Gutters have two styles or profiles: half-round and K-style. Both styles can be installed on virtually any home style, but there are conditions that will require K-style gutters.
What Are K-Style Gutters?
K-style gutters have an angular profile, whereas half-round gutters are curved. K-style gutters are named as such because it is the eleventh (out of 12 profiles) designated by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA). The eleventh letter is “K”. The rear side of the profile is square while the front side features an S-shaped flourish that, when viewed from the ground, gives the appearance of crown molding. Traditionally, the S-shaped part is called “ogee”, which is why some people call K-style gutters “ogee gutters”.
Conditions That Indicate Your Home Needs K-Style Gutters
While one style isn’t necessarily better than the other in terms of performance, there are conditions that call for choosing K-style gutters over half-rounds:
You need a wider drainage area – Half-round gutters are typically three inches wide, which is more than enough for most homes. However, you may need a wider drainage area if the roof has a very steep slope. The bigger roof area and steep angle will push greater volumes of rainwater towards the gutters, which means you need something with greater efficiency.
You need new gutters on short notice – Seamless K-style gutters are processed onsite, which means they can be ready to install on short notice. In contrast, half-round gutters have to be ordered ahead of time. This makes K-style gutters ideal for emergency replacements.
You need lightweight gutters – Some roofs require gutters made of lightweight materials. Installing heavy gutters may pull down and cause damage to the roof. This is why half-round gutters are better suited for new roof installations as the roofing contractor can take gutter weight into account when planning the roof framing. On the other hand, K-style gutters are usually made from aluminum – one of the lightest metals available – which makes them ideal for installation on existing roofs.
Gutter Helmet® of Piedmont is your leading provider of seamless gutters and gutter protection systems. Give us a call at (844) 204-1015, fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment, and check out our Gutter Helmet® reviews! We serve customers in Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding communities.