You’re bound to find K-style gutters in today’s homes. Its older counterpart, half-round gutters, is becoming less common, yet there are certain conditions that make it preferable between the two. In this blog, the siding and gutter contractors at Exterior Building Solutions share an overview of when you should choose half-round gutters for your home.

K-Style Vs. Half-Round Gutters

Gutters are available in two profiles. The more popular K-style has a square profile that results in an angled edge, when viewed from the ground. The outer side is usually shaped to look like crown molding, which works with nearly every architectural style. Its name is designated by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) as the 11th—that is, the letter K—in a series of gutter profiles.

Half-round gutters, on the other hand, is an older gutter style that’s typically associated with traditional-style homes. There’s not much explanation to its name, since its profile is essentially a half-circle.

Why Choose Half-Round Gutters?

While K-style gutters are regarded as the more efficient gutter type, there are reasons why windows and gutter contractors still recommend half-round gutters:

Traditional House Style — Traditional architectural styles, such as Colonial and Victorian, wouldn’t look right without half-round gutters. Copper half-round gutters create an authentic look, which is enhanced during its later years, when it starts developing green patina.

Simple and Cleaner Lines — Sometimes a certain roof style could use a less angular look, and this is where half-round gutters become the better choice. It might sound like you’re sacrificing capacity and performance by choosing half-rounds over K-style, but a good gutter contractor will calculate the appropriate load and make sure to choose the proportionate size.

Easier to Clean — One of the drawbacks of K-style gutters is that dirt and debris on the inside corners are hard to remove, which increases the likelihood of corrosion. Half-round gutters do not have this problem, thanks to its curved insides. It will also let water flow more freely, reducing the chances of getting clogged.

Exterior Building Solutions is your leading provider of gutters and entry doors. Give us a call at (314) 470-8783 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in St. Louis, Chesterfield, and Wildwood.