The term “K-style” indicates the shape of the gutter, which is flat on the back, and shaped like crown molding in the front, to accentuate your roofline. Gutter is an aluminum trough that attaches to the fascia of your home. It is designed to catch rain water coming off the roof.
Why is it Called K-style?
Over the years, there have been some informal or manufacturer-specific lettering systems for different gutter profiles. It appears that somewhere along the line, the flat back and curved front of the K-gutter profile reminded someone of the letter K, and the name “K-style gutter” stuck. This shape eventually became the most popular due to its effectiveness and more flattering appearance on residential homes compared to other gutter styles.
Why Select K-style Gutter?
Occasionally our customers ask why we are using K-style gutter and if there are any alternatives to consider. There are indeed other gutter styles, although they are quite rare. K-style gutter, also commonly referred to as K-gutter, is currently the standard on residential homes, and has been for at least 30 years. Because of its decorative trim shape, it accentuates the roofline and improves curb appeal. Plus its shape makes it effective at channeling water away from a house.
What other Gutter Options are There to Consider?
While K-style is overwhelmingly the most popular, there are other profiles. These alternative gutter shapes are found most often on custom homes, since non-traditional gutter shapes typically cost two to three times more than standard K-style gutters.
Can You Match Your Gutter Color to Your Home?
The good news is that K-style gutters are available in more than 50 colors, making it easy to find the perfect match for your home. Matching the gutter color to your trim creates a cohesive look by allowing the gutters to blend in seamlessly with your home’s exterior.
Homeowners can also choose to match the gutters to the trim, while matching the downspouts to the home’s base color, allowing the downspouts to visually blend into the exterior.
Other Matching Considerations
The drip edge (see image below) is a thin metal flashing installed along the edge of the roof that helps guide water into the gutters. For full-home gutter installations, in most instances once the gutters are installed the drip edge will no longer be visible, so it is not necessary to match the gutters to it. Likewise, the color of the soffit is rarely a deciding factor when choosing the color of the gutter.
Depending on the height of the fascia board, a small portion (usually a half inch or so of the fascia) may remain visible below the gutter in some areas. Because of this factor, it may be a good idea to take the color of the fascia into account when considering color choice.
Some homeowners have chosen to match their gutters to their roof color. In most instances, we do not find that this complements their home’s overall appearance. Similar to the way you would not consider your tires when choosing the color of your car, the roof is generally not considered an important factor in choosing a gutter color.
What is the Performance of K-style Gutters?
K-style gutter can be made from multiple materials, such as aluminum, copper, galvanized steel, and PVC. For residential homes, aluminum is the #1 choice due to its relatively low cost and durability.
Aluminum K-gutter often lasts 20 years or more with proper maintenance. The gutter coil is 100% aluminum, and contains no iron, so it does not rust. However, aluminum can still corrode over time, which is why keeping your gutters clean and well-maintained helps extend their lifespan and preserve their appearance.
What Size is Best for K-Gutters in Florida?
In Florida, gutter suppliers primarily offer 6” K-style gutter, with 7” coming in a distant second. This is because 6” gutters are generally the best suited for Florida’s heavy rains, combined with the lower roof pitches found on Southern homes.
A common misconception about gutter sizing is that the steeper the pitch, the larger the gutter required. In reality, the opposite is true.
Anyone who is from the North knows that homes in Northern states often have steeper roof pitches, typically between 6:12 and 8:12, to help snow slide off. When snow melts, it creates a steady runoff of icy water that can freeze on steps, sidewalks, and driveways, posing safety hazards. Because of these conditions, Northern states put gutters on homes as a standard fixture. The steeper roof pitch sends snowmelt and rainwater at a more direct angle into the gutters, which allows 5-inch gutters to be sufficient.
On the other hand, roofs in the Southern states, especially Florida, have a lower average pitch (3:12-6:12). With a gentler slope, rainwater can overshoot smaller gutters, making larger 6-inch gutters more effective. Florida also receives significantly more rainfall, averaging about 54 inches per year compared with Michigan’s 34 inches. This higher volume of rain can quickly overwhelm 5-inch gutters, which is why 6-inch K-style gutters are the standard in our area.
What about K-Gutter Thickness?
K-style aluminum gutter comes standard in .027” thickness. A heavier .032” option is also available, but that size is rarely necessary, especially if the hangers used to install the gutter are conservatively spaced (every 24”). Check out this blog for more information about gutter thickness and how it affects performance.
Thinking About Installing Gutters Yourself?
If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you can find K-style gutter materials at most local hardware stores. Keep in mind that they usually come in 10-foot sections that need to be joined together. This obviously can add a lot of extra work.
In order for gutters to function properly, every section has to be leveled and pitched correctly toward the downspouts so water does not pool. That can be tricky to achieve with sectional pieces, leading homeowners to seek out seamless gutter solutions. Fewer seams also means fewer leaks. After all, when seams are not sealed correctly, leaks can quickly become a real headache.
Another thing to consider is that gutters purchased at a hardware store can cost more than double what a professional company pays at a supply house. Once you factor in the cost of specialty tools like tin snips and crimpers, the potential savings of a DIY installation may not be worth the time and effort, especially for a whole-house project.
In Summary
K-style gutters are a smart choice for almost any home. They are the ideal balance of durability, functionality, and an attractive look. When properly installed and maintained, they protect your home from water damage while handling heavy rainfall with ease. The goal is for your gutters to perform well for many years and keep your home looking its best.
