As the design of homes has evolved over the years, so too has the design of the guttering systems used to protect them when it rains. When you think of gutters, you probably don’t realize the variety of systems available today. If your current gutters are looking like they are past their prime and in need of replacement, here is all you need to know about the different gutter systems available today.

K-Style

If your home is like most others, chances are you have k-style gutters. Made to resemble crown molding, k-style gutters have rectangular downspouts and flat backs that let them be attached directly to fascia boards. Very common and the most affordable type of guttering, k-style remains very popular with many homeowners.

Half-Round

Very similar to k-style gutters, half-round gutters feature semicircular sections and have curved lips, making them ideally suited for you if you have a brick home or one located in a historic neighborhood. Popular prior to 1960, these gutters are 5-6 inches wide like k-style gutters, making them very effective at protecting your home when it rains.

Box-Style

Usually found on many commercial buildings, box-style gutters are becoming more popular with residential properties, especially newer homes that have large roofs. Oversized, they may be as much as 10 inches wide and are made specifically to handle large amounts of rainwater. If you live in an area that receives a large amount of rain each year, you may want to speak to professionals like Gutter Tech Enterprises, Inc about box-style gutters for your home. Unlike k-style and half-round gutters that are installed on the edge of your roof, box-style gutters are instead tucked underneath shingles, meaning you need to have them installed when your home is being built.

Fascia Gutters

Finally, fascia gutters are custom-built specifically for your home. Unlike the other types of gutter systems mentioned here, fascia gutters are made from one long piece of aluminum, meaning you will have seamless gutters. In most cases, fascia gutters will blend into the architecture of your home and draw little if any attention from others. If you want this type of gutter system for your home, be sure to work with a guttering company that specializes in this type of gutter system. Also, keep in mind that since these gutters are custom-built, they usually cost about twice as much as traditional k-style or half-round gutters.

By taking into account the look you want for your home, how much you can spend, and how much protection your home will need from large amounts of rain, you’ll pick a gutter system that looks great and offers maximum protection from Mother Nature.