The Importance of Having Gutters
Absolutely, gutters play a critical role in channeling and diverting water away from your home’s foundation. A house without gutters is prone to a variety of water-related damages, such as wood rot, stucco cracking, water seepage into basements, and foundation deterioration. The absence of gutters can result in costly repairs over time.
Choosing Between 5” and 6” Gutters: What’s Right for My Home?
The optimal size for your gutters depends largely on your home’s roof size. While there are precise calculations to determine the right gutter size, a simplified rule of thumb is as follows: if you have a small, two-bedroom ranch, 5-inch gutters should suffice. For larger homes that go beyond the size of a two-bedroom ranch, 6-inch gutters are generally advisable.
Why Do Some Companies Offer Only One Gutter Size?
The limitation in gutter size offerings often comes down to equipment. Many companies own either a 5-inch or a 6-inch gutter machine, influencing their recommendations based on what they can produce. At Home Shield Coating®, we utilize a dual-purpose KWM Smart Machine capable of manufacturing both 5- and 6-inch gutters. This enables us to recommend the right size based on your actual needs, not our equipment limitations. Our Fast Flow Gutters® and Gutter Guards are specifically designed to move large volumes of water away from your foundation efficiently.
How to Identify Inadequate Gutter Sizing?
There are some telltale signs that your gutters may be too small for your home. Overflowing gutters are the most conspicuous indicator. Additional signs include a constantly running sump pump, indicating excessive water near your foundation. If your basement emits a musty odor or you observe damp spots near the interior foundation walls, it’s likely your gutters are not doing their job effectively.
Are Bigger Gutters More Expensive?
Many companies charge more for 6-inch gutters and oversized 3×4 downspouts, but we don’t believe in this practice. Our pricing is straightforward: both our 5- and 6-inch gutters are priced the same. It’s worth noting that 6-inch gutters can handle nearly double the water volume compared to their 5-inch counterparts, offering superior protection for your home.
Schedule your replacement gutter Estimate today to find the right solution for your home’s needs.
