Types of Gutters to Consider for Your Home

Gutters are an essential element of your home, even though they are easy to forget about. They tend to be out of sight, out of mind, so you might not think about them until you notice they are getting clogged. Depending on the condition and age of your gutters, it might be time to consider replacing them. Keep reading to learn about the different types of gutters and which might be the right kind for your home.

Types of Gutters

When it comes to gutters, you might be surprised to know that you have several options to consider. First you will decide on the gutter style you would like, and then you will choose the gutter material. Each style and material comes with pros and cons, which we will highlight below.

Gutter Styles

You may decide to stick with a certain gutter style because your home already has it, but you can always choose to switch things up! (Sometimes, HOAs have rules on gutter types, so be sure to check any restrictions before making your decision.) 

Here are the most common gutter styles.

  • Half-Round Gutters
  • K-Style Gutters
  • Box-Style Gutters

Half-Round Gutters
Picture a tube cut in half, and that is what a half-round gutter looks like. The gutter style is very traditional, and you will see it on many homes built before the 1960s. The design allows them to transport water effectively. On the downside, they tend to fill with leaves and other debris, due to their open top design. Additionally, these gutters require brackets to keep them in place.

K-Style Gutters
If your house was built in the last 50 years, it likely has K-style gutters. Designed with a flat back that can attach directly to the fascia boards, this style of gutter does not need brackets to stay in place. They have a more decorative look than the more traditional half-round gutters.This, combined with their ability to hold more rainwater than traditional gutters, makes them a popular choice for homeowners. The downside to this style of gutters is that they are harder to clean.

Box-Style Gutters
Today, box-style gutters are typically only seen on historic homes or industrial buildings. Made out of wood, they are a good choice for homeowners who want their gutters to flow with a wood-style home, which is often the case in historical homes. Because they are less common, they have to be custom made, making them more expensive than other styles of gutters.

If you are not sure what style of gutters to choose for your home, work with a local roofing company. They will be able to answer your questions, provide detailed quotes, and share their professional opinion on what style would work best for your home.

Gutter Materials

Getting new gutters involves more than choosing a style; most of the time, you have options when it comes to gutter materials, too! The material options will depend on where you buy your gutters and the style you land on.

Here are some of the most common gutter materials.

  • Aluminum 
  • Copper 
  • Steel 
  • Vinyl 
  • Zinc 
  • Wood 

Aluminum Gutters
These are some of the most popular gutters you will see, due to their affordability and performance. They are rust-resistant and come in a wide variety of colors to match the aesthetic of your home. Aluminum gutters can come in lightweight, medium weight, or heavy weight—the heavier the weight, the longer they will last. 

Copper Gutters
If you are willing to spend more money on gutters that will last your entire lifetime, copper might be the way to go. These gutters won’t rust, and they come in several weight options.

Steel Gutters
There are several types of steel gutters: galvanized, Galvalume, and stainless. Each type prevents rust in its own way; galvanized steel is coated with zinc, Galvalume is coated with zinc-aluminum alloy, and stainless steel is blended with chrome. Stainless steel gutters are the only option of the three that will never rust.

Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl is the cheapest option when it comes to gutters. While they won’t rust, they can break when exposed to extreme weather.

Zinc Gutters
This long-lasting option (30 to 50 years) is slightly cheaper than copper gutters. Zinc gutters are sturdy and rustproof. 

Wood Gutters
As we mentioned before, wood gutters are uncommon for new homes. But they are a great option for historical homes. They are durable and effective, but they are expensive and don’t last as long as other gutter materials.

Professional Gutter Installation in Northern Virginia

If you are looking for a team of professionals to walk you through the gutter decision and installation process, contact NVB Contracting today. We serve residential and commercial clients in Northern Virginia and the surrounding areas.

About NVB Contracting
Since 2011, we have provided homeowners throughout Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland with quality roofing and home restoration services. In addition to general roof maintenance, repair, and replacement, we specialize in helping homeowners file hassle-free homeowners insurance claims to save money while restoring their home after a storm.