If you’re in the market for a new gutter system and have been researching different gutter systems, you’ve probably come across the phrase “gutter capacity”. It’s a phrase we gutter installation companies use to indicate how much water a gutter can hold. There are many things to consider when contemplating the type of gutter system you should install. However, gutter capacity is one of the most important.
Why is gutter capacity so critical, and what should you look for when comparing systems? Continue reading to learn more to make a more informed decision on which gutter system is best for your home.
What Exactly is Gutter Capacity?
As mentioned earlier, gutter capacity is a term we use to explain how much water a gutter system, including the gutters and downspouts, can hold at a given time. Capacity determines how much water the system can flush through, which depends on the size of the gutters and downspouts.
There are some more standard sizes as well as some oversized ones, all of which we’ll discuss. When doing research, you’ve also probably noticed different styles of gutters like K-style and half-rounds, as well as “complete” gutter systems, screens, and filters. K-style and half-round gutters are the most common residential gutter systems ranging in size from 4-5 inches.
Some homeowners opt for “complete” systems that can keep debris out while flushing only water through the system. The standard “complete” system has gutters that are 4⅝”, which doesn’t offer much capacity to flush water through.
What Capacity is Best?
When searching for a new gutter system, you’ll need to consider a few factors to determine which system and size of gutters and downspouts is best for your home. Things like climate and roof pitch can determine the type of gutters you need and how large they should be. A house in a drier environment that doesn’t get much precipitation—like the desert—would be fine with smaller gutters and downspouts.
On the other hand, homes in regions that get more rain and experience all seasons that bring snow and ice need a gutter system that can handle all of the stormwater and meltwater. Take, for example, central Virginia, a humid climate that experiences all four seasons and annual precipitation. Because we have frequent rain, homeowners need a gutter system that can handle light and heavy rainfall without the risk of corroding or overflowing.
Ideally, homeowners would have gutters that are 5 inches to allow for adequate rainfall. Anything smaller doesn’t allow large amounts of meltwater or stormwater to move through the system at a rapid pace, potentially causing gutters to overflow or for water to sit and collect near the roofline.
How are Gutters from K-Guard/One Stop Home Improvement Different?
Unlike traditional gutter systems that have seams, our gutters and gutter guards are different. At K-Guard/One Stop Home Improvement, we offer several options for replacing your gutters from half-round seamless gutters to gutter guards and the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System, all of which provide excellent protection from drainage issues and offer larger gutter capacity.
Our half-round seamless gutters are 5” to allow for more rainfall and meltwater to flow through the system at a rapid pace. Unlike traditional gutters that are closer to 4”, ours flush large amounts of water through quickly to avoid overflowing gutters. Our half-round gutters pair perfectly with our Xtreme mesh gutter guard system, a surgical-grade stainless steel mesh that blocks tiny and large debris from entering the gutter system. It allows water to filter through while keeping all the gunk out.
If you don’t want the hassle of cleaning your gutter system again but don’t want to compromise on diverting water away from your home, consider installing our K-Guard Gutters. Our K-Guard System has oversized gutters and downspouts with a curved hood that keeps all debris out, eliminating the chance of clogged gutters and the need to clean your gutters. That’s right – you’ll never need to clean your gutters again!
Not only does K-Guard flush water through the system at a rapid pace, but no other “complete” system is also as durable as K-Guard. Crafted from heavy-duty aluminum, our K-Guard Gutters will never corrode or warp due to the elements and can withstand all weather conditions, which is crucial for homeowners in Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Danville, and surrounding cities in Central Virginia.
If you choose to install half-round gutters without a gutter guard, no worries. We also offer a gutter cleaning and repair service that is professional and performed by experts. Save yourself the hassle and hire K-Guard/One Stop Home Improvement to handle your gutter cleaning needs! Keeping your gutters clean is paramount when it comes to them offering superior protection.
No matter which system you choose, we have the right gutter system for your home’s needs. Our gutter solutions are top-of-the-line and will complement the unique beauty of your home. We’ll never void your roof’s warranty, and your gutter system will look new for decades. Book your free estimate today!
