Your gutter downspouts are responsible for moving water out of your gutters and away from your building. This integral piece of your gutter system works to prevent water damage to your roof, foundation, walls, and landscape. When looking at gutter installation Santa Rosa, you should note that larger or smaller downspouts may fail to perform their role, so it’s important to determine the right size before buying gutter downspouts. Luckily, working with pros like ARS Roofing can help you find the right gutter size, whether you’re looking for your home or commercial building!
Gutter Shapes and Sizes
Gutters and downspouts come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different roofing systems and rainfall levels. Most homeowners install 5-inch and 6-inch gutters. Larger 7-inch and 8-inch gutters are more suitable for commercial properties.
Gutter Shapes
Noticing signs that your home needs new gutters? Here’s a breakdown of the most common gutter types and their benefits:
K-Style Gutters
K-style gutters are the most popular option for both residential and commercial properties. Their flat back and decorative front resemble crown molding and are what gives this distinct gutter style its name. K-style gutters are highly functional because they can hold more water than other styles, making them perfect for areas with heavy rainfall.
Half-Round Gutters
These gutters have a U-shaped design and are often found on older or historic homes. While they have a classic look, half-round gutters hold less water than K-style gutters and are typically better for homes in areas with lighter rainfall.
Box Gutters
Box gutters are built into the structure of a roof and are common on commercial buildings or industrial properties. They can handle significant water flow, making them ideal for large roofs.
Downspout Sizes
Common downspout sizes include 2”x3” and 3”x4”. For most properties, 6-inch gutters will require a 3”x4” downspout, whereas a 5-inch gutter requires a 2”x3” downspout.
Different Types of Downspouts
Downspouts are an important component to choosing the best gutter system for your home. There are three main types of downspouts:
- K-style downspouts
- Round downspouts
- Rectangular downspouts
K-Style
K-style is the most popular downspout style. These downspouts are usually paired with 5” K-style gutters and are available in two sizes, 2”x3” and 3”x4”.
Rectangular
Rectangular downspouts are the second most popular type of downspout. With a large capacity for water, these efficient downspouts are available in 2”x3”, 3”x4”, and 4”x5” sizes.
Round
Round downspouts are usually used for half-round gutters on classic or older homes. They are available in different colors and sizes, including 3”, 4”, 5”, and 6”.
How to Determine the Right Downspout Size?
Making sure that your gutter downspouts are the right size keeps your drain system functioning correctly and can save you money on repairs in the long run. Along with choosing a reputable roofing contractor for installation, consider these essential tips for determining what size of downspout you need.
Size of the Gutter Drainage Area
As a rule of thumb, one downspout should be placed every 25-35 linear feet of guttering. Depending on the local climate and rainfall intensity, some homeowners may need more. Many homeowners add extra downspouts to boost the drainage capacity of their gutters. Measure your roof to determine the watershed area, which is the area where water will run off. Multiply the peak to eave length by the width to get the square footage.
Gutter Outlet Capacity
Roof slope and gutter size affect gutter drainage capacity, that is, the amount of water per minute that will be channeled off your roof to your gutters and eventually into your downspouts. Gutter outlet capacity should be in tune with the speed at which water flows off the roof. Water will run off with more velocity if your roof has a steep slope, making something to consider when looking at the pros and cons of different residential roof types. If this is the case, your downspouts should be able to remove water at a faster rate, or water can overflow.
Rainfall Intensity
Northern California, in general, experiences a wet season during the colder months that can put a strain on older gutter systems. With an average annual rainfall of around 36 inches, Santa Rosa residents should make sure their downspouts and gutters can effectively and efficiently handle the weather.
Protect Your Home with Expert Gutter Solutions from ARS Roofing
Whether you’re ready to install new gutters, need to upgrade your downspouts, or simply want expert advice, our team is here to help. With decades of experience serving Santa Rosa and surrounding areas, we’ve built a reputation for delivering quality craftsmanship and unparalleled customer care.
Don’t wait for water damage to strike, protect your property today! Contact ARS Roofing today or give us a call at (415) 459-7200 to schedule your consultation. Let’s create a gutter system you can count on for years to come!
