Determining the Size of Your Gutters
No two homes are alike! Whether it is a large estate or residential home, every gutter project has their specific needs. Though 5″ and 6″ gutters are the standard gutter dimensions, there are multiple factors, such as architecture and geography, that determine the gutter size you need. Here are some factors to help you choose the correct gutter size for your home.
Gutter Drainage Area: In order to figure out what size gutter you need, you will need to calculate the square footage of the gutter’s drainage area. The bigger the square footage, the bigger gutter you will need. Once you figure out the square footage, you can adjust your calculation for your roof’s slope and rainfall intensity in your area.
Roof Size: When determining gutter size, it is important to look at the number of shingle squares. This will give you an estimate of how many gallons of water comes off the roof during a storm. The bigger your roof, the more water it will generate.
Slope: The slope of your roof is also another factor. The steeper your roof is, the faster water will come down from it. Therefore, we recommend you choose a bigger gutter.
Geography: Location is another important factor when choosing the right gutter size for your home. When choosing between 5″ and 6″ gutters, it is important to ask yourself, “Am I in an area like Florida that gets frequent downpours? Or in an area such as the Northeast who get a few rainstorms in a year?” The more rainfall in your area, the bigger your gutter system should be.