Gutter Styles in Augusta, GA
Gutter Styles: What Are The Differences in the Augusta, GA, Area
K-style and half-round gutters represent two distinct options for homeowners considering gutter installation. Due to their attractive appearance, half-round gutters are particularly popular for specialty applications. Although both styles can be made from any material, the cost difference in aluminum options often makes half-round gutters a specialty choice.
Many people are unaware of the variety of options available when choosing the right gutter system for their home. Both K-style and half-round gutters come in 5-inch and 6-inch sizes, and each can be fashioned as a radius gutter, which is designed to fit areas of a home that feature a semi-circular shape.
*Half-Round Seamless only available in some locations. Ask your Solutionist
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Types of Gutters
A K-Style gutter is the most commonly used type on both residential and commercial buildings. The name “K” comes from the distinctive shape of the front of the gutter. This design is highly effective at managing large volumes of water without overflowing, and the unique shape also provides additional strength to the gutter.
Available in 5 inch and 6 inch
Types of Leaders
A leader, more commonly known as a downspout, is the component connected to the gutter that directs water from the gutter down to the ground. These leaders come in various sizes to accommodate the specific requirements of different homes.
The most commonly used leader on residential homes measures 2 by 3 inches, which is the standard size installed with 5-inch gutters. In contrast, 3 by 4-inch leaders are typically paired with 6-inch gutters. Since a 6-inch gutter generally handles a larger volume of water, it requires a bigger leader to accommodate the increased flow effectively.
Available in 2”x3” and 3”x4”
The corrugated design offers enhanced strength along with a distinctive aesthetic that appeals to many people. When installing copper gutters, corrugated leaders serve as an excellent accent, adding both durability and visual interest.
There are no real advantages of round leaders over rectangular leaders as far as handling water and debris.
Available in 3” & 4”
The smooth round leaders have an attractive appearance, but they do not possess the same strength as corrugated leaders. While they are not inherently weak, they tend to dent more easily if struck compared to their corrugated counterparts. Additionally, smooth round leaders are only made from copper and are not available in aluminum.
There are no real advantages of round leaders over rectangular leaders as far as handling water and debris.
Available in 3” & 4”
Types of Hangers
A hanger is the component that holds the gutter together and attaches it securely to the house. It functions by gripping the front lip of the gutter and snapping onto the back, ensuring a firm hold. Most hangers installed by professionals today operate in this manner. These hangers typically use a threaded screw to fasten the gutter to the house, providing stability and durability.
WSG uses this hanger because it is the best hanger available on the market. It arrives with a screw already partially inserted, which makes installation easier. The shaft through which the screw passes adds extra strength, enhancing the overall durability of the hanger. Additionally, the slight arch at the bottom contributes further reinforcement. When installed, the threaded screw is driven at an angle through the back of the gutter and into the fascia, ensuring a secure fit.
Available in 5” & 6”
The hidden hanger is frequently chosen over the superior Quick Screw hanger due to its lower cost. However, despite being more affordable, it considerably reduces the lifespan of your gutters.
Available in 5” & 6”
This hanger features corrugation on the inside, which enhances its strength compared to a regular hidden hanger. While it offers improved durability, it still does not match the strength of the Quick Screw hanger.
Available in 5” & 6”
If your gutters are over ten years old, they may have been installed using the nail and ferrule system. In this method, a nail is driven through the front of the gutter, passes through the ferrule shaft and the back of the gutter, and then is anchored into the fascia. While this was the common approach to hanging gutters about twenty years ago, advancements in technology have made hidden hangers the new industry standard. The main issue with the older nail and ferrule system is that the nails tend to work their way out after a few years. This occurs because the wood expands and contracts over time, gradually loosening the nails until the gutter eventually detaches.
Available in 5” & 6”
When installing Half-Round gutters, the #10 combo hanger is typically used. This hanger is secured at its back end to the fascia, and the gutter is positioned within its circular shape. A spring clip then attaches to the front end of the hanger, hooking over the front lip of the gutter to hold it firmly in place.
Other Materials
The gutter wedge is designed to compensate for the gap behind a gutter when the fascia is slanted or when there is molding present behind the gutter. It is compatible with both 5-inch and 6-inch gutters.
When a house has an area where two gutters meet at a corner, a miter is used to create a smooth transition between them. During installation, our crews apply sealant in three specific spots to ensure a watertight connection. First, they seal the manufacturer’s seam located right in the middle of the miter. Next, they seal the inside of the corner where the gutters overlap into it. Finally, they apply sealant on top where the gutters come together. This thorough sealing process effectively prevents any leaks.
Certain houses feature architectural elements like a bay window or a bonus room that create an octagonal shape on the exterior. This design requires the gutter system to form a 45-degree angle to fit properly. To accommodate these corners, a bay miter is used to connect the gutters seamlessly.
A roof strap is a thin piece of metal designed to provide additional support for gutters. One end of the strap hooks into the gutter hanger, while the other end features holes that allow a screw to secure both the gutter and the strap directly to the roof. These straps are commonly used in situations where there is no fascia present.
Conductor heads are commonly installed at the top of a leader to enhance the style of a house or building, adding an extra decorative element. They are frequently used in conjunction with copper gutters and leaders. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, conductor heads serve a practical purpose: when a large volume of water flows into a single downspout, the conductor head temporarily holds the excess water, allowing the remainder to flow smoothly down the leader pipe. These conductor heads are typically available in materials such as aluminum and copper, and come in sizes of five and six inches.
End caps are installed to close off the open ends of gutters, preventing water from flowing out. They are securely attached by crimping and then sealed with silicone to ensure a watertight fit and prevent any leaks.
Most houses feature an overhang between the gutter or fascia and the siding. To connect the leader from the gutter to the siding, an elbow is used. Additionally, elbows are installed at the bottom of all leaders to prevent water from flowing directly into the foundation.
