Properly installed, clean, and functional gutters are essential for the protection of every roof, especially in climates that receive a large amount of rain.

Where some homeowners go wrong is either by not having gutter cleaning done regularly enough to keep the water flowing or not realizing that their gutters are undersized.

Whether investing in a new gutter installation or repairing and cleaning out existing ones, Florida homeowners must know the different types of gutters and which one is most suitable for their home!

What Are The Different Types of Rain Gutters?

Two types of rain gutters are used on residential homes: half-round and K-style.

Between them, many find half-round to be more aesthetically appealing, especially on older, traditional-styled or historic homes, as these were the only gutters available for a long time.

K-style gutters are the squarer, more modern ones available which most roofers recommend.

Other than their appearance, the main difference between the two is how much water they can accommodate.

Although both styles are available in 5 and 6 inch sizes, a K-style gutter installation can control a higher volume of water draining off a roof than half-round styles can due to their deeper, boxier shape.

Half-round gutters in the wrong application can spill over even if they are kept clean, simply because the water can’t drain fast enough.

What Factors Are Involved In Choosing The Right Size Gutters?

To choose the right size gutters for a Florida home, installers look at three important details:

Roof Size and Pitch - The larger a roof is, the more water will run down the roof and into the gutters on the roof’s edge. The steeper the pitch of the roof is, the faster water will run into the gutters.
Local Rainfall Averages - Homes in areas that receive higher amounts of rain experience a greater volume of water flowing down the roof. The faster and heavier that the rain falls, the more water will reach the gutters in a shorter amount of time.
Gutter Size - Both half-round and K-style gutters are available in two sizes to fit a variety of roof sizes. Roofs up to 5,000 sq ft can be accommodated by a 5” K-style gutter, with larger roofs requiring the 6” size. Roofs up to 2,500 sq ft can be accommodated by a 5” half-round gutter, with roofs between 2,500 and 4,000 sq ft requiring the 6” size.

Noting these three factors, homeowners and their gutter installers must calculate the size of the roof and then estimate how much water will flow off it according to local rainfall and whether downpours are common.

Individual roofs, whether experiencing smaller volumes of slower-flowing water or higher volumes of faster-flowing water will require gutters of different sizes and types.

Using this formula as well as the appropriate number of downspouts along the gutters and routine gutter cleaning to prevent blockages, homeowners in Florida can be sure they have the right gutters to protect their roofs and homes.

A Professional Roofer Can Help Choose The Right Gutters

Every Florida home needs functioning gutters to divert water off the roof and away from the house; however, not all gutters are the same and will work for every house.

Get the right gutter installation by working with an experienced roofer who knows how to calculate which system is best for every Florida home.

Appropriately sized, professionally hung gutters that are cleaned often will protect Florida homes from the damage that all that rain can cause!