4 Tips for Choosing the Right Rain Gutter Style

Each home, or type of home, has its own distinct architectural look. Because of this, it is important to choose a rain gutter style that blends well with your home’s existing features. Gutters that do not blend in with the rest of your home can quickly become an eyesore, greatly reducing your home’s curb appeal.

While every home is different, there are a few general recommendations that can help you buy the right gutters for your home.

Spanish Colonial Style Homes

This type of architecture is particularly popular in California, but can also be found in many other parts of the country. The first Spanish Colonial style homes in the United States were built hundreds of years ago, shortly after the first Spanish colonists settled on the North American coast. This style of architecture has risen in popularity since then and many modern homes are built in a traditional Spanish Colonial style.

Since many of these homes are found in rainy areas, gutters are a must. A popular choice for these homes is half-round gutters. This type of gutters has two advantages: their shape is not prone to trapping debris, so they do not have to be cleaned as frequently as traditional gutters and their size and width allows them to carry a large amount of water without overflowing.

Tudor Revival or Mock Tudor Style Homes

Tudor style homes are reminiscent of an English countryside during medieval times. These homes are typically built with herringbone brick exteriors and tall, thin windows that are frequently composed of a pattern of adjacent diamonds. These homes, like the Colonial Revival style homes, often have multiple chimneys decorating their roofline. Tudor style homes took root as a prominent architectural style in the United States towards the end of the 19th century. These homes are predominantly found along the East Coast, although there are several Midwestern cities that also include large communities of Tudor style homes.

Like the Spanish Colonial styles homes, these Tudor style homes tend to work well with half-round gutters that are made of a variety of materials, including copper. If copper half-round gutters work with your budget, you can be sure that you have purchased a product that will last a long time and age gracefully. In fact, aged copper can actually accent the other architectural features of a Tudor style home.

Many Spanish Colonial homes boast copper half-round gutters. Copper tends to blend well with the architecture since it is a historically accurate building material, but it is also a relatively expensive choice, so many homeowners opt for a more affordable rain gutter style option. Click here to learn more about your options for custom copper gutters.

Colonial Revival Style Homes

This sturdy yet elegant home style is characterized by its columned patio leading up to the entryway. Other common features are brick walls, prominent chimneys, and shuttered windows. These homes are often two stories, with a sharply peaked roofline and a symmetrical design.

The flat sides of these roofs lend themselves well to the use of K-style gutters, a rain gutter style that resembles crown molding. These gutters blend seamlessly with the rest of the house and are available in an assortment of building materials. Like the half-round gutters, K-style gutters can hold a lot of water, making them ideal for climates that are prone to heavy rainfall.

California Bungalow Style Homes

One of the trademark features of a California bungalow is its sloped roof with exposed interior rafters. Many of these homes include wooden siding or stucco walls and chimneys that are built out of brick or natural stone. The most popular type of gutter to use on these types of homes was originally wooden rain gutters. While this is an aesthetically appealing choice, it is not the most practical decision. Gutters that are composed of natural wood need to be replaced far more often than other, more durable plastic or metal gutters.

Fortunately, this style of home is also easily equipped with K-shape gutters or half-round gutters, both of which are a more durable option that will not distract from your California bungalow’s other architectural features. K-shape gutters will give your home a more American look, one that appeals to many homeowners. Others prefer the more traditional look of the half-round gutters. Some designers opt for aluminum half-round gutters – a more affordable long-term option – or cast iron half-round gutters – a favorite for those that are looking to “buy it for life.”

Choosing the Right Rain Gutter Style for Your Home

While these general guidelines can help to give you an idea of what might work with your home, it is important to remember that every home is different and every homeowner has their own distinct style, so do not be afraid to think outside the box. Feel free to consult one of our experts with any questions about or to learn more about what we can do for you.