Guides
Plain-English background to the numbers behind the calculators — what size gutters you need, how many downspouts, how to measure linear feet, sections and hangers, 5" vs 6" and K-style vs half-round, seamless vs sectional, gutter guards, how often to clean, when to replace, gutter materials, what’s in a quote, and rainwater from your roof.
What size gutters do I need?What size gutters you need in three numbers: effective roof area, rainfall intensity and profile. When 5-inch is enough and when to step up to 6-inch.How many downspouts do I need?Two ways to size downspout count: the drainage-area method and the 30-40 ft rule of thumb. Run both, take the larger, and add one under every valley.How to measure gutters: linear feet, sections & hangersMeasure gutters right: linear feet from the eave runs, then sections, hangers, end caps, corners and elbows. Where to measure, and what to add for waste.5-inch vs 6-inch gutters: which do you need?5-inch vs 6-inch gutters compared on capacity and cost. A 6-inch carries about 50% more roof area and clogs less; when the extra dollar per foot pays off.K-style vs half-round gutters: capacity, look & costK-style vs half-round gutters: capacity, look and cost. K-style holds more at the same size and costs less; half-round suits historic homes but sizes up.Seamless vs sectional gutters: leaks, cost & DIYSeamless vs sectional gutters: seamless removes mid-run joints (the usual leak points) but costs more per foot and needs a pro. Sectional is DIY-friendly.Are gutter guards worth it? Cost vs cleaning savingsAre gutter guards worth it? Weigh the upfront cost against the cleanings you skip, the caveats no installer mentions, and when DIY beats a pro install.Gutter guard types compared: screen to reverse-curveGutter guard types compared: screen, foam, brush, micro-mesh and reverse-curve. What each costs per foot, what it keeps out, and where it fails.How often should you clean your gutters?How often to clean gutters, set by tree cover: none about once a year, some trees twice, heavy pine or oak three to four times. What it costs and when to skip it.Signs you need new gutters (and what replacement costs)The signs you need new gutters versus a repair: cracks, sagging, rust, peeling paint, pooling water. What replacement costs, and when a fix is enough.Gutter materials compared: aluminum, copper, steel, vinylGutter materials compared on cost and lifespan: aluminum, copper, steel, vinyl and zinc. Cost per year, not just sticker price, tells you the real value.How gutters are measured & priced (what is in a quote)How gutters are measured and priced: what goes into a quote line by line, how to derive the per-foot rate, and how to spot a high or padded estimate.Rainwater from your roof: downspouts, extensions & dischargeHow much rainwater your roof sheds, and how to get it away: the 0.6234 gallon rule, downspout extensions, elbows and the 4-6 ft discharge distance.