When it comes to gutters, bigger is often better. 5-inch K-style gutters are the most common size, but for larger roofs, 6-inch gutters may be a better option. Before deciding which size is right for your home, it's important to understand the differences between the two and how they can affect your home's water management. 5-inch gutters are the most popular size and are usually installed with larger 3 x 4 downspouts for better water management.
The K-style profile has more depth than the half-tube configurations of smaller gutters, allowing them to handle more water. However, if the gutter can cause stormwater to flow quickly out of the roof but finds a choke point in the downspouts, the width of the gutters won't make much difference. For roofs larger than 1,400 square feet, 6-inch gutters are recommended as they can carry twice as much water as 5-inch gutters. This can help protect your home and landscape from flooding during heavy rains.
When choosing a gutter size, it's important to consider the amount of water that needs to be handled. Be sure to review the materials and components your contractor uses; you can learn more about what makes a seamless gutter system great here.
