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What is the Difference Between Commercial and Residential Gutters

On just about any structure you will find guttering. From homes, commercial buildings, skyscrapers, warehouse, you can find guttering everywhere. Some questions that cross the minds of our customers is what is the difference between residential and commercial guttering, and what are the important differences between the two of them?
Gutter Regulations

The best way to answer these questions is to investigate your local laws and regulations on what is required. Commercial building codes differ from residential requirements. For example, commercial building, they may be required to have gutters of a particular size and particular material, and there may be stipulations on where you need to place downspouts for water run offs. While residential requirements give more freedom to choose what you would like to have on your home.Function and Materials of Gutters

In many ways, commercial and residential guttering are the same. They both serve the same function which is to direct rain, snow, and Ice water safely off your roof to avoid foundation damage. Also, your most common gutter material for both commercial and resident guttering is aluminum or galvanized steel.  Copper and plastic guttering such as vinyl are also good choices, although these options are typically chosen for residential gutters because they add a more decorative accident to the home.Gutter Measurements Basics

The basic measurement for gutters is usually either 5” 6” gutters, then 7” gutters for commercial buildings. The 6” and 7” gutters are ideal for commercial buildings because commercial buildings have larger areas to cover the little bit wider gutters help tremendously. Gutters of this size are able to handle larger volumes of water and are able to move it more efficiently than the 5-inch gutters that you would typically see on your residential home.
Your two styles of gutters are going to be the K-Style or Box Gutters (these gutters are a half round gutter, which are U-shaped and are commonly seen on copper guttering systems.) K-Style gutters are appropriately named to highlight their profile shape that resembles the letter K.  The K-Shaped gutters are easy to install on roof lines, but also has the same appeal as crown molding in your home. These gutters are usually selected because they increase the curb appeal. Box gutters on the other hand, are self-explanatory, they are box gutters with the top cut off. A box gutter that shares the same width of a K shaped gutter will hold more water, proving to be more valuable for commercial buildings. The one down side of box gutters are that they tend to get clogged more easily than K shaped gutters.  Since these gutters are used more on commercial buildings, it isn’t a huge deal as the landscaping for trees are normally away from the buildings therefore causing less of an issue.

Gutter Guards

The one major difference that you will notice between residential and commercial gutters is that they both require a different type of gutter protection system. The experts at legacy gutters will be able to help you determine what system is best for your commercial or residential building.  There are a variety of gutter guard brands that you can choose from to help reduce the amount of maintenance and upkeep for your roof.

If you feel you could use the assistance of a professional gutter installation company in Colorado Springs –  call Legacy Gutters today! We have the best team of experts in Colorado Springs to help you with all your gutter needs. Cal Legacy Gutters at (719) 464-8945 to schedule your appointment now!

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