5 Inch Vs. 6 Inch Gutters: Which Are Best?

Although they may be easy to overlook, gutters are an essential component of any home. By effectively moving water away from your roofline, they can help prevent expensive water damage like mold and mildew growth. No homomer wants to contend with these issues, which is why investing in a strong and reliable gutter system is always a smart move. And when it comes to selecting gutters, there are various options to keep in mind. For example, many homeowners often ask: is it better to opt for a seamless gutter system? The answer is simple—yes.

Seamless gutters differ from traditional gutter systems because they are not made up of multiple prefabricated sections that are spliced together. With so many pieces in play, standard gutters become problematic as debris like leaves, pine needles, and twigs that fall into the system can easily snag onto the seams, resulting in gutter clogs.

With a seamless gutter system, however, homeowners don’t need to worry about the dangerous chore of precariously balancing atop a ladder and scooping muck out of their gutters. Instead, with seamless gutters, the stress of cleaning out debris is no longer pressing.

This answers the common question of what types of gutters are best. Once you’ve settled on a seamless option, you can rest easy knowing you’re halfway through choosing gutters that are right for your home. The next step is deciding between 5-inch and 6-inch gutters. So, which is best for your home?

5-inch gutters are the standard size on the market, but some homeowners prefer 6-inch gutters. Compared to the traditional option, this oversized version can handle 40% more water. If you live in an area that is susceptible to heavy rains and frequent storms, then perhaps this is a wise investment for you.

But regardless of your area, there is one major factor that helps homeowners make this important decision: the size of your roof. Your gutter system should be able to appropriately accommodate the amount of runoff your roof releases during a rainstorm. If your gutters are too small, then water may run over and out of the system. This is never a good thing, as an overabundance of water pooling out of your gutters can lead to landscaping and foundation damage.

Measuring the square footage of your roof can help you determine whether you should select a 5-inch or 6-inch gutter system. The bigger the house, the more likely you are in need of a bigger gutter system that will sufficiently handle the volume of water that may flow down your roof.

And when considering the right gutter size, don’t forget to factor in the configuration of your roofline. Homes that have roofs with varying angles that form valleys may be prone to collecting large amounts of rainwater that will flood down to the gutters in one fell swoop. You want to be sure your gutter system can handle a sudden onslaught of water without the system overflowing.

Turn to the Professionals

Are you ready for a new gutter system? Regardless of the gutter size you chose, Clemens Home Solutions is here to help. Our skilled and experienced team has the necessary know-how to expertly install your new gutters so they are secure and long-lasting. Contact us today to learn more.