the square footage of the gutter's drain area. The first step is to calculate the square footage of your roof surface.
Measure the lengths and widths of each area of your roof and obtain the inclination of your roof. Then, multiply the square footage of the roof by a number determined by the slope of the roof. This number is called adjusted square footage and you can use it with the table below to determine the recommended gutter size for your home. If you choose K-type gutters for a roof area of less than 5,500 square feet, the recommendation is a standard 5-inch gutter size. For roof areas between 5,500 and 8,000 square feet, a 6-inch gutter is recommended.
Larger gutters typically require a custom order with a professional gutter installation because of the additional weight. You can also use traditional-sized gutters if you ask a professional to increase the inclination of the gutters during installation to increase capacity. The general rule of thumb for placing downspouts is that one is needed for every 25 to 35 linear feet of gutter. You'll need to increase the size of your gutters because rain will come out of the gutters at a faster rate compared to other roofs. The downspouts in a gutter system play an important role because they ensure that water drains efficiently. Five-inch K-type or 6-inch semicircular gutters, the most common residential sizes, can withstand rain in most homes in most parts of the country.
However, homes with large or steep roofs may need to consider 6-inch semicircular gutters to avoid overflowing. While semicircular gutters offer aesthetic benefits, they generally don't move water as efficiently as type K gutters. It's important to get professional help when choosing and installing gutters for your home. A professional can help you determine what size and type of gutter will work best for your home and ensure that it is installed correctly.
