Rain gutters that run along the base of your roof are designed to do more than just keep rainwater from drenching you as you enter or leave the house on a rainy day. By directing water out and away from the foundation of your home, gutters eliminate the risk of flooding in your basement and damaged siding. They also reduce soil erosion around your home and damage to your landscaping.
Rain gutters are made from various materials and are available in various shapes, colors, and sizes. So, whether you are installing new gutters on a new roof or replacing old ones, you will have a wide range of options to choose from. Continue reading to the different types of residential roof gutter systems available.
Basic Rain Gutter Systems for Residential Buildings
Half-Round Gutters
This type of gutter looks like a tube that has been cut in half. Its open, trough-like shape enables it to catch water from the roof and channel it away more effectively. However, this type of gutter requires a leaf guard because its open design makes it easy to collect leaves and other types of debris.
Since a half-round gutter does not sit flush against the fascia board, it requires brackets to hold it in place. This is a traditional style of gutter system that was very common in the 1960s. So, if you live in an old neighborhood or a historical house, local regulation might require you to have this type of gutter system.
K-Style Rain Gutters
When you view this type of rain gutter from the side, it resembles the letter K. It is one of the most commonly used gutters for residential buildings. Even some owners of ancient buildings have replaced their old gutters with K-style gutters. The good thing about this type of gutter is that it has a flat back flushing with the fascia board.
Therefore, you can just nail it directly to the fascia board without using brackets. Furthermore, this type of gutter has a decorative front side that helps to improve your home’s curb appeal. Its flat bottom and straight, outwardly angled side enable it to carry more water than the half-round gutter.
Custom-Built Fascia Gutters
The good thing about a fascia gutter is that it does not come in small sections fitted together during installation. When different areas of a gutter system are put together, they create joints prone to leaks and corrosion. A fascia gutter eliminates this risk because it is custom-built for your house using one long stretch of aluminum. However, this type of gutter is expensive and must be installed by a professional.