There are different styles of rain gutters. The main two styles are half round and K styles.
What’s the difference?
K-Style gutters are also referred to as OG or OGEE gutters. (“Ogee” is an architectural term for a form that goes from small to large) They are arguably the most popular type of gutter installed today. When you look at a K-Style gutter straight on, they have an appearance on your roofline that resembles the shape of crown molding on your indoor ceilings. Their attractive shape appeals to homeowners, as does their reasonable price. They are highly effective, and can hold more water than a half round gutter with the equivalent diameter. They can be made of different materials, such as copper, steel, and seamless aluminum. K-Styles are often ideal for applications where a flat fascia has been installed. For canted or angled fascia, brackets are applied so that the gutter hangs correctly and securely.
Half Round gutters look exactly as you would imagine: like a round half-circle. With their classic simplicity, the half-round profile goes with virtually any style of home architecture. They can also be made of different materials; most commonly copper, aluminum, or steel. Half-round gutters are commonly used in custom homes, and the shape even allows for the material (most commonly copper) to be embossed, for a very elegant touch to the architecture of the home. Half-round gutters function the same way as K-Style gutters, however they are generally unable to hold as much water as an OG gutter with the same diameter. The half-round design is easier to clean, however. The surface is smooth, and there are no corners or creases for dirt or debris to become lodged.
There is a third, less common style of gutters known as Box Gutters. A box gutter does not hang onto the edge of a roof or on the edge or side of a house as many modern pre-formed metal gutters do. A box gutter is actually built into the bottom of the roof or into the roof overhang. They are usually made of steel. Box gutters date back to the 1800s and can be found on many older homes. They are still built and installed today. It is harder to control the slope on box-gutters, which is why most people today prefer other styles. Gutters that do not slope properly will back up and over-flow and also become clogged more easily.
Whichever style you choose, Prestigious Raingutters can make sure your gutters are properly installed and work to protect your home from water damage. Call us for a free estimate.