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Are Wider Gutters Better?
The bigger the better, right? Not always. When it comes to gutters, many factors come into play to determine gutter size. Some issues may seem to be related to the size of your gutters but could end up being completely unrelated. Hiring a gutter specialist you trust is crucial, as they can help guide you towards the right gutters for your home. Trotter Roofing and Gutters has years of experience in gutter installation and is dedicated to giving our customers the information they need to make the best decision for their home.
How to Measure Gutter Size
Choosing your gutter size probably isn't going to be a D-I-Y project as it requires many different measurements paired with the expertise of a gutter specialist.
- Size of Roof. A small roof doesn't necessarily need 6" gutters, while a large roof is likely to benefit from larger gutters. To determine the square footage of your roof, the safest option is to have a roofing expert measure your roof.
- Pitch of Roof. Equally as important as the size of your roof, is the pitch of your roof! You may have a small roof, but if it has a steep pitch, water runs down it much faster. This could potentially cause your gutters to overflow. Flat roofs, on the other hand, don't cause the water to run as quickly, which means that larger gutters usually aren't necessary.
- Roof Material. Different roof materials move water at different rates. Asphalt shingles don't necessarily encourage fast water flow, whereas metal roofs allow water to move freely. Those with metal roofs are likely to need larger gutters to accommodate excess water.
- Roof Line. Some roofs have relatively simple roof lines, while other houses have more complex lines which could potentially cause water to collect in those areas, and then release all at once. In these cases, you will want larger gutters that can handle large amounts of water flowing down at once.
Can Your Gutters be Too Big?
There is definitely such a thing as having gutters that are too big. Typically, seamless gutters are about 5 inches wide, though homes could also have 4 or 6-inch gutters. In very special cases, 7 inches may be warranted for optimal flow. Industrial/commercial gutters, on the other hand, can be 6, 8, 9, or 12-inches wide, depending on the size of the building. It should be noted that 12-inch gutters would never be appropriate for a residential building. If your gutters are too large, it could affect the aesthetics of your home. Additionally, you don't want to pay to have larger gutters installed if they aren't necessary. If your gutters are too small, they could cause long-term damage to your roof and your home.
Why You Need a Professional
It's safe to say that having a professional install your gutter system is a must, but those same professionals are crucial to the gutter-choosing process as well. Every roof and circumstance is different, and a roofing and gutter specialist can give you all of the information you need to choose the right gutter system.
