5-inch and 6-inch gutters are the most common option for residential homes. Larger 6-inch systems move up to 40% more water and provide better protection from heavy rain, especially on large, steep roofs. Smaller 5-inch gutters are more cost-effective and may be sufficient in milder climates. You should also factor in the cost to install, difficulty of the job, material, durability, and lifespan before choosing a gutter system.
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Gutters play an important role in how efficiently your roof sheds water. When they’re properly sized, they channel moisture into your downspouts and away from vulnerable areas like your flashing, soffits, siding, and foundation.
For residential gutters, you have two main options: 5″ and 6″. This minor but important size difference can affect everything from how they perform to how effectively they protect your home from the elements during high winds or severe storms.
Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to choose the right gutter size for your home. We’ll also tell you how Roof Maxx treatments can help rejuvenate your aging asphalt shingles so they can better withstand the elements.
5″ gutters are typically suitable for single-story homes with simple roof designs in milder climates. This is the most common gutter size for residential homes here in the U.S.
Six-inch gutters are ideal for large homes or roofs with complex layouts. The added surface area allows them to handle up to 40% more water at any given time.
Every home needs gutters, but there are five main factors you need to consider before you pick a specific size.
Most of these directly relate to the design of your roof and local weather conditions:
The condition of your roof also makes a difference, because an older roof may be unable to tolerate the added weight for larger gutters.
In general, 6″ gutters are better for homes in areas that get severe storms, heavy rain, or snow. Because they handle a much higher volume of water, ice, and snow, which lowers your risk for ice dams and blockages.
There are a few drawbacks:
The fact that wider gutters naturally collect more leaves, twigs and ice over time isn’t really an issue as long as it can pass through your downspouts. Switching to a 3″x4″ or larger downspout can sometimes help with this issue.
To check precipitation rates in your area, search for “annual rainfall in [your city] or [your state]” online. Pick a reliable resource like US Climate Data or Statista.
If your city gets more than 30″ of rain, that’s a strong indicator that you should go with a wider 6″ gutter. In arid zones like Arizona or New Mexico, so little rain falls that overflow is unlikely to happen in the first place.
The difference in price for 5″ and 6″ gutters is negligible. You’ll pay around $0.50 to $1.00 more per linear foot to size up.
This adds up to an increase of around $100 to $300 for the average homeowner, but you should also factor in:
Planning to sell? Upgrading to 6″ gutters will give you another benefit to advertise, but unfortunately it won’t significantly change the value of your home.
The material your gutters are made of is almost more important than the size. It affects everything from lifespan to durability in hurricanes and other storms.
Here’s a rough overview of what you can expect from the most common optional:
Be cautious about trying to save money by going with cheaper materials, like vinyl. You might save a little upfront, but you’re risking much more expensive repairs and early replacement later on down the road.
Asphalt shingles are your roof’s first line of defense against water, snow, and ice. When they’re relatively new and still in good condition, they still contain enough petrochemical oils to repel water toward your drip edge and then downward into your gutters.
Over time, aging asphalt shingles can become dry or brittle from constant exposure to the elements. This can lead to shingle loss, cracks, and even leaks over time.
Roof Maxx is an all-natural roof restoration solution that soaks down deep into your shingles to make them flexible again. It won’t fix a leak, but it will give your roof the support it needs to shed water effectively.
Gutters are protective, so function should always take priority over form, but that doesn’t mean you have to totally sacrifice curb appeal or personal preferences. You can buy 5″ and 6″ gutters in a wide array of colors, finishes, and shapes.
If you decide you no longer like the look, want to sell, or you’re just sick of the color, it’s completely possible to paint over most materials.
In general, 5″ gutters will look sleeker and stand out less on cottages, bungalows, and smaller homes. By comparison, 6″ gutters may feel bulky or stick out like a sore thumb, but the wider diameter actually looks better on larger homes and more complicated roof styles instead.
We strongly recommend having a pro install your gutters to ensure the work is up to code. If you decide to handle it on your own, you’ll assume all the risks that come with working on your roof.
But if you’re determined, here’s what you need to consider:
Your fascia and roofing system also need to be able to handle the added weight of larger gutters. If you aren’t sure how to calculate this, you have structural damage along the edge of your roof, or you’re missing shingles, contact a roofer for advice first.
Your gutters will also need cleaning on a regular basis to ensure proper drainage. We typically recommend contacting roofing professionals for this.
Properly sized gutters matter, but they’re just one element in the roofing system that protects your home. That’s why you should consider making Roof Maxx a part of your whole-home maintenance strategy if you have an asphalt shingle roof.
Our all-natural, plant-based treatment restores shingles by re-infusing them with the petrochemical oils they lose over time. To see if you qualify, get a free roof assessment.
With our five-year, transferable warranty, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that your roof and entire home are protected.
