If you have been researching new gutter system lately, you are probably surprised by how so many types and factors to consider when choosing a new one for your home or business. It might feel a little overwhelming, but once you have a good sense of how everything works and all the terminology, you will be a pro.

One of the decisions you will have to make is whether you should get residential or commercial gutters. It might all look the same to you, but there are important differences. A commercial property is going to need certain gutter qualities that a residential property might not need.

Here are some of the main differences between commercial and residential gutters.

Installation Process

First of all, the types of properties that are installed on are different so therefore the installation process is not going to be the same. Residential gutters go on your home which can have uniquely designed roofs like hip or gable roofs. Commercial properties generally have larger and flatter roofs.

Gutter Style

When it comes to styles of gutters, there are marked differences as well. K-style and U-shaped gutters are usually the style choice for residential properties while box gutters are popular for commercial properties.

Different Regulations Apply

There are different laws and regulations that apply to commercial properties than residential ones so always double check on the ones that apply to you before you start any rain gutter installation. Often times there are regulations in regard to the size of gutters, so that will be important to look into.

Size Does Matter

Don’t buy larger commercial gutters for your home because you think larger is better and less upkeep. It is better for your gutters to be fitted exactly to your roof’s specifications. That is what is going to give you the protection you need.

In addition, commercial gutters might look bulky on your home and not be aesthetically-pleasing because it will interfere with any trimming you have on your home.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that the wrong gutter system can lead to surprising damages to your home. If they are not the right size, your gutters can’t do their intended job leading to damage to the roof and the gutters themselves and water damage. No one wants that added stress and expense.

Before deciding on a new gutter system, spend some time looking at the buildings in your neighborhood to see what you like and what you don’t like, and talk to a roofing expert about what is actually feasible for your particular building.

Other Factors to Consider

There are also other factors you need to consider like the types of gutters. Our guide on “What Are Gutters Made Of” can help you with that.

You will also need to decide between sectional versus seamless and K-Shape or Half-Round shape. And if you think you are going to want seamless gutters, aluminum gutter system are the only type that currently offers a seamless option. Roofing experts also advise that K-shape gutters carry more water and are more structurally sound than the half-round shape.

You will also need to decide whether you are going to tackle this as a home project to do on your own or if you will hire a professional company to install them for you. While you save money doing it DIY, not everyone is comfortable doing this kind of project. Consider how safe you feel climbing up a ladder and working up on your roof before deciding. There is no reason to put yourself at risk.

If you do install them yourself, have a professional help you choose the style and size of gutters so everything fits properly when you do the installation so there is no water damage to your home.

At Storm Masters, we have been providing gutters and gutter services like gutter installation for over 40 years now and we guarantee affordable and reliable products and services always. We also provide gutter cleaning, gutter repair and protection services.

To protect your gutters from damage and leaks, we offer a variety of products like the LeaFree, Leaf Relief and GutterRX. LeaFree keeps debris out, but allows the water to flow freely down to the ground. Leaf Relief by PlyGem adds extra support to your gutter system to reduce the normal wear and tear that occurs especially with bad weather. The GutterRX, on the other hand, completely encloses your gutters so no wildlife can get in. If the chore you hate the most is cleaning out the gutters, then these products can help reduce the amount of debris you will have to clean up.

Want to learn more about the differences between residential and commercial gutters, and how we can help you protect your home from water damage, call us for a free estimate today.