Gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage. They channel rainwater away from your home’s foundation and prevent water from seeping into your basement or crawl space. However, not all gutters are created equal. Choosing the right gutter size for your home can ensure optimal performance and long-lasting protection. In this blog post, we will discuss how to determine the right gutter size for your home with tips from Wildcat Gutters, a leading gutter company in Lexington, KY.
Step 1: Measure Your Roof Area
The first step in determining the right gutter size for your home is to measure your roof area. You can do this by measuring the length and width of each section of your roof and multiplying them together. Then, add the results to get the total square footage of your roof. For example, if your roof is 30 feet long and 20 feet wide, your total square footage is 600 square feet (30 x 20 = 600).
Step 2: Calculate the Maximum Water Flow
Once you have determined your roof area, you need to calculate the maximum water flow that your gutters will need to handle. The maximum water flow is the amount of water that will be flowing off your roof during a heavy rainstorm. To calculate the maximum water flow, multiply the total square footage of your roof by the rainfall intensity in your area. You can find the rainfall intensity for your area by checking with your local weather service or consulting the International Plumbing Code. For example, if your total square footage is 600 square feet and the rainfall intensity in your area is 6 inches per hour, your maximum water flow is 3,000 gallons per hour (600 x 6 = 3,600 / 60 = 60 gallons per minute or 3,000 gallons per hour).
Step 3: Choose the Right Gutter Size
Once you have calculated the maximum water flow, you can choose the right gutter size for your home. The most common gutter sizes are 5-inch and 6-inch gutters. A 5-inch gutter can handle up to 5,520 square feet of roof area, while a 6-inch gutter can handle up to 7,960 square feet of roof area. However, it is important to note that these are just general guidelines, and your specific situation may require a larger or smaller gutter size.
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to roof area and maximum water flow, there are other factors to consider when choosing the right gutter size for your home. These include the slope of your roof, the type of roofing material you have, and the number of downspouts you will need. If your roof has a steep slope, you may need larger gutters to handle the increased water flow. Similarly, if you have a metal roof, you may need larger gutters to prevent damage to the roofing material.
In terms of downspouts, the rule of thumb is that you should have one downspout for every 40 feet of gutter length. However, if you have a large roof area, you may need additional downspouts to ensure optimal water flow.
Why Choose Wildcat Gutters?
Choosing the right gutter size for your home can be a complex process that requires expertise and experience. That’s where Wildcat Gutters comes in. We are a leading gutter company in Lexington, KY, with years of experience in the industry. We can help you determine the right gutter size for your home and install high-quality gutters that will provide long-lasting protection for your home.