Five inches is the standard size for residential gutter systems, and is more than sufficient for most types of roofs and weather conditions. However, if your gutters are up for replacement, you may want to consider upgrading to 6-inch gutters. In today’s post, State Roofing discusses the reasons why.

Increased Capacity

It may not sound like much, but 6-inch gutter troughs can hold far more than their 5-inch counterparts. If your area receives unusually high amounts of rainfall, having that extra room can help prevent overflowing gutters. In addition to helping reduce the likelihood of damage to the house foundations, the additional room does the same for preventing damage to the roof caused by overflowing runoff.

Fascia Board Protection

The fascia boards cover the rafter tails, giving the roof a more finished look. They also serve as the substrate for the hangers that hold the gutter troughs. A smaller gutter trough may leave some of the fascia board exposed to air and moisture. Choosing a bigger one — in this case, 6 inches — reduces the gap between gutter and fascia board, which helps protect the board from the elements.

More Robust Look

Six-inch gutters have more girth, which makes the roof look more robust when seen from the ground. Sometimes, a roof looks too narrow because of its shape or its color in relation to the exterior walls. Bigger gutters can give the roof a more robust look and restore visual balance, creating an effect similar to installing thicker trim.

Easier Maintenance

Gutters with wider openings are easier to clean and maintain, which makes 6-inch gutter troughs the ideal size if you do your own gutter maintenance. They also do not need cleaning as often as standard-sized gutters do. If you prefer to have your gutters cleaned by professionals, easy-to-clean gutters may help save precious time.

If you would like to learn more about the advantages of 6-inch gutters, call State Roofing at (360) 794-7164, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We provide roofing and gutter services to customers in Seattle, WA, and the surrounding communities.