Gutter Styles in Lancaster, PA
Gutter Styles: K-style and Half-round Gutters throughout the Lancaster, PA, Area
K-style and half-round gutters represent two distinct options for homeowners looking to install a new gutter system. Due to their attractive appearance, half-round gutters are particularly popular for specialty applications. While both styles can be manufactured from any material, the cost difference in aluminum makes half-round gutters more of a specialty choice.
Many homeowners may not realize the variety of options available when choosing the right gutter system for their property. Both K-style and half-round gutters come in 5-inch and 6-inch sizes, and each can be adapted as a radius gutter, which means they can be custom-formed to fit curved or semi-circular sections of a home. If you live in the Lancaster, PA, area, please call (717)-716-7440 to learn more about our gutter styles!
*Half-Round Seamless only available in some locations. Ask your Solutionist
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Types of Gutters
A K-Style gutter is the type most frequently found on both residential and commercial buildings. The name “K” comes from the distinctive shape of the gutter’s front edge. This particular design is effective at managing substantial amounts of water, helping to prevent overflow, and the unique shape also provides the gutter with increased strength.
Available in 5 inch and 6 inch
Types of Leaders
A leader, more commonly referred to as a downspout, is the component attached to the gutter that channels water from the gutter down to the ground. Downspouts, or leaders, come in various sizes to accommodate the specific requirements of each home.
The most commonly used leader size on residential homes is 2×3 inches, which is the standard dimension installed with 5-inch gutters. In contrast, a 3×4-inch leader is typically paired with 6-inch gutters. Since a 6-inch gutter is designed to manage a larger volume of water, it requires a bigger leader to handle the increased flow efficiently.
Available in 2”x3” and 3”x4”
The corrugated design not only adds extra strength but also offers an appealing look that many people appreciate. When copper gutters are being installed, corrugated leaders serve as an excellent accent, enhancing both the durability and the visual appeal of the system.
There are no real advantages of round leaders over rectangular leaders as far as handling water and debris.
Available in 3” & 4”
Smooth, round leaders have an attractive appearance, but they do not offer the same strength as corrugated leaders. While they are not fragile, they are more prone to denting if struck, compared to their corrugated counterparts. Additionally, round smooth leaders are only available in copper, not 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 a component designed to hold the gutter in place and attach it securely to the house. It functions by gripping the front edge of the gutter and snapping onto the back, ensuring a firm hold. Most hangers currently installed by professionals operate in this way, and they typically use a threaded screw to fasten the gutter to the house securely.
WSG uses this hanger, which is considered the best on the market. It features a screw that comes partially inserted, making installation easier. The shaft surrounding the screw enhances its strength, while a slight arch at the bottom of the hanger adds further reinforcement. The threaded screw is designed to be driven at an angle through the back of the gutter and into the fascia, ensuring a secure and sturdy attachment.
Available in 5” & 6”
The hidden hanger is frequently chosen over the superior Quick Screw hanger due to its lower price. However, while it is more affordable, using the hidden hanger can significantly reduce the lifespan of your gutters.
Available in 5” & 6”
The inside of this hanger is corrugated, which gives it extra strength. While it is certainly an improvement over the standard hidden hanger, it still does not match the strength of the Quick Screw hanger.
Available in 5” & 6”
If your gutters are over ten years old, there’s a good chance they were 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, continues through the back of the gutter, and is then secured into the fascia. Although this was the standard approach for hanging gutters two decades ago, advancements in technology have made hidden hangers the new industry standard. The main issue with the nail and ferrule system is that, over time, the nails tend to work their way out. This happens because the wood in the fascia expands and contracts with changes in temperature and moisture, gradually loosening the nails until, eventually, the gutter can detach completely.
Available in 5” & 6”
When installing Half-Round gutters, the preferred hanger is the #10 combo. To secure the gutter, the back end of the hanger is fastened to the fascia, and the gutter itself is positioned within the circular shape of the hanger. A spring clip is then attached to the front end of the hanger, hooking over the front lip of the gutter and firmly holding it in place.
Other Materials
A gutter wedge is designed to compensate for the gap that occurs behind a gutter when the fascia board is angled or when molding is present behind the gutter. It is suitable for use with both 5-inch and 6-inch gutters.
When two gutters meet at a corner of a house, a miter is installed to create a smooth transition between them. During installation, our crews carefully seal the corner in three key spots to ensure durability and prevent leaks. First, they apply sealant to the manufacturer’s seam located in the middle of the miter. Next, they seal the inside of the corner where the gutters overlap. Finally, they add sealant on top, right where the gutters join together. This thorough process effectively prevents any leaks from occurring at the corner.
Certain houses feature architectural elements like bay windows or bonus rooms that create an octagonal shape on the exterior. This design requires the gutters to form a 45-degree angle. In these cases, a bay miter is used to join the gutters at the corners.
A roof strap is a slender metal piece designed to connect the gutter to the roof. One end of the strap attaches to the gutter hanger, while the other end features holes that allow a screw to secure both the gutter and the strap to the roof. This type of strap is commonly used in situations where there is no fascia present.
Conductor heads serve both decorative and practical purposes when added to a house or building. Typically installed at the top of a leader, they are especially popular with copper gutters and leaders to enhance visual appeal. Beyond aesthetics, conductor heads also help manage water flow; when a significant amount of water is directed into a single downspout, the conductor head temporarily holds the excess before it continues down the leader pipe. These conductor heads are available in both aluminum and copper, and come in 5-inch and 6-inch sizes.
End caps are used to cap off the open end of a gutter so that water does not flow out of it. They are crimped and sealed with silicon to prevent leaking.
Most houses have an overhang between the gutter/fascia and the siding. An elbow is used to get the leader from the gutter to the siding. Elbows are also installed at the bottom of all leaders so the water does not go directly into the foundation.
