The Age of Information has completely changed the game for consumers in all areas of our lives. Nothing is more satisfying than having a complete understanding of the products and services before we make a purchasing decision. One area that is commonly overlooked and left to the professionals, is the gutter system we have on our home. There are many different facets that are involved in our gutters, but let’s take a look at the most basic and then we can grow from there.

In this article we are going to talk about some of the most common gutter systems that exist and some of the pros and cons of each, and help you find out which one is right for you!

K-style gutters are by far the most common gutter type making up about 90% of all homes. K-style gutters are primarily made of aluminum; however, you will also find them made from copper or galvanized steel. These gutters are either seamless or pieced together in sections. Seamless gutters stand to benefit you because they are a continuous run of gutter that has no seams in the middle and will be sealed off at corners. Less seams = Less leaks. They are light weight and easier to install than other types of gutters. These have become popular because they are the easiest to install which makes for a more affordable price.

Half round gutters are a more elegant looking style than that of the K-style gutters. These gutters will give an aesthetically pleasing look for many different types of home. This customized look can be made of aluminum, copper, galvanized, or zinc. These typically are used on more historic or older homes, and highlight the features of the homes build. They are typically easier to keep clean due to the rounded feature versus square when the debris is waterborne and moving. These gutters are more expensive and require specialized rods and parts to install them. It is very hard to find a company that installs these type of gutters.

Box gutters are built in gutters that exist on majority of older and historic homes. Box gutters are just how they sound, it is a box that is built into the building of the home that is lined with metal (copper or galvanized metal) to hold debris and allow rainwater in. If maintained these are the easiest gutters to clean out due to the shape of their interior. Box gutters are the most expensive to repair or replace due to the expertise that is required to work with them. They can be repaired with a new lining or metal. However, if they do need to be replaced they have to be rebuilt and require someone who understands the inner workers and operation of these beautiful gutters. Recently, it is becoming more popular to tear down box gutters and have them replaced with a newer style of gutters. This too can become quite expensive.

Whether you are looking for a sturdier gutter system, aesthetically pleasing system, or cost effective system, there are many different types of gutter systems that you can choose from. This article just grazes the surface of what these types of gutters entails. It is best to reach out to a local professional, such as Cincy Gutter Boys, who can give you advice on what option is best for you. Stay informed and stay up to date, as a homeowner you deserve to have a home that you can be proud of!