Does size really matter when it comes to gutters? Yes, yes it does. If you’re trying to choose between gutter styles and sizes, and are assuming that bigger is better — well, you would be right in that assumption. This is especially the case if you live in an area that gets a lot of heavy rain.

In this article, we’ll be investigating some of the reasons why large gutters are able to handle heavy rain better than small gutters. “They’re bigger” is the obvious answer, but what else makes large gutters so special? We’ll also be going over some of the drawbacks that come with large gutters, so you’ll be able to make an informed decision about whether large gutters are right for you. Let’s get started!

The Benefits of Large Gutters

Water can cause more structural damage to your home than you might think. From water damage to mold growth, there are a number of irritating and expensive problems that can come up if you don’t have the right size of gutters installed. Here are the main benefits of having large gutters.

Large Gutters Can Handle More Water

Larger gutters are able to hold (and drain) more water at a time when it rains hard. This means that you won’t have to worry as much about problems like overflowing, flooding, and water damage. Large gutters also stop water from collecting on the roof, which eases the stress on your house’s structure and prevents costly roof repairs.

In places with frequent heavy rainfall, you’ll definitely want to invest in large gutters — preferably 8-inch gutters if you happen to own a large commercial building. Large gutters lower the risk of water getting into your home (or business). Getting large gutters installed is truly the best way to keep your belongings and your family (or staff) safe. They also do a great job of protecting your property’s foundation by guiding water away from it.

Less Frequent Maintenance

We have good news for homeowners who dislike cleaning their gutters often: Bigger gutters are less prone to clogging because of their larger openings. They have wider channels, which means debris won’t block them (unless there’s quite a lot of debris buildup in your gutters). Needless to say, not having to clean your gutters as often is super convenient!

Not only that, but larger gutters are more durable and last longer. With less debris buildup, the risk of corrosion decreases. This will save you a lot of time and money on maintenance over your gutter system’s life. You may still want to have a professional contractor from Storm Master Gutters come over to check things out once in a while — just to make sure your gutter system is working properly. Still, though, you’ll have to do this much less frequently than you would with standard gutter sizes!

Compatible With Downspouts

Worried about how larger gutters will work with your downspouts? Don’t be. Large gutters are super effective and compatible with downspouts. As mentioned before, they have the capacity to manage larger volumes of water flow. You might worry that this will put too much stress on your downspouts, but this isn’t the case. Your downspouts should be more than capable of efficiently diverting water away from your home. Remember, you can always reach out to Storm Master Gutters if you have any questions or concerns!

The fact that large gutters are able to hold so much water means that there will be less of a chance of your downspouts getting clogged with debris, too. With larger gutters, the entire drainage system functions more effectively. It’s honestly the best way to reduce the risk of water-related issues around your home.

The Potential Drawbacks of Large Gutters

Large gutters are pretty great, but they don’t come without their potential drawbacks. For one, they can be a bit chunky and might not be the most aesthetically pleasing option out there. Let’s take a closer look at some of the drawbacks of large gutters below.

Aesthetic Concerns

No one is really looking that closely at your gutters. Still, though, aesthetics can be a big deal for some people. It’s your home (or business) after all, and you probably have a certain vision in mind for it. Larger gutters may not complement a building’s architectural style, as they can look bulky. You’ll need to consider the practical advantages of oversized gutters, but also think about how they might affect the overall appearance of your home or business.

Complicated to Install

Yes, it’s true — large gutters may be more complicated to install than standard gutter sizes, but that’s what professional contractors are for! Most of the time, larger gutters require specialized fittings (which any contractor from Storm Master Gutters can help you out with). They may also require custom-made brackets. For this reason, large gutters can end up being more expensive to install. They’re super durable, though, so you’ll actually be saving money in the long run.

You May Need Structural Modifications

Your home might not be strong enough to support the weight or size of large gutters. This doesn’t mean you can’t have large gutters — it just means you might need to get some structural modifications done. Admittedly, this can be costly. This is also something that Storm Master Gutters can help you out with, and we’re willing to work with you on your budget, too. It’ll be worth it in the end, especially if you live somewhere that gets a lot of rain.

Final Thoughts

Large gutters are absolutely better at handling a lot of rain in comparison to smaller gutters. This goes without saying. They’re also super durable and are less likely to get clogged — which is great news for homeowners who are afraid of heights (i.e. you won’t have to climb that rickety ladder that’s sitting in your garage as often). There are a few drawbacks that come with large gutters, but the positives greatly outweigh the negatives. Reach out to Storm Master Gutters today to learn more and schedule a consultation!