Gutter Styles in Peoria, IL
Gutter Styles: K-Style and Half-Round Gutters throughout the Peoria, IL, Area
K-style and half-round gutters represent two distinct options for homeowners looking to install a new gutter system. Half-round gutters are particularly popular for specialty applications due to their attractive appearance, and while both styles can be made from any material, the higher cost of aluminum half-round gutters often places them in the specialty category. Many homeowners are unaware of the choices available when it comes to selecting the right gutter system for their property.
Both K-style and half-round gutters come in 5-inch and 6-inch sizes, and each style can be crafted as a radius gutter, which allows the gutter to curve around semi-circular areas of a home.
*Half-Round Seamless only available in some locations. Ask your Solutionist
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Types of Gutters
A K-Style gutter is the type most frequently found on both residential and commercial buildings. The name “K” comes from the distinctive shape of the gutter’s front edge. This particular design is effective at managing substantial volumes of water, helping to prevent overflow. Additionally, the K-style shape enhances the gutter’s overall strength and durability.
Available in 5 inch and 6 inch
Types of Leaders
A leader, which is more commonly referred to as a downspout, is the component attached to the gutter that channels water from the gutter down to the ground. Downspouts, or leaders, come in various sizes to accommodate the specific requirements of different homes.
The most commonly used leader size on residential homes measures 2×3 inches, which is the standard dimension typically installed with 5-inch gutters. In contrast, a 3×4-inch leader is most often paired with 6-inch gutters, as these larger gutters usually handle a greater volume of water and therefore require a bigger leader to manage the increased flow effectively.
Available in 2”x3” and 3”x4”
The corrugated design enhances strength while also offering an appealing look that many people appreciate. When copper gutters are being installed, corrugated leaders serve as an excellent decorative feature.
There are no real advantages of round leaders over rectangular leaders as far as handling water and debris.
Available in 3” & 4”
Smooth round leaders have an attractive appearance, but they are not as strong as corrugated leaders. While they are not considered weak, they are more susceptible to denting if struck, unlike their corrugated counterparts. Additionally, smooth round leaders are only offered in copper, not in aluminum.
There are no real advantages of round leaders over rectangular leaders as far as handling water and debris.
Available in 3” & 4”
Types of Hangers
A hanger is a component that holds the gutter in place and attaches it to the house. It functions by gripping the front edge of the gutter and snapping onto the back, ensuring a secure fit. Most hangers used by professionals today are designed this way, and they all rely on a threaded screw to fasten the gutter securely to the house.
This is the hanger that WSG uses, and it’s considered the best hanger available on the market. It features a screw that is already partially inserted into the hanger, making installation easier. The design includes a shaft through which the screw passes, enhancing the overall strength and stability. Additionally, the slight arch on the bottom of the hanger further reinforces its durability. The threaded screw is installed at an angle, passing through the back of the gutter and securely anchoring into the fascia.
Available in 5” & 6”
The hidden hanger is frequently chosen over the superior Quick Screw hanger due to its lower price. However, while it is more affordable, it considerably reduces the lifespan of your gutters.
Available in 5” & 6”
The inside of this hanger is corrugated, which gives it extra strength. While it is certainly an improvement over the standard hidden hanger, it still does not match the strength of the Quick Screw hanger.
Available in 5” & 6”
If your gutters are over ten years old, they were likely installed using the nail and ferrule system. In this method, a nail is driven through the front of the gutter, passes through the ferrule shaft, continues through the back of the gutter, and is then secured into the fascia. This approach was the standard for hanging gutters about twenty years ago, but advancements in technology have led to hidden hangers becoming the new industry norm. One major issue with the nail and ferrule system is that, over time, the nails tend to work their way out. This happens because the wood expands and contracts with changes in temperature and moisture, gradually loosening the nails and eventually causing the gutter to detach.
Available in 5” & 6”
When installing Half-Round gutters, the preferred hanger is the #10 combo. To secure the gutter, the back end of the hanger is first attached to the fascia, and then the gutter is positioned within the circular shape of the hanger. A spring clip is used to hook onto the front end of the hanger, fitting over the front lip of the gutter, which ensures the gutter is held firmly in place.
Other Materials
The gutter wedge serves to compensate for any gap behind a gutter that occurs when the fascia is angled or when molding is present behind the gutter. It is compatible with both 5-inch and 6-inch gutters.
When a house has a corner where two gutters come together, a miter is installed to create a smooth transition between them. During installation, our crews carefully seal the area in three critical spots to prevent leaks. First, they apply sealant at the manufacturer’s seam located in the center of the miter. Next, they seal the inside of the corner where the gutters overlap. Finally, they add sealant on the top where the gutters join together. This thorough process ensures that the connection remains watertight and leak-free.
Certain houses feature architectural elements like a bay window or a bonus room that create an octagonal shape on the exterior. This design requires the gutter to turn at a 45-degree angle. In such cases, a bay miter is used to join the gutters neatly at the corners.
A roof strap is a slender metal piece designed to connect the gutter to the roof. One end of the strap hooks into the gutter hanger, while the other end features holes that allow a screw to secure both the gutter and the strap firmly to the roof. This method is commonly used in situations where there is no fascia present.
Conductor heads serve both decorative and practical purposes on a house or building. Typically installed at the top of a leader, they are especially common with copper gutters and leaders, enhancing the overall appearance of the structure. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, conductor heads also help manage water flow; when a large volume of water is directed into a single downspout, the conductor head temporarily holds the excess water, allowing it to drain gradually through the leader pipe. These conductor heads are available in both aluminum and copper, and they come in sizes of 5 inches and 6 inches.
End caps serve to close off the open ends of gutters, preventing water from escaping. To ensure a secure and leak-free seal, the end caps are crimped into place and sealed with silicone.
In most houses, there is an overhang that separates the gutter and fascia from the siding. To connect the downspout, or leader, from the gutter to the siding, an elbow is typically used. Additionally, elbows are installed at the bottom of all leaders to ensure that water is directed away from the foundation rather than flowing directly into it.
