Here at The Brothers that just do Gutters, we offer an array of gutter sizes and styles. 5-inch, 6-inch, 7-inches, and 8-inch gutters are used across both residential and commercial gutter projects (offered gutter sizes vary by location). As the industry-standard shifts for what is considered to be standard and oversized gutters, we want to provide a breakdown of the different gutter sizes, and how to select the correct gutter size for your home’s needs.
We interviewed our expert, Nathan Hiebert of the Brothers Gutters NW-SATX. He services the Uvalde and surrounding Northwest side of San Antonio Texas areas and neighborhoods. We were able to discuss further why he finds that 6-inch and 7-inch gutters are becoming the new standard sizing for residential gutters in his area. He found value in purchasing a 7-inch machine for his truck because he has seen the need for larger gutter systems on residential homes in SATX. We asked Nathan a few questions about why he offers 7-inch gutters, as well as, under what circumstances he recommends them to customers.
Nathan says that Spanish tile roofing is very common in San Antonio. Due to the style roof and how it overhangs the fascia, 7-inch gutters are often the best option. 7-inch gutters allow for a larger width to extend past the tiles, which better collects cascading water. This roof style is very common in this area. This area also gets heavy rains, making the 7-inch system the most efficient in collecting water for these specific style homes.
Concrete slate roofs are another style roof that largely benefits from a bigger gutter system. As well as, flat-roofed homes and buildings. While an inch may not seem like much, the difference between water capacity in a 5-inch, 6-inch, and 7-inch gutter is huge.
When Should You Consider Alternate Gutter Sizes like A 7 Inch Gutter?
Larger systems handle more rainwater without causing overflow. For example, when upper gutters drain into lower gutters and other complicated layouts that cause an increased volume of water, a larger gutter handles this much more efficiently. They won’t cause interference with water dropping onto sections with decking below, or where landscaping beds tuck under the eave. Also, oftentimes homeowners want fewer downspouts. With a 7 inch gutter, it provides enough capacity to handle the water to move down the gutter system into one catch area.
A rainwater collection system, like a large barrel for the water to dump into, allows for the collection of the large amounts of rainwater these size systems collect. Allowing for more re-usability in other areas of the yard, like flower beds, gardens, and the like.
Nathan often shows his customers the varying gutter sizes with a demonstration. He does a 5 inch and 7-inch comparison by overlapping the two gutters together. He runs a hose through them to act as rain. This shows how the larger gutter handles a greater capacity of rainwater more efficiently and eliminates overflow.
If you think your home could benefit from a larger gutter and/or you have a style roof like the ones mentioned above, we can help! Fill out our Contact Us form for a free estimate. A Solutionist will be able to best assist you in making a recommendation for what size gutter system will meet your needs.