Are you considering installing gutters on your home or business but aren’t sure which type to choose? Look no further than half round gutters! While they may not be as well-known as their common K-style counterpart, half round gutters offer unique advantages that make them the perfect choice for your property.
But before you make a decision, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of half round gutters. In this post, we’ll explore the facts about half round gutters and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of this style. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to decide if half round gutters are the right choice for your building. So let’s dive in!
What Are Half Round Gutters?
Half round gutters are curved in the shape of a half-circle, with a smooth, rounded bottom and an open top. They are often made of materials like copper, aluminum, or steel, which are durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. Half round gutters have been around for centuries and have a classic, elegant look that can add charm and sophistication to any home. They are typically installed along the edge of the roofline and are supported by the fascia board, to collect rainwater and direct it away from the house to prevent water damage.
Half round gutters are known for their ability to handle more water than K-style gutters and are less prone to clogging. However, they require professional installation to ensure proper mounting and spacing of the brackets and hangers. Overall, half round gutters are a great choice for homeowners who want a traditional, timeless look and an effective water management system for their homes.
What Are Half Round Gutters Made Of?
Home and commercial building owners have incorporated half round gutters made of metal for decades. However, now, due to advancements in technology, they can be made of light materials, such as vinyl or PVC. Therefore, half round gutters benefit your home regardless of the material they’re made out of.
Aluminum
Aluminum, a material renowned for being durable and affordable, is a popular choice for half round gutters. Gutters made of aluminum can withstand harsh weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, and wind, without succumbing to rust or corrosion. In addition to their functional benefits, aluminum half round gutters come in various colors and styles that can complement your home’s aesthetics.
Half round aluminum gutters can last up to 25 years, depending on how they are maintained throughout their lifespan. With proper maintenance and timely cleaning, you can extend their lifespan, and reduce their repair or replacement cost.
Generally, aluminum half round gutter installation costs between $5 to $13 per linear foot, before factoring in their installation or labor cost.
Copper
If you choose copper as your gutter material, make sure you know you’re choosing the most expensive material. For its renowned durability and aesthetic appeal, copper creates half round gutters that have an incredibly long lifespan, and are used on high-end homes. Since ancient times, copper has been one of the most durable materials for gutters and other water drainage channels. Because copper half round gutters can last more than 100 years, you can still find them on some historic homes.
Since copper half round gutters are heavy, they are not suitable for DIY installations, and therefore require professional installation.
If you want to give your home exterior a more traditional look, copper half round gutters may be a good choice. The cost of copper half round gutters can vary between $12 to $29 per linear foot, plus additional installation costs.
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel is also among the heavy and durable materials for half round gutters. As galvanized steel resists rust formation and prevents it from corroding, half round gutters made of it can last up to 20 years. However, because of its complex installation, half round gutters made of galvanized steel are unsuitable for DIY installation. Therefore, you need to look for professional assistance to install these gutters.
Half round gutters made of galvanized steel cost between $10 to $15 per linear foot, excluding installation and other related costs.
Zinc
Zinc is a high-quality material used to form half round gutters. The green patina, which is a result of a water-air reaction on the zinc surface, gives it an aesthetic appeal that looks green. As zinc is resistant to rust and corrosion, it makes durable and long-lasting half round gutters. The average lifespan of zinc-made gutters is around 50 years or more, depending on the level of maintenance and regular upkeep.
If you want to install half round gutters made of zinc, they can be a durable option for your home. Zinc also provides a smooth and rust-free surface for water to flow through the gutters.
The cost to install zinc half round gutters ranges between $10 to $20 per linear foot. The cost for installation also depends on the complexity of the job and your location.
Vinyl
Vinyl is the least durable option for half round gutter material compared to others listed above. However, it is a low-maintenance option that homeowners love, and it’s made of plastic (PVC) material that is inexpensive compared to others. Vinyl gutters will traditionally cost around $2 to $5 per linear foot.
Additionally, vinyl half-round gutters are suitable for DIY installation as they are comparatively less expensive and lightweight, making them easy to install. Hence, even if you choose to have them professionally installed, their installation cost is on the lower end, costing between $2 to $4.
Pros Of Half Round Gutters
While giving your home a durable and aesthetically pleasing appearance, half round gutters have some additional pros, which we’ve included below.
Classic And Elegant Look
One of the reasons residential and commercial building owners install half round gutters is that they provide a classic and traditional look. Since half round gutters are most commonly found on historic homes, they provide added curb appeal to modern homes with their stately appearance. Their round-shaped bottom is also unique and adds to curb appeal.
Clog-free
The smooth surface and the round-shaped bottom are also impressive components of this gutter system. The chance of debris and dust clogging in K-style gutters is high due to their square and angled bottom. However, with half round gutters, this is different. They help the flow of water move smoothly with no resistance through the channel and toward your downspouts
Easy To Clean And Maintain
Because of their round-shaped bottom, half round gutters are easier to clean than K-style gutters with their sharp corners and edges. This makes it easier to fully clean the gutter and extend its lifespan.
Cons Of Half Round Gutters
Like any other material, half round gutters also have some drawbacks along with their advantages. Read below to find out more.
Expensive
While half round gutters have many advantages, they also have some drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is their cost. Half round gutters are generally more expensive than other gutter types, such as K-style gutters. This is due in part to their unique shape, which requires special manufacturing equipment and techniques.
Limited Options
Additionally, there is a limited availability of accessories and add-ons for half round gutters due to their shape, such as gutter guards. Finding the right components to maintain and install your gutters can make it challenging. For example, there are fewer options for hangers or brackets available, which are used to secure them to your fascia board.
The 3 Must-Know Facts About Half Round Gutters
Here are the three must-know facts about half round gutters you should know. Read on to help you make an informed decision.
Historical Significance
Half round gutters have a rich historical significance and were commonly used on older homes dating back to the early 1900s. The half round shape was initially crafted from copper and symbolized wealth and status. Over time, this gutter style became more accessible to the middle class and was made from various materials, such as aluminum and vinyl.
Size Options
Half round gutters come in different sizes to accommodate complicated roof designs and rainfall amounts. Selecting the right-sized gutter to capture and move water away from your home effectively is important. Half round gutters typically come in 5-inch or 6-inch widths, with larger sizes available for areas with heavier rainfall. A professional gutter installer can help you determine the right size for your home.
Maintenance
Like all gutters, half round gutters require regular cleaning and maintenance to function properly. Over time, debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt may accumulate in your gutters and cause clogs. This can lead to water damage to your roof, walls, and foundation, so make sure to maintain and inspect your gutters regularly to prevent this from happening.
Are You Ready To Install Gutters In Your Home?
Are you ready to install gutters on your home today? Since half round gutters are uncommon compared to other gutter styles, finding the right one for your home can be intimidating. Luckily, we’ve got you covered! You can start the installation process on your home or business with one call today.
If you are considering half round gutters for your home, call All Around Roofing, Siding & Gutters, at (937)-902-2839 for professional assistance.
