Which Is Better Round or Square Guttering?
September 16, 2020
A rain guttering system represents an important asset that enhances the quality of your property. Rain gutters are a valuable investment when their structure complements your home without sacrificing functionality. There are different styles of rain gutters and their effectivity relies on the conditions of your home, as well as on the expertise of the installer. This is why rain gutter installation should be left to professionals: you will get proper assistance choosing the most suitable style to ensure long-lasting results.
Choosing a rain guttering style entails a thorough evaluation of your home and the area you live in. While they should increase your house's visual appeal, rain gutters are not ornamental pieces. They must effectively steer water away from the foundations without succumbing to the climatic changes that usually come with the rain. These are some of the factors homeowners should take into account before going for a particular style:
- The potential of a guttering style in terms of longevity.
- The materials that work best with a particular style.
- How the rain gutter will be integrated in the foundations, and how it will fit against the roof and tiles of your home. This integration will also determine the effectiveness of a rain guttering system to flush water without obstructions or leaks.
- How often will the guttering system need to be cleaned, and how much effort will it take to provide proper maintenance.
- How simple or complex the installation is, and the costs entailed in it.
- The need to install additional elements like gutter covers, stop ends, miters, etc.
When it comes to rain gutter styles, round and square gutters are fairly even in terms of benefits and popularity among homeowners. We outline their pros and cons for you to gauge which option fits your home best.
Round Gutters
Also known as half round gutters, they resemble a circle that's been spilt in half, either built as a full semi-circle all around or with a straight back. A common sight in colonial architecture, half round gutters have a classic air that has served to adorn many high-end houses. This style usually favors materials like copper, aluminum, and galvanized steel.
Pros
- Their shape complements your roof and tiles very well, flattering your home with a clean, poised look.
- They are basically half-round tubes, and this makes them very easy to clean and maintain.
- Their diameter helps them carry water more effectively.
- They carry fewer risks of blockage and corrosion.
Cons
- They are particularly difficult to install.
- They are very expensive due to the process that goes into installing a seamless structure for them.
- Not all rain gutter installers include round gutters among their services.
- Despite their accessible shape, some homeowners still find them harder to maintain than other styles available.
Square Gutters
As the name implies, these gutters have a square shape, which is why they are also known as box gutters. There are two formats available: lo-square with are 110 mm in height, and hi-square gutters that reach an average of 130 mm. Zinc, aluminum, and galvanized steel are popular choices of materials when it comes to square gutters.
Pros
- Because of their wide dimensions, square gutters can channel large amounts of water.
- They are more affordable than other options, particularly lo-square gutters.
- Very practical for large constructions like residential buildings and big establishments.
- They are ideal for rainy weather. With proper maintenance, square gutters are sturdy enough to last many years and withstand constant downpours.
Cons
- If the weather in your location doesn't stray beyond mild rains, the collected debris can clog the gutters, so you might need to consider installing a gutter guard to avoid blockage.
- Their structure is not as visually pleasing as other styles, which is why square gutters are usually reserved to structures where functionality takes priority over esthetic appeal.
- When they aren't properly installed, square gutters cause many leaks. In these cases, the water that runs behind the gutter not only damages the trim but the roofs and walls of your house.
As you can see, both styles have advantages that turn them into attractive options that will befit certain structures and climates better than others. Since square and round gutters are among the oldest rain guttering styles around, it's natural for other options to come out and make up for some of their drawbacks, with k-style and fascia gutters being the strongest contenders.
- K-Style Gutters: Very durable gutters that are favored for their attractive design and water-holding capacities. Probably the most popular and well-known style in the US.
- Fascia Gutters: Custom-made gutters that must be directly installed into the house's fascia panel. Because of their big dimensions, they work well in extreme weather but can be harder to maintain.
In the end, the best way to determine the right style for your home is with the help of a rain gutter installation professional that knows what to look for. Styles that are deemed outdated for most establishments can be a practical asset to certain types of homes. Likewise, even when certain rain gutter styles are seemingly simpler when it comes to installation, the best way to get a structure that's 100% integrated to your house's layout is with the skills of an expert that knows guttering systems inside and out.
A sophisticated rain gutter system will permanently remove all leaks and improve the overall layout of your home. Rain Gutters Solution assembles the best rain guttering units according to your preferences in terms of material and styles. Call
(305) 270-7779 or fill out the
contact form on this website, and schedule an appointment with our team right away. We guarantee specialized installation services that will make all rain-related issues a thing of the past.
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