While gutters come in many shapes and sizes, there are five main gutter types that you can find on most homes, offices, and buildings. Knowing the components of a gutter and which kind you have is important for understanding the maintenance and care required.
- Gutter Anatomy
- Different Types of Gutter Guards
- Gutter Types for Home, Office, and Building
- What Type of Gutter Is Best?
Gutter Anatomy
Before we get into the different gutter types, let’s quickly go over gutter anatomy. Having a good grasp of the gutter system will help you understand the purpose of each type and identify which one you have on your property.
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- Downspout Elbow
You can typically find gutter downspout elbow types at the bottom of the gutter system, where they’re angled to direct water away from the home’s foundation.
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- Downspouts
They transport water from the gutter to the ground or a collection vessel. Downspouts usually come in sections attached to the drain with brackets or hangers.
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- Gutter Hanger
Also known as a gutter bracket, you use one to attach gutter to the roofline. Various gutter hanger types include J-hooks, T-bars, and L-bars.
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- Ferrule
It’s a small, sleeve-like fitting that you position over the gutter hanger to create a watertight seal. It’s a hollow shaft that houses the long screw, or spike, driven into the house to attach the gutter.
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- End Cap
A fitting that you place at the gutter’s end to create a clean, finished look. You can also use it to direct water flow and prevent gutter overflow.
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- Pipe Cleats
Another gutter fitting that you use to direct water flow. Pipe cleats look like small pieces of metal with curved or notched edges, placed along the gutter to help control water runoff.
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- Gutter Elbow
Different gutter elbow types are responsible for directing water away from the home’s foundation. Available in styles “A” and “B”, and come angled in 75-degree options.
Different Types of Gutter Guards
Now that you have a better understanding of gutter anatomy, let’s look at the different types of gutter guards. Knowing them and their purpose will help you choose the best one for your home. Here are the types of gutter guards explained:
1. Micro Mesh
Micro mesh gutter guards embody a small, metal mesh placed over the drain to keep out leaves, twigs, and other debris. They’re also known as gutter screens, covers, or gutter inserts.
2. Foam Inserts
A porous foam that sits snugly in the gutter makes a foam gutter guard. They allow water to pass through while keeping out leaves and other debris.
3. Reverse Curve
Reverse curve gutter guards, or surface tension gutter guards, feature a curved hood that you can find over the gutter. They direct the water into the drain while the wind carries away leaves and debris.
4. Screen
Screen gutter guards consist of a mesh or perforated metal that you can lay over the gutter. It acts as a filter, allowing water to pass through while blocking out leaves, twigs, and other debris.
5. Brush
Brush gutter guards comprise bristles that you can find over the gutter. They are designed to stop leaves and debris from entering the channel while allowing water to pass through.
Gutter guards maintain your gutter system and prevent clogs. Despite their intention in design, though, their effectiveness is not always perfect and they will still require some level of maintenance through regular cleanings.
Gutter Types for Home, Office, and Building
Gutter style and installation varies depending on the type of gutter you choose. There are several gutter types in the market, so you must select one that best suits your needs. Here’s a look at the five most popular gutter types:
1. K-Style Gutters
K-style gutters are the most common type of gutter, and they’re available in various materials, including aluminum, vinyl, steel, and copper. They get their name from their shape, which resembles the letter “K”.
2. Half-Round Gutters
Half-round gutters are exactly what they sound like: half of a round drain. They’re available in aluminum, galvanized steel, copper, and vinyl.
3. Box Gutters
Box gutters are rectangular and are available in aluminum, galvanized steel, copper, and vinyl materials.
4. Seamless Gutters
Seamless gutters consist of a continuous piece of material, so there are no seams or joints. They’re available in aluminum, galvanized steel, copper, and vinyl forms.
5. Custom-built Fascia Gutters
Custom-built fascia gutters are designed to fit the specific dimensions of your home. They’re available in aluminum, galvanized steel, copper, and vinyl materials.
No matter what type of gutter you choose, it is best to hire a professional for installation. Gutter installation is a detailed process, and it’s important to ensure that you do it correctly to avoid any problems.
What Type of Gutter Is Best?
Because “best” is subjective, only you can decide what type of gutter is best for your home, office, or building. Consider your needs, budget, and aesthetics. No matter what type you choose, Shepherd Shoreline is here to help with all your gutter needs. Give us a call today, and we’ll answer any questions you have!