A rain gutter is an essential component of any home. It collects rainwater from the roof and diverts it away from the house, preventing water damage to your home’s exterior and foundation. With many different gutter types to choose from, selecting the right rain gutter system for your home can seem overwhelming. This guide will explain the 10 most common types of rain gutters, their key features, pros and cons, and considerations for choosing the best gutter system for your home.
K-Style Gutters
K-style gutters are one of the most popular and affordable gutter types. They are available in vinyl, aluminum, steel, copper and other materials.
Key Features
- Shape: K-style gutters have a flat back and front, with a curved profile that looks like the letter “K”. The curved shape allows water to easily flow away.
- Installation: K-style gutters use spike and ferrule brackets that attach to the fascia board. Sections of gutter slide together and are joined with gutter connectors.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Easy to install
- Compatible with various gutter accessories like gutter guards
- Durable and long-lasting in most materials
Cons
- Not as visually appealing as some other gutter styles
- Less water capacity than similarly sized half-round gutters
K-style gutters are a great choice if you want an affordable, low-profile, and easily installed gutter system. They work well on most home styles.
Half-Round Gutters
Half-round gutters have a rounded bottom and flat front. The half-circle shape provides excellent water flow.
Key Features
- Shape: Semi-circular gutter bottom with a flat front. Wider than K-style gutters.
- Installation: Half-round gutters use spike and ferrule or hidden hanger brackets. Sections join together with gutter connectors.
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing on historic homes and cottages
- Larger water capacity than K-style gutters
- Durable steel and copper options available
Cons
- More expensive than K-style gutters
- Difficult for do-it-yourself installation
- Fewer color choices. Mostly limited to neutral colors
With their charming look and increased water capacity, half-round gutters are ideal for period-style homes. The installation is best left to professionals.
Fascia Gutters
Fascia gutters attach directly to a built-in board (called a fascia) along the edge of the roof.
Key Features
- Shape: Rectangular profile. Size ranges from 4” to over 8”. Customizable.
- Installation: Fascia gutters attach to roof fascia with spikes, straps, or concealed hangers.
Pros
- Discreet look since gutters are hidden behind fascia
- Can be seamlessly incorporated into roof design
- Increased water capacity due to larger size
Cons
- More expensive installation
- Fascia board must be installed for attachment
- Access for maintenance can be difficult
For a clean, integrated roof design, fascia gutters are the perfect choice. With proper installation, they are long-lasting and low-maintenance.
Ogee Gutters
Ogee gutters have an elegant decorative profile reminiscent of crown molding.
Key Features
- Shape: Ogee gutters have a flat back, curved front, and decorative lip. Wider than K-style.
- Installation: Uses spike and ferrule or hidden brackets. Connections between sections have reinforced joints.
Pros
- Ornate appearance for historic homes
- Can match molding and trim
- Larger water capacity than K-style gutters
Cons
- Premium cost
- Difficult for DIY installation due to ornamental joints
- Limited color selection. Usually white or brown
Ogee gutters provide style and increased performance. They are ideal for upscale homes where appearance is paramount. Professional installation is recommended.
Box Gutters
Box gutters are wide, rectangular gutters enclosed on all four sides. They attach below the roof shingles.
Key Features
- Shape: A rectangular box ranging from 4” to over 8” wide. Custom sizing available.
- Installation: Hidden hangers attach box gutters to roof rafters. Sections have cover plates at joints.
Pros
- Discreet appearance
- Large water capacity
- Durable aluminum and galvanized steel options
Cons
- Very expensive
- Professional installation required
- Wood fascia board must be installed
- Ongoing maintenance is difficult
For significant water capacity and a streamlined look, box gutters are ideal. The high cost and involved installation mean they are best suited only to large residential or commercial properties.
Copper Gutters
Copper gutters provide an elegant, distinguished look. They are available in several styles.
Key Features
- Materials: 16 or 20 ounce copper. Occasionally stainless steel.
- Shape: Half-round and Ogee shapes common, but many styles available.
- Installation: Copper gutters require special copper or stainless steel hangers and fasteners.
Pros
- Beautiful appearance, ages gracefully
- Can match other architectural copper details
- Reliable, long-lasting performance
Cons
- Expensive
- Professionally installation recommended
- Some ongoing maintenance required
With their sophisticated beauty, copper gutters add distinction and value to any home. Their premium cost can pay off in visual appeal and longevity.
Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl is a lightweight and affordable gutter material. It is available in several colors.
Key Features
- Materials: PVC vinyl plastic. Thicker than aluminum.
- Shapes: K-style and half-round profiles common. Custom options available.
- Installation: Uses spike, screw, or hidden hangers to attach to fascia.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- Easy DIY installation
- Resists dents, won’t corrode
- Variety of color choices
Cons
- Less durable than metal over time
- Plastic look not very decorative
- Can expand and sag, requiring realignment
For an inexpensive and low-maintenance gutter system, vinyl is a great choice. The tradeoff comes in durability and appearance over the very long term.
Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum gutters provide a good balance of affordability, appearance, and performance.
Key Features
- Materials: Lightweight aluminum in .032 or .027 gauge thicknesses.
- Shapes: Available in K-style, half-round, Fascia, Ogee, and other profiles.
- Installation: Uses spike, screw, or hidden hangers. Easy DIY install.
Pros
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Sleek, modern look
- Good durability and corrosion resistance
- Easy for DIY installation
Cons
- Dents more easily than steel or copper
- Fewer color choices than vinyl
With the right shape and color, aluminum gutters can complement both traditional and contemporary home styles while providing reliable performance. They are a great choice for easy DIY installation.
Steel Gutters
Steel gutters provide outstanding durability and strength. Used for heavy rainfall areas.
Key Features
- Materials: Galvanized or stainless steel. May have rust-resistant coating.
- Shapes: Half-round and Ogee profiles common but can be customized.
- Installation: Uses screw-on brackets or hidden hangers. Supports closer together.
Pros
- Exceptional durability and strength
- Heavy-duty for areas with heavy rain
- Maintains shape over time
- Rust resistance available
Cons
- Heavier to install
- More expensive than aluminum
- Fewer style and color choices
With their strength and longevity, steel gutters are ideal for wet climates and heavy rainfall areas, or for contemporary homes wanting a minimalist, industrial look.
Seamless Gutters
Unlike sectional gutters, seamless gutters are custom-fabricated onsite from a long piece of aluminum or steel.
Key Features
- Materials: Formed from a single piece of aluminum or steel.
- Shapes: Half-round profile is most common. K-style and customized shapes available.
- Installation: Uses spike and ferrule brackets or concealed hangers.
Pros
- Sleek, unified appearance since no seams
- Stronger structure resists leaks
- Can be made to custom lengths
- Durable aluminum or steel
Cons
- Much more expensive than sectional gutters
- Difficult for DIY. Professional installation required.
- Limited size and shape options
With their strength and seamless installation, one-piece gutters are ideal for contemporary homes where appearance is important. They come at a premium cost but provide a clean look.
Copper Gutters
Copper gutters provide an elegant, distinguished look. They are available in several styles.
Key Features
- Materials: 16 or 20 ounce copper. Occasionally stainless steel.
- Shape: Half-round and Ogee shapes common, but many styles available.
- Installation: Copper gutters require special copper or stainless steel hangers and fasteners.
Pros
- Beautiful appearance, ages gracefully
- Can match other architectural copper details
- Reliable, long-lasting performance
Cons
- Expensive
- Professionally installation recommended
- Some ongoing maintenance required
With their sophisticated beauty, copper gutters add distinction and value to any home. Their premium cost can pay off in visual appeal and longevity.
How to Choose the Best Gutters for Your Home
When selecting the right gutter system, consider these key factors:
Climate Conditions
- Rainfall volume – Areas with heavy rain need larger gutters like Ogee or box gutters
- Snow – Vinyl and aluminum can snap under heavy snow. Choose steel for snowy regions
- Temperature – Copper and steel withstand expansion and contraction best
Roof Design
- Roof pitch – Steep roofs need a narrow gutter profile placed close to the roof
- Overhang size – Deep overhangs require a bigger gutter size
- Fascia board – Required for fascia and box gutters. Must be installed first
Home Style
- Historic home – Half-round or Ogee gutters provide traditional looks
- Contemporary home – Fascia or seamless gutters have clean lines
- Ranch/Cape Cod – Choose durable but affordable K-style or aluminum
Budget
- Affordable options – Vinyl, aluminum, steel
- Mid-range – Prefabricated steel, copper
- Premium – Seamless, box gutters, custom copper
DIY vs. Professional Install
- DIY-friendly – Vinyl, aluminum, K-style prefabricated
- Professional recommended – Ogee, box, seamless, copper
Be sure to consider how gutters tie into your existing drainage plan. Carefully measure your roof’s linear footage and required gutter capacity before purchasing materials. With the right gutters properly installed, your home will have long-lasting curb appeal and protection from the elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main purposes of gutters?
Gutters serve two primary purposes:
- To collect rainwater runoff from your roof and redirect it away from the house through downspouts. This prevents water damage.
- To prevent rainwater from gathering around your home’s foundation. Standing water can cause flooding, erosion, basement leakage, and mold.
What are gutters usually made of?
Modern gutters are most often made from these materials:
- Aluminum – Affordable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. Common for residential use.
- Steel – Strong and durable. More expensive but handles heavy rainfall.
- Vinyl – Inexpensive and easy to install but less durable long-term.
- Copper – Beautiful and graceful aging. Costly but unmatched aesthetics.
Should I clean my gutters myself or hire a professional?
- For standard aluminum or vinyl gutters less than 30 feet high, DIY cleaning is often manageable using a ladder, gloves, and scoop.
- For copper gutters, tall roofs, or high gutters requiring a ladder over two stories tall, professional cleaning is safest and worth the reasonable cost.
How much do replacement gutters cost?
On average, here are estimated costs for common gutter materials per linear foot including professional installation:
- Vinyl or aluminum: $4 – $9 per foot
- Steel or copper pre-fabricated: $9 – $15 per foot
- Custom copper: $15 – $30 per foot
- Fascia or seamless systems: $15 – $25 per foot
Prices vary based on region, gutter size, accessories, and difficulty of installation.
Should I install gutter screens or gutter guards?
Gutter guards prevent clogs from leaves and debris. They allow water to pass through small holes but keep most debris out. Guards are strongly recommended for homes with overhanging trees. Screens simply cover the gutter opening and require more maintenance to avoid clogs. Guards prevent most clogs before they occur.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal gutter system involves matching your climate, budget, home style, skill level, and aesthetic preferences. Carefully measure your roofline and factor in installation costs. With proper installation and maintenance, quality rain gutters should provide decades of reliable protection for your most valuable investment, your home. Use this guide to identify the perfect gutters to keep rainwater flowing freely away from your foundation.