K-style gutters don’t look like a “k.” The front of the gutter is usually curved and resembles crown moulding. K-style gutters are the most common option and provide optimum drainage for the majority of homes in most of the U.S. They come in 5-inch to 6-inch widths. Most times these style gutters are installed with rectangular downspouts. 

Tip: A k-style gutter in the same inch width can handle twice as much water as a half-round gutter. 

Half-round gutters feature a semicircular trough with a cuved lip. They fit well and look best on traditional, older brick homes. Half-round gutters catch water efficiently, but need help draining water away from your home. They work best with round downspouts. Gutter sizes for a half-round gutter are 5 to 6 inches in width.

Gutter downspout sizes are 3 to 6 inches. The larger a gutter downspout, the more water it can drain away quickly. However, if a gutter downspout is too large, it can look unattractive. Most downspouts are rectangular, but they can also be round or square. You should have enough gutter downspouts to effectively handle the size of your entire gutter system. A good rule of thumb is to install one for every 35 or so linear feet of gutter. 

The type of gutters you buy and the size of the gutter pieces you buy should be able to handle all the rain your home gets in a year. A standard 5-inch, k-style gutter can handle annual rainfall for a majority of houses in most of the U.S. You can also add additional or oversized downspouts to improve drainage, if necessary. 

Tip: Find a professional installer who can calculate exactly what size and how much gutter you will need in your region. 

Aluminum is the most popular choice for homeowners. It is rustproof, lightweight and comes in a wide selection of colors.

• Good choice for DIY installation 

Seamless aluminum gutters are custom, made on site. Installers create these types of gutters using very few seams. These gutters require a higher upfront investment than seamed gutters. Fewer seams can mean fewer or no leaks.  

• Better installed by pros

Vinyl is attractive, fits most budgets and comes in select colors. 

• Good choice for DIY installation

Copper won’t mold, mildew or rust. It requires welding. Copper's highly attractive color is ideal for historic restorations and luxury dwellings.

• Better installed by pros

Zinc is rustproof, durable and can last longer than aluminum. It requires welding. Zinc's weathered matte gray color is ideal for historic restorations and luxury dwellings.

• Better installed by pros

Steel is available in rust-resistant galvanized steel, stainless steel or a specialty product called Galvalume. Steel is strong, long-lasting and comes in many colors. It is heavy, difficult to install and requires quick maintenance to prevent rust.

• Better installed by pros

• Gutter guards or debris barriers are basically an aluminum hood and/or mesh screen that blocks most leaves and other trash. 
• Gutter cleaning tools make quick work of removing clogs and debris.
• Rain chains lead water from the gutter directly to the ground, especially good for houses with deep overhangs.
• Conductor heads give downspouts more time to drain during extra heavy storms.
• Downspout brackets secure downspouts to the house, protecting them against wind. Many come in decorative finishes and designs.