Just like you do plenty of research before purchasing a new vehicle or home, you want to research everything that needs replacing in your home, including the gutter system. Replacing parts of the home is an investment, one that should be carefully considered before installation.
There are plenty of options when it comes to replacing or installing a new gutter system from half-round gutters to gutter guards, screens and filters, and so on. Half-round gutters are the most common gutter style due to their affordability and decent drainage protection. Unfortunately, there are some downfalls to installing a half-round gutter system. Keep reading as we discuss the cons of half-round gutters.
Cons of Half-round Gutters
1. Clogs
One of the worst things about half-round gutters is how easily they can clog. The top of a half-round gutter is completely exposed, giving debris like twigs, leaves, dirt, and silt easy access for a place to land and collect. If your property has trees surrounding your home then you’ll most likely experience clogs. Homeowners should deep clean their half-round gutters at least two times per year, more if trees surround the home.
The use of a ladder is required when cleaning a half-round gutter system, so use caution. If you’re uncomfortable using a ladder then we suggest hiring a professional gutter cleaning service.
2. Maintenance
Another downfall to half-round gutters is the maintenance that’s required. As we just mentioned, half-round gutters are prone to clogs and require a deep clean a couple of times per year. Although the task of cleaning gutters isn’t difficult, it can be dangerous and it is time-consuming. Again, the use of a ladder is required to reach the top of the gutters. You’ll have to climb the ladder, climb down and reposition it for the length of your gutter system which can be a lot. As previously mentioned, you can hire a professional gutter cleaning company or ask a loved one or friend to clean your gutters.
Along with frequent cleaning, half-round gutters may require repairs. If the gutter system has seams then bolts and screws that hold the seams and sections in place can easily become loose and break off from the weight of debris and excess water in the gutter system. Depending on how the gutter system is mounted to the home, you may need to repair your soffit and fascia boards if they have damage from sagging gutters – an additional expense that can quickly add up in repairs.
3. Limited Protection
While traditional half-round gutter systems offer decent protection from drainage issues, they can’t handle extreme rainfall and excess weight from snow and ice like other gutter systems, especially when compared to the K-Guard System (more on that later). Capacity for a gutter system is crucial, especially living in St. Louis, St. Charles, Creve Coeur, and surrounding cities. We experience four seasons which include a rainy season that brings torrential downpours and a winter that brings snow and ice storms. Homeowners in our area need a gutter system that can keep up with large amounts of water.
Gutters in a half-round gutter system are often smaller ranging in size from 4 to 6 inches. They don’t move as much water throughout the system when compared to other gutter systems and styles since the top is completely exposed and not covered to allow more water to flow through.
4. Prone to Overflowing, Sagging, etc.
Debris in a gutter system builds up over time, resulting in clogs. Clogs impede water flow, forcing any meltwater and stormwater to pour over the gutters and onto the side of the home. Gutters that have clogs and water that’s unable to flow freely through the gutters will also sag due to heavy accumulated water, snow, and ice resulting in leaks. A gutter system that overflows and sags will eventually tear away from the home, ruining the home’s soffit and fascia boards, the siding, and potentially the roof.
The K-Guard Difference
The K-Guard Gutter System is a complete system that offers full protection against drainage issues. Our gutter product has many components that work together to offer the highest capacity, allowing more meltwater and stormwater to move through the system at a rapid pace. Our curved hood blocks all debris from entering the gutter system, eliminating the need for you to clean your gutters. You’ll never experience clogs ever again!
In addition to requiring zero maintenance, the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System offers protection like no other gutter system on the market. The gutter capacity of our system can support a minimum of 22 inches of rain per hour – much more than a traditional half-round gutter system. The K-Guard system increases the flow rate and allows more water to flow away from the home at a more rapid pace. Our gutter system will also never overflow, sag or tear away from the home. The K-Guard system is so durable that we offer three-lifetime warranties!
If you’re considering installing a half-round gutter system on your home, think again. They clog easily, require ongoing maintenance, offer limited protection, and are prone to overflowing, sagging, and tearing away from the home. Opt for installing the K-Guard System instead.
We offer free in-home estimates that include a detailed analysis of your current gutter system along with estimated costs for installing your K-Guard Gutter System. K-Guard proudly offers our gutter installation service to homeowners in St. Louis and surrounding areas including, but not limited to, the following locations:
Schedule your free estimate today!
