Semicircular gutters, also known as half round gutters, have a higher price tag than standard K-type gutters due to their manufacturing method. They require special threaded rods and suspension brackets for installation, which can add to the cost of professional installation. Additionally, they are heavier than standard gutters. The inside of a semicircular gutter is smoother than the inside of a K-type gutter, which improves its durability and prevents corrosion over time.
The smooth surface also prevents water from accumulating in creases, and is more effective at removing dirt from the gutters. This makes them easier to keep clean. To calculate project costs, Modernize partners with RSMeans, a reliable cost database used by thousands of construction professionals in the U. S. If you're looking to replace or install new gutters in your home, you'll need to choose a gutter style. Semi-round gutters are a style of gutters that is common in the architecture of old houses, since the more modern K-type gutter was not invented until the mid-1940s.
Although K-type gutters are much more in use today, semicircular gutters are still used quite frequently in historic homes and in many different styles of classic residential architecture. Homeowners looking for a unique home exterior may also find interest in semicircular gutters. This comprehensive guide to semicircular gutters will help you better understand how this style of gutters works, its costs, benefits, durability and many more important factors. When you're ready to begin your gutter replacement or installation work, Modernize will connect you with reliable, licensed gutter contractors in your area. While K-type gutters can be found in suburban homes across the United States, demanding homeowners and those who own homes built in classic architectural styles often prefer the look of semi-round gutters. Semi-round gutters are shaped like a tube cut in two - imagine a semicircle with the rounded part facing the ground and the open side pointing towards the sky.
This style of gutter usually has a flat back that attaches to the fascia of the house and a decorative profile with beads on the front for an extra touch. Homeowners may prefer these gutters because of their attractive appearance and because of how well they work with classic architectures. They come in steel, copper, aluminum and vinyl. They retain less rainwater than type K gutters. Like any other type of gutters, semicircular gutters are installed in key parts of the house's roofline to transport water from the roof and away from the foundation. Some of the many classic architectural styles in which semicircular gutters are the preferred profile option include Art Deco, Victorian, Tudor, Colonial, Tuscan, Cape Cod, Georgian, Craftsman and many types of exclusive ranch-style homes.
This gutter style also goes well with houses built with brick or natural stone. However, there may be some drawbacks when choosing this type of gutter. These gutters aren't as common as K-type gutters, so it can be a little more difficult to obtain this material from contractors. Installation is also a little more difficult, which can increase the cost of installing new semicircular gutters. Finally, semicircular gutters are not as deep as K-type gutters, so the same gutter width holds less rainwater. Each home will have a different requirement for the size of the gutters, which will be determined by the slope of the roof, the square feet of the roof that must be drained, and the historical maximum intensity of rainfall (inches per hour) for a particular region.
An undersized gutter will overflow the trough and could cause water to spill against the foundation of the house. A licensed roof or gutter installation contractor can help you identify the perfect gutter size for your home. Semicircular gutters can be used in cities that have historically received a large amount of rain (Memphis, Houston, New Orleans, Miami, Seattle) as long as the maximum intensity of rain is moderate. Homeowners in Gulf Coast cities and other hurricane-prone areas that have experienced unprecedented catastrophic rainfall may want to consider using K-type gutters, which can hold more water. Material options for semicircular gutters, downspouts, end caps, hangers and other components include aluminum, galvanized steel, galvalume, vinyl and copper for high-end custom homes. These materials have different properties that influence the overall life and durability of the gutter.
The table below shows some guidelines on the expected lifespan of semicircular gutters depending on the choice of materials. However, there are many factors that can affect the durability of the gutter. Salty coastal air is much more corrosive in metal gutters than air in temperate inland climates. Regular maintenance to keep gutters free of debris (so that water never stays in them) can also help extend the life of the gutters. Please note that this number is for the gutter only - it doesn't take into account all the additional hardware and components that are required to install a complete gutter system. The installation costs of new semicircular gutters will vary depending on where you live, what materials you choose for your project (aluminum is less expensive than galvanized steel or copper), how many corners there are on your roofline (which affects how many downspouts you need), end caps and other accessories needed for installation. Your own home could also affect gutter installation costs - it is much more difficult to hang gutters in a three-story custom house than in a single-story house on flat land.
A licensed gutter contractor can explain these many variables to you and provide you with an estimate for your project. Modernize has some useful data on estimated costs to help homeowners create a reliable budget for new semicircular gutters - use our Gutter Installation Cost Calculator to get an idea about what your project might cost.