Gutters have one main job: carry water off your roof and away from your home. When they’re too small, they can’t keep up. Water spills over the edge, pools near your foundation, or ends up in your basement.
If you’re getting new gutters, these guidelines can help you choose a size that holds up to whatever Minnesota weather throws at it.
Know the Standard Sizes
Most homes use either 5-inch or 6-inch gutters. The number is the width across the top of the gutter.
A 5-inch gutter is the most common choice and works well on many average-sized homes. A 6-inch gutter is only one inch wider, but it can hold about 40% more water. That extra room makes a big difference during a heavy storm.
Step 1: Measure Your Roof
Your gutters need to catch all the water that runs off your roof, so roof size is the best place to start. Measure each section of roof that drains into a gutter, then multiply the length by the width to get its square footage.
Look at each section separately, since each one sends water to its own stretch of gutter. Larger sections usually call for larger gutters.
Step 2: Check Your Roof Pitch
Pitch is how steep your roof is. A steeper roof sends water down faster, and fast-moving water can shoot right over the edge of a small gutter.
If your roof is too steep to walk on comfortably, you’ll likely be better off with 6-inch gutters. Two homes the same size can need different gutters because of pitch alone.
Step 3: Consider Minnesota Weather
Twin Cities summers bring heavy thunderstorms that can dump a lot of rain in a short time. Spring snowmelt adds even more water.
Size your gutters for the toughest days of the year, not an average rainfall. If you’re torn between two sizes, our weather is a good reason to go bigger.
Step 4: Match Your Downspouts
Downspouts carry water from your gutters to the ground. If they’re too small, water backs up and overflows no matter how wide your gutters are.
Most homes use 2×3-inch or 3×4-inch downspouts. Larger 3×4-inch downspouts move water faster and pair well with 6-inch gutters. Long gutter runs may also need a downspout at each end.
Gutter Size Ideas for Popular Minnesota Home Styles
Your home’s architecture can also point you toward the right size. Here are some general guidelines for styles you’ll see all over the Twin Cities.
Ramblers
Ramblers have a long, low roofline with a gentle slope. On many ramblers, 5-inch gutters handle the job well. If the roof has long, wide sections, 6-inch gutters give you extra peace of mind.
Colonials and Traditional Two-Story Homes
These homes usually have more roof area draining into each gutter run. Water also falls farther, so it lands with more force. Many two-story homes do better with 6-inch gutters and 3×4-inch downspouts.
Modern Farmhouse Homes
Modern farmhouse homes often have steep roofs and large, open roof sections. That combination sends a lot of water down quickly, which makes 6-inch gutters a smart fit.
Homes With Complex Rooflines
Some homes have valleys where two roof sections meet. Valleys funnel extra water into one spot, which can overwhelm a smaller gutter. Upsizing the gutters, or just the sections near the valleys, helps prevent overflow.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
- Plan for nearby trees. Leaves and twigs take up space inside your gutters. Adding gutter guards during installation helps your new gutters keep their full capacity.
- Choose a strong material. Larger gutters carry more weight, especially with snow and ice. Steel, aluminum, and copper each have their own strengths.
- Think about where water lands. Downspouts should empty several feet away from your foundation.
- Get a professional measurement. An installer can size your system accurately and spot drainage problems you might miss.
Why Seamless Gutters Stand Out
Size matters, but so does how your gutters are built. Seamless gutters are formed to fit your home in one continuous length along each run, so there are no joints where leaks can start. They handle water better and look cleaner along your roofline.
To see seamless gutters on real homes, browse our work.
Get the Right Size for Your Home
Gopher State Seamless Gutters helps homeowners in Andover, Blaine, and the Twin Cities region choose and install gutters built for Minnesota weather. We’ll measure your roof, review your drainage, and recommend the right gutter and downspout size for your home.
Learn more about our seamless gutter installation or contact us today.