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Denver Gutter Systems: Which is Right for Your House?
June 1, 2016
Gutters come in a myriad of shapes, styles, colors, and prices, so that the homeowner can readily find a gutter system that will suit the style of the house and the constraints of their budget. The obverse side of that is the likelihood of being overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. Denver roofing companies are ready to help you figure out not only which gutter systems will provide you the best value and do the job they’re meant to do.
Gutters comes in two basic shapes: K-style and half-round. You can find K-style gutters in 5- and 6-inch widths. They have flat bottoms and oftentimes a decorative curve or ogee, like outdoor crown molding, to add curb appeal, and can cost up to more than 50 percent more than half-round gutters. Half-round gutters have a crescent shape--a half circle--carry less than half the capacity of typical K-style gutters, and are typically found on older style architecture.
House Logic states that most residential gutter systems today are made of aluminum, which has several advantages: it's lightweight, won’t rust, the sturdier gauges withstand snow loads, there are various colors available, and they can be painted. The cost of professional installation (materials and labor) ranges from $2 to $3 per linear foot for a 6-inch, K-style gutter. Aluminum gutters also come in seamless styles which are fabricated at the job site.
Copper also has the advantage of not rusting, and it never needs paint, adding a certain look to the home. However, seams and joints in copper gutters must be welded and professional installation is strongly recommended. It’s also expensive, at $12 to $15 per linear foot for installation.
Steel gutters are strong enough to withstand heavy snow loads, but rust after five to 10 years. Many color options are available, and they can be painted. The cost of steel gutters runs between that of aluminum and copper at $8 to $10 per linear foot (materials and labor).
Another expensive option that adds curb appeal is zinc. Durable and long-lasting, it needs no paint. Joints and seams must be welded, requiring professional installation at $10 to $24 per linear foot.
Properly functioning gutters collect rainwater from rooftops and direct it to downspouts. Downspouts funnel rainwater away from the house’s foundation, which helps crawlspaces and basements stay dry and also helps prevent foundations from settling and cracking. Downspouts come in round or square dimensions from three to six inches in width. Figure on installing one downspout for ever 40 to 40 linear feet of gutter.
Calculating appropriate gutter capacities and sizes can cause utter confusion. Experts recommend that homeowners consult Denver roofers for good advice. Larger gutter widths, they say, carry more capacity, but may collapse beneath heavy snow loads and are more expensive to install.
So, which gutter system is right for your house? Denver roofers agree that standard, 5-inch, aluminum, K-style gutter systems will suit most architectural styles and capacity needs. However, if you have an historic home (and live in an historic district) or if you are interested in other options, consult the professionals. Big Creek Roofing and Restoration will review your gutter needs and recommend options that work best with your home’s architectural style and your budget. Call us at (303) 877-8369 for a consultation!
Gutters comes in two basic shapes: K-style and half-round. You can find K-style gutters in 5- and 6-inch widths. They have flat bottoms and oftentimes a decorative curve or ogee, like outdoor crown molding, to add curb appeal, and can cost up to more than 50 percent more than half-round gutters. Half-round gutters have a crescent shape--a half circle--carry less than half the capacity of typical K-style gutters, and are typically found on older style architecture.
House Logic states that most residential gutter systems today are made of aluminum, which has several advantages: it's lightweight, won’t rust, the sturdier gauges withstand snow loads, there are various colors available, and they can be painted. The cost of professional installation (materials and labor) ranges from $2 to $3 per linear foot for a 6-inch, K-style gutter. Aluminum gutters also come in seamless styles which are fabricated at the job site.
Copper also has the advantage of not rusting, and it never needs paint, adding a certain look to the home. However, seams and joints in copper gutters must be welded and professional installation is strongly recommended. It’s also expensive, at $12 to $15 per linear foot for installation.
Steel gutters are strong enough to withstand heavy snow loads, but rust after five to 10 years. Many color options are available, and they can be painted. The cost of steel gutters runs between that of aluminum and copper at $8 to $10 per linear foot (materials and labor).
Another expensive option that adds curb appeal is zinc. Durable and long-lasting, it needs no paint. Joints and seams must be welded, requiring professional installation at $10 to $24 per linear foot.
Properly functioning gutters collect rainwater from rooftops and direct it to downspouts. Downspouts funnel rainwater away from the house’s foundation, which helps crawlspaces and basements stay dry and also helps prevent foundations from settling and cracking. Downspouts come in round or square dimensions from three to six inches in width. Figure on installing one downspout for ever 40 to 40 linear feet of gutter.
Calculating appropriate gutter capacities and sizes can cause utter confusion. Experts recommend that homeowners consult Denver roofers for good advice. Larger gutter widths, they say, carry more capacity, but may collapse beneath heavy snow loads and are more expensive to install.
So, which gutter system is right for your house? Denver roofers agree that standard, 5-inch, aluminum, K-style gutter systems will suit most architectural styles and capacity needs. However, if you have an historic home (and live in an historic district) or if you are interested in other options, consult the professionals. Big Creek Roofing and Restoration will review your gutter needs and recommend options that work best with your home’s architectural style and your budget. Call us at (303) 877-8369 for a consultation!