Residential Seamless Gutter Systems
All About Our Residential Gutter Systems
Gutters are an essential part of any home drainage system. They help to direct rainwater away from the foundation of your home, preventing damage to your foundation, basement, and landscaping. However, in order to function properly, gutters need to be the correct size.
If you choose gutters that are too small, they may not be able to handle the volume of rainwater that flows through them during a heavy rainstorm. This can lead to overflowing gutters, which can cause water to pool around your foundation and damage your home.
Choosing The Right Sized Gutters
Selecting the correct gutter system for your home is crucial in efficiently managing rainwater and preventing damage to your property. There are several options available, but how do you choose between a 5-inch, a 6-inch gutter, or a 5-inch gutter with oversized downspouts? Let's break it down by understanding the water flow for each one.
Gutter Water Flow Chart
5-Inch Gutters
A 5-inch K-style gutter can effectively handle the drainage of a roof area up to 5,520 square feet1. This calculation is based on the assumption that one square inch of gutter can drain 1.25 gallons of water per minute (GPM), which is a commonly used rule of thumb in the industry2. The cross-sectional area of a 5-inch gutter is approximately 19.63 square inches (π * radius², with radius being half of 5 inches). Therefore, 19.63 square inches x 1.25 GPM/square inch = approximately 24.54 GPM.
6-Inch Gutters
A 6-inch K-style gutter is designed to handle the drainage of a roof area up to 7,960 square feet1. This calculation is based on the industry standard that one square inch of gutter can drain 1.25 gallons of water per minute (GPM)2. The cross-sectional area of a 6-inch gutter is approximately 28.27 square inches (π * radius², with radius being half of 6 inches). Therefore, 28.27 square inches x 1.25 GPM/square inch = approximately 35.34 GPM.
Choosing The Right Sized Downspouts
Choosing the correct size downspouts for your gutter system is crucial to ensure efficient drainage. The size depends on the roof's size and slope, and the region's average rainfall. Larger downspouts handle more water volume and reduce the risk of clogs. Consult a professional to determine the appropriate size for your home's specific needs.
Downspout Waterflow Chart
2x3 Downspouts
A 2x3 inch downspout can drain up to 6 gallons of water per minute (GPM) in ideal conditions. This calculation is based on the assumption that one square inch of downspout cross-sectional area can drain 1.25 gallons of water per minute, which is a commonly used rule of thumb in the industry1. The cross-sectional area of a 2x3 downspout is approximately 4.8 square inches (2 inches x 3 inches = 6 square inches for a rectangular downspout, but we must consider it as a cylindrical pipe for water flow, so we adjust the value to 4.8 square inches). Therefore, 4.8 square inches x 1.25 GPM/square inch = 6 GPM.
3x4 Downspouts
A 3x4 inch downspout can drain up to 15 gallons of water per minute (GPM) in ideal conditions. This calculation is based on the assumption that one square inch of downspout cross-sectional area can drain 1.25 gallons of water per minute, which is a commonly used rule of thumb in the industry1. The cross-sectional area of a 3x4 downspout is approximately 12 square inches (3 inches x 4 inches = 12 square inches for a rectangular downspout, but for water flow we consider it as a cylindrical pipe, so we adjust the value to 12 square inches). Therefore, 12 square inches x 1.25 GPM/square inch = 15 GPM.
Downspout Extensions: A Rainy Day Solution
Protect your home's foundation with our durable and efficient downspout extensions! Redirect rainwater safely away from your property, preventing soil erosion and water damage. Easy to install and available in various styles, our extensions blend seamlessly with your exterior decor. Invest in our downspout extensions - your affordable solution for a dry, damage-free home!
The Importance of Downspout Extensions
Downspout extensions are an essential part of any home's rain gutter system. They serve a crucial role in directing water away from your home's foundation, reducing the risk of water damage and potential structural issues. We look forward to hearing from you and get into more details on the advantages if Downspout extensions!
Foundation Protection
Water accumulating around the base of your house can seep into the foundation, causing cracks and other structural damage. By using downspout extensions, you ensure that water is directed safely away from your home's foundation.
Basement Protection
Without proper drainage, water can build up and eventually find its way into your basement, leading to costly repairs and potential health issues due to mold and mildew growth. Downspout extensions can help prevent this by channeling rainwater away from your home.
Protects Landscaping
Excessive water flow can damage your garden or erode soil in your yard. Downspout extensions can help protect your landscaping by controlling where and how water exits your gutter system.
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