If you live in the Raleigh-Durham area and, like me, don’t love sifting through long articles, here’s the short answer: 6-inch gutters are almost always the better choice. But if you’re curious why, let’s break down the differences and help you choose the best option for your home and budget.
What are 5 inch gutters?
Nine times out of ten, the gutters currently on your home are 5-inch. These used to be the industry standard, often paired with 2×3 downspouts—a size we no longer install. As homes have grown larger, 5-inch gutters have struggled to keep up. They’re more prone to clogging and overflowing, which can lead to water damage, eroded foundations, and eroded landscaping. In extreme cases, overflow can seep back into your home, rotting your fascia and soffit or even attracting pests.
That said, 5-inch gutters aren’t all bad. They can still be a great solution for smaller homes with simple rooflines, which don’t generate as much runoff during storms. If your home fits that description, 5-inch gutters might work just fine—but homes like this are becoming less common.
Why We Recommend 6-Inch Gutters
We almost always recommend 6-inch gutters for two main reasons:
- Superior Performance: A 6-inch gutter holds nearly 40% more water than a 5-inch. This added capacity is a game-changer during heavy rains, reducing the risk of overflow and giving downspouts more time to drain.
- Minimal Cost Difference: The price difference is usually about $1 per foot. For around 15% more upfront, you get decades of improved performance, making it a no-brainer for most homeowners.
Larger homes or those with complex rooflines—featuring many hips, valleys, or areas where one roof drains onto another—benefit the most. These roofs shed large volumes of water, and 6-inch gutters handle the load without requiring extra downspouts. Plus, they tend to look better on larger homes, as their size is more proportional to the roof.
Why Raleigh’s Climate and Tree Coverage Make 6-Inch Gutters a Smart Choice
Living in Raleigh, you’ve likely noticed how quickly the weather can turn. One moment it’s sunny, and the next, it’s a torrential downpour—sometimes with a hurricane thrown in for good measure. During these heavy rains, 5-inch gutters often fall short, leading to overflow that can damage your foundation, basement, or crawlspace. While you might only notice eroded landscaping, the unseen damage can cost thousands to repair down the road.
Another factor to consider is tree coverage. Homes surrounded by trees deal with clogged gutters more often, which slows drainage to a crawl. Think about how your shower drain behaves when it’s clogged—even a little buildup can cause a puddle to form. Gutters are no different. While the debris is larger, so is the drain, which is why we only install 3×4 downspouts. Larger gutters also help by giving downspouts more time to clear out before overflow occurs.
Conclusion
6-inch gutters are the way to go. They perform better in heavy rains, handle tree debris more effectively, and suit the needs of most Raleigh homes. They look great, work efficiently, and barely cost more than 5-inch gutters.
Still unsure? Give me a call, and we’ll talk it through. Every home is different, and we’re here to help you find the perfect solution for your needs and budget. Let’s keep your home dry and protected together.