Gutters and Downspouts: The Architect’s Guide to Choosing the Right Type of Gutters for Your Home
When it comes to protecting your home’s foundation, siding, and landscaping, you need to start at the top - your home’s roof. When it rains, runoff from the roof can fall close to the house and cause erosion to the landscaping, water damage to the exterior, and foundation issues over time, unless the rainwater is directed away from the home with a gutter and downspout system. While gutters aren’t the most attractive feature of a home, they are necessary. Our Texas-based architects are here to help you choose the right type of gutters for your home that will not only protect your investment but also match your style and blend into the overall design.
Determine If Your Home Needs Gutters
First, you need to determine if your home actually needs rain gutters. While most homes do, there are a few exceptions. Gutters may not be necessary if:
● You live in a very arid climate with little to no rainfall
● Your house is placed on a high elevation and rainfall is naturally directed away from the foundation
● Your home has a long roof overhang that diverts water away from the exterior
For homes with short roof overhangs, low roof pitches that tend to pool water, and rainy climates, gutters are a must. When gutters and downspouts aren’t selected and installed with care and attention to detail, they have the potential to interrupt the exterior design scheme. That’s why it is important to choose the right colors, materials, and downspout placements.
Sectional Versus Seamless Gutters
When selecting gutters, there are two main types to choose from: sectional and seamless gutters. Most traditional gutters are made in the sectional style, where pieces are joined and fastened together at the seams during installation. Seamless gutters, on the other hand, are custom made to fit the home in long pieces that only have joints at the corners. While seamless gutters are more expensive, they often last longer and require less maintenance than sectional gutters which can break down at the seams and leak over time.
Types of Gutter and Downspout Styles
When selecting gutter and downspout styles, there are four main types to choose from. These styles are available in a range of colors, materials, and finishes.
Traditional K-style Gutters and Corrugated Downspouts
K-style gutters are the most commonly seen gutter style. They are named because they tend to resemble the letter K when viewed from the side. K-style gutters are flat on the back panel and can attach directly to the fascia board along the roofline. The front offers a range of decorative styles that aim to resemble crown molding. K-style gutters are often paired with corrugated downspouts, which are rectangular downspouts with ridges. The ridges offer support and durability, which is why these are some of the most regularly seen downspout selections.
Bauerle, new home with k style gutters
Classic Half-round Gutters and Round Downspouts
Half-round gutters are typically seen on older homes and they offer more character and charm than traditional K-style gutters. Due to their round shape, they do not sit flush against fascia boards and must be installed with support brackets to hold them in place. In general, K-style gutters can typically handle higher volumes of water but don’t offer the same charm. Half-round gutters pair perfectly with round downspouts, which are smooth cylindrical tubes. Round downspouts typically look more decorative than corrugated downspouts.
Palo Pinto Residence, Half-round gutters
Contemporary Box Gutters and Smooth Finish Downspouts
Box gutters are square and are typically seen in commercial settings or on contemporary style homes. The box shape provides smooth and clean lines for a more streamlined look. This style of gutter can also handle the most rainwater from the roof, making it a great choice for rainy climates and large steep roofs with a lot of runoff. This style pairs well with smooth finish downspouts, which are rectangular but don’t feature ridges like corrugated downspouts. Smooth finish downspouts can give a home a more refined and contemporary feel.
The High Road, smooth finish downspouts
Rain Chains
Rain chains, unlike traditional downspouts, can capture rainfall in a beautiful and tranquil way. Many styles are available, and it can be peaceful to watch the rainwater travel down the chain like a fountain. Rain chains, however, do present some disadvantages. They offer less capacity than traditional downspouts and will need to be anchored to a source that can divert water, like a collection tank, fountain, or garden bed. Rain chains are great for areas with little rainfall but aren’t suitable for all climates.
Gutter and Downspout Material Options
There are four main material options available for most gutter and downspout styles.
Aluminum
Aluminum gutters are the most common choice because they are resistant to rust, lightweight, easy to install, available in a range of colors, and affordable. They do tend to dent, so it is important to exercise care when using ladders around the roofline.
Vinyl
Vinyl gutters are the most budget-friendly material choice. They are lightweight, come in many colors, and won’t corrode or rust in salty air climates. However, they tend to crack in cold weather conditions and fade over time.
Steel
Steel gutters offer more durability than aluminum or vinyl, and they can stand up to severe weather conditions. However, they are very heavy and can be prone to rust if not properly maintained.
Copper
Copper gutters offer a beautiful warm color and will naturally patina over time. While copper gutters are typically the most expensive, they will last for a lifetime, stand up to all weather conditions, and add a sense of charm to the home’s exterior.
Drainage Options for Gutters
The main purpose of any gutter is to direct rainwater away from the home’s exterior and foundation. However, there are two ways to better utilize your gutter and downspout systems.
Collect into a Rainwater Tank
Directing your downspouts to a rainwater tank is a great option for homeowners looking to conserve water and save money. Rainwater tanks can be used to store clean rainwater that is perfect for watering the garden or even using inside the home!
Route to a Drainage System
Rather than simply directing rainwater to the yard, downspouts can be connected to larger drainage systems. Drainage systems will have to be added to the landscape during the early stages of landscape design, but they can be exponentially helpful in directing water away from the home and to the proper drainage channels.