Gutter size chart for 5 inch vs 6 inch K-style: downspout size, slope per 10 feet, hanger spacing, and downspout spacing, plus parts, materials, and a 10-step install.
Doing this on a real job? Install gutters: materials, tools and steps sized to your numbers.
Get the planGutters are the first fix for a wet basement; the rest is in the basement waterproofing cheat sheet.
| Spec | 5-inch K-Style | 6-inch K-Style |
|---|---|---|
| Downspout size | 2x3" | 3x4" |
| Minimum slope | 1/4" per 10 ft toward downspout | 1/4" per 10 ft toward downspout |
| Hanger spacing | 24-32" (18-24" in snow areas) | 24-32" (18-24" in snow areas) |
| Hangers at seams and corners | Within 12" | Within 12" |
| Downspout spacing | Every 30-40 ft of gutter | Every 30-40 ft of gutter |
| Front lip position | 1/2" below roof line | 1/2" below roof line |
| Typical use | Standard residential | Large or steep roofs, heavy rain |
Decorative profile resembles crown molding
Semicircular profile for classic homes
Material choice drives most of the budget, from $3-5 per linear foot for vinyl up to $15-30 for copper. Once you know your total linear footage, run the numbers through our gutter cost calculator to estimate the full installation cost before you buy.
$4-9 per linear foot
$3-5 per linear foot
$15-30 per linear foot
$8-12 per linear foot
Standard residential size
High-volume applications
Commercial or large homes
These capacities assume light-rainfall regions (about 1 in/hr); at a typical design rate of 4 in/hr plan on roughly 600 sq ft per downspout. Not sure which size your roof needs? Run your roof area, pitch, and local rainfall through the gutter sizing calculator.
2x3 inches
For 5-inch gutters, standard residential
3x4 inches
For 6-inch gutters, high-volume areas
Gutter Sections
10 or 20-foot lengths, seamless or sectional
End Caps
Left and right, sealed ends
Inside/Outside Corners
90-degree miter or box corners
Drop Outlets
Connects gutter to downspout
Gutter Hangers/Brackets
Hidden hangers, spikes & ferrules, or brackets
Gutter Sealant
Waterproof sealant for joints
Downspout Sections
10-foot sections, corrugated or smooth
Elbows (A & B)
A-elbow for side turns, B-elbow for front/back
Downspout Brackets/Straps
Secure downspout to wall, every 6-8 feet
Splash Blocks/Extensions
Direct water away from foundation
Downspout Screws/Rivets
Secure connections between sections
Gutter Guards (Optional)
Screen, mesh, or solid covers
Most common installation error
Even slight deviations from 1/4" per 10' causes standing water, mosquito breeding, ice formation, and premature gutter failure.
Causes overflow during heavy rain
Long gutter runs need adequate downspouts. One downspout per 30-40 feet prevents overflow and ice dams.
Leads to sagging and separation
Hangers spaced too far apart allow gutters to sag under weight of water, snow, and ice, causing separation from fascia.
Defeats entire purpose of gutters
Downspouts ending too close to foundation cause water damage, basement flooding, and foundation issues. Extend 6+ feet away.
Ask about your situation. Posting needs a free account, and your question carries over so you get an answer with your project in view. Questions we hear often get answered on this sheet.
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