Nowadays, the majority of gutters are crafted from aluminum, although other options such as copper, galvanized steel, and even plastic are also available.
Copper gutters, known for their soldered seams, are usually installed by professionals but tend to be the most expensive choice.
The prevailing gutter shape is commonly referred to as “K-style”
K-style gutters have a flat bottom and back, while the front boasts an ogee profile resembling crown molding. Typically, these gutters have a width of 5 inches, although 6-inch widths are also available for larger roofs.
Professionally installed gutters are usually 5-inch K-style ones that are produced on-site using a truck-mounted extruding machine. This machine transforms flat aluminum coil stock into seamless gutters of any required length.
Alternatively, 5-inch K-style gutters, and the necessary corners and end caps, can be obtained in 10-foot lengths from home centers to complete the installation.
Another popular gutter shape is the half-round design
While the half-round shape aligns better with historical aesthetics, it does not possess the same capacity as K-style gutters.
In the past, various historical gutter types ranged from two boards nailed together in a V-shape at the roof’s bottom to concealed gutters consisting of sheet-metal lined troughs positioned just above the roof’s edge.
Downspouts are available in the same range of materials as gutters
Aluminum gutters are typically paired with rectangular section downspouts. On the other hand, round downspouts are more commonly used with different types of gutters.