Reply to Any advantage to upgrading to 6 inch gutters vs. 5 inch?

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Reply to "Any advantage to upgrading to 6 inch gutters vs. 5 inch?"

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[quote=Anonymous]First, it's quite amazing -- and saddening -- to see how the discourse on such a basic topic as "gutters" can be made so unpleasant by some respondents.   Not sure what might have happened to some of you along the way to make you so ready to attack other people or make disparaging "broad-brush" statements about anyone's profession, but it is disgraceful.  To all those recklessly unpleasant respondents, I strongly encourage you to tone down the rhetoric and, if necessary, please kindly seek professional help.  Life will be much more pleasant for all, including yourself.

[b]Now back to the excellent question as initiated: [/b]

Gutter systems should be sized and otherwise designed considering the size and other characteristics of your roof, as well as the climate zone within which you live  (including, of course, reasonably expected rainfall rates in YOUR local climate.)  In the Mid-Atlantic Region of the U.S., I personally found that upgrading from 5-inch-wide to 6-inch-wide gutters on a single-family residence was very helpful with capturing and guiding all but the heaviest rains away from the house.

Be sure to also use the larger 3x4 downspouts.

And -- VERY IMPORTANT -- make certain that the small transition pieces installed to connect the horizontal gutter runs to the vertical downspouts are ALSO of the larger size.

At my house, the gutter technician actually installed a small-diameter transition piece (appropriate for the smaller 2x3 downspouts) between our larger 6-inch-wide gutters and the larger 3-inch x 4-inch downspouts.   I imagine everyone can guess where the gutter system clogs on occasion:  Yes, right at those way-undersized $2 transition pieces.   No doubt, this was a big "Opps" on the part of the gutter tech, but mistakes do happen, and perhaps he simply did not get appropriate training.  No worries.  Just needed to call them back and have them make it right at no extra charge.  Not a big problem, and certainly no need to get angry with anyone (or everyone).  Better yet, I think everyone learned something useful in the process.

Ultimate Lesson: Just be vigilant during both the contracting and installation phases to ensure all components are appropriately CONFIGURED, SIZED and MATCHED to achieve a balanced, well-performing, and cost-effective gutter system.  A little thought (and kindness) goes along way.

Peace --- and free-flowing gutters --- to all!!!

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