Gutter Profiles & Their Purpose
6″ Half-round Gutter (3.31″ tall)
·Typically made of materials that weather naturally (copper)
·Often found in Europe due to low, constant rainfall
·Ideal for older homes to preserve historical accuracy
7″ Box Gutter
·Commercial use only
·Tremendous water capacity
·Printed in 10ft sections for ease of maintenance and repair
·Ideal for buildings with flat roofs
6″ Wide Bottom Fascia Gutter
(4 ¾” tall, 3 ⅜” bottom)
·Contemporary look
·Smooth face performs same function as fascia boards
·Hide edges of rafter tails from view
·Larger capacity than std 6″ Fascia gutter
·Ideal for homes with open truss/no fascia
6″ Fascia Gutter
(5 ⅝” tall, 2 ½” bottom)
·Contemporary look
·Smooth face performs same function as fascia boards
·Hide edges of rafter tails from view
·Ideal for homes with open truss/no fascia
6″ K-Line Gutter
(5 ⅛” tall, 3 15⁄16″ bottom)
·Most popular; “OG” style
·Shape similar to decorative crown molding
·Larger capacity than 5″ K-Line gutter
·Ideal for homes with steep roofs
5″ K-Line Gutter
(3 ¾” tall, 3 5⁄16″ bottom)
·Most popular; “OG” style
·Shape similar to decorative crown molding
·Ideal for most homes and buildings
Gutter Covers, Rain Chains, and Heat Tape
Gutter Covers (Guards, Filters, Protection)
While not necessary for every home, gutter covers can ultimately lower – or eliminate – the time you spend on a ladder cleaning your gutter system.
If you live in a heavily treed area, especially in the PNW, gutter covers can be worth the investment. Leaves and pine needles galore! Regularly scheduled system clean-outs will help to keep your gutters in good operating condition, regardless of which covers/guards/filters are installed.
It is important to note that gutter cover installation does not automatically mean your system is 100% maintenance-free!
Gutter covers are fantastic for keeping larger debris out of your system, but, depending on cover/guard/filter design, shingle granules, dirt, and small-but-big-enough-particulate can still end up in the gutter and downspout, obstructing water flow over time, causing major issues down the line.
Some systems work better than others, depending on locale, foliage, average rain and snowfall, etc. Contact us to learn more!
Rain Chains
Rain chains offer an alternative control of water flow while providing a lovely cadence of soothing sounds. Downspouts redirect water more efficiently, but rain chains are aesthetic.
When a downspout freezes solid, there’s limited space for the water to go once that water thaws. As the warming ice expands, the downspout risks bursting and popping its seam, leaking water on the side of your home and causing
damage.
Rain chains allow that same ice to build up and flex on the chain limitlessly. Keep in mind that even though there is no risk of downspout seams bursting when using rain chains, the weight of the ice collecting can easily break the chain off the gutter.
*Rain chains should be installed on 1st story ONLY;
2nd and 3rd story possible, but strongly NOT recommended.
Heat Tape & Cable
Heat tape is imperative in places that snow…
(We’re talking about you, PNW/INW!)
The main purpose of heat tape is to prevent ice dams by keeping the leading edge of your roof warmed, while creating a channel in the gutter and downspout for water to flow through uninhibited.
*Unheated areas around tape/cable will still freeze.
*External home GFCI outlet(s) required for install.
