There’s nothing worse than water damage, and now that the rainy season is here, you’ll want to be thinking about whether your box gutters are the right size. Installing the right box gutter size and gutter downspout size is super important when it comes to avoiding water damage. The only problem is, how are you supposed to know which box gutter size or gutter downspout size to get?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll be talking about how to make sense of box gutter sizes. Here at Storm Master Gutters, we understand how important it is that your gutter system is able to effectively drain rainwater. Whether you need gutters for your home, commercial box gutters, or seamless box gutters, we’ve got your back. Are you ready to learn all about box gutter sizes?

Then, let’s get started!

Understanding Box Gutter Sizes

There are plenty of different gutter sizes available — honestly, it’s no surprise that a lot of people get confused when it comes to picking out box gutter sizes! The right box gutter size for your home (or business) depends on factors like the type and size of your roof, and what the weather is like where you live.

For reference, two of the most common gutter sizes are the 5-inch and 6-inch variants. Opting for a 5-inch gutter is generally a good idea if you live in a dry climate where it doesn’t rain very often. If you do live in an area where it rains a lot, you may want to go for the 6-inch gutter size. This makes sense, right? The larger your gutters are, the more rainwater they will be able to catch and drain.

You can even get 7-inch box gutters or 8-inch box gutters from Storm Master Gutters, as these sizes will probably best suit your commercial gutter needs. Let’s talk about the benefits (and potential drawbacks) of the different box gutter sizes that are available below. Remember, you can always schedule a consultation with Storm Master Gutters to determine which size of box gutters you’ll need!

Box Gutter Sizes: What’s the Difference?

You may be thinking “Does it really matter what size my box gutters are? Is there that big of a difference between 6-inch and 7-inch box gutters?” Well, you’d be surprised! There are a lot of differences between box gutter sizes. Some sizes work better for commercial buildings, and others are better suited for houses. Let’s break it down below:

6-Inch Box Gutters

If you’ve got a metal or tile roof, 6-inch box gutters are probably the smallest size you should go with. Tiles are often set higher above the roof, meaning water runoff travels a longer distance. 6-inch gutters aren’t necessarily the best choice if you live in an area that gets a lot of rainfall, though. To catch all of that water effectively, you’ll need a bigger gutter system.

Another good reason to go with 6-inch gutters is that they pair well with 3 x 4-inch downspouts, which are bigger and better at handling debris like leaves or twigs compared to the ones you find in regular residential gutters.

You can even get seamless custom gutters in this size. They’ll be perfectly fitted for your building — just contact Storm Master Gutters to schedule a consultation and come up with a customization plan! Of course, depending on how big your roof is, you might need to go even larger with your box gutters to make sure they work their best.

7-Inch Box Gutters

This gutter size falls right in the middle and is specifically made for big commercial buildings that go beyond what a 6-inch gutter can handle. If you’re not sure whether a 6-inch gutter can manage the water runoff from your building, going for a larger size is probably your best move.

If your building is made of steel, this size will probably be a better fit. Steel buildings often have large roof panels that let water flow really fast. In these cases, the water might shoot beyond the end of your building, so you’ll need wider gutters to catch it effectively.

Sometimes, a 6-inch gutter doesn’t leave enough room to place the downspout away from where people walk. That’s when you need the 7-inch gutter to steer the water to a safer spot for downspout installation.

8-Inch Box Gutters

These are the biggest box gutters currently on the market. Typically, these large commercial gutters are reserved for the most massive structures. If you’re unsure whether this box gutter system will suit your needs, we’re more than happy to help you figure it out. The main thing you’ll want to assess is the average rainfall in your area — the more it rains, the larger your box gutter system will need to be.

An 8-inch gutter system could also come in handy if you have a building with exceptionally large peaks that catch rain blown into them during storms. For example, if you own a large church building (or something similar), you’ll probably want to opt for 8-inch box gutters. This is because the rainwater runoff will be so significant. You want to make absolutely sure you’re taking every possible measure to avoid flooding and water damage!

Final Thoughts

Don’t go for bigger commercial gutters for your home just because you think they’re better and need less upkeep. It’s important to get gutters that fit your roof exactly to provide the best protection. Choosing commercial-sized gutters might make your home look not so great, especially if it clashes with any trim you have. It’s about finding a balance between what works well and what looks good.

Picking the wrong gutter system can cause unexpected damage to your home. If the gutters aren’t the right size, they won’t do their job properly, risking damage to your roof, gutters, and home from water. Dealing with that extra stress and cost isn’t something you want.

Before settling on a new gutter system, check out the buildings in your neighborhood. Figure out what you like and don’t like. You can also schedule a consultation with any one of our professional contractors over at Storm Master Gutters. We’ve got your back!