Everything You Need to Know About K-Style Gutters
If you have been looking at gutter replacement options, you may have come across the term “K-style.” If you’re wondering about why it’s named that, read on as local gutter and replacement windows contractor Kroll Construction takes a closer look at this gutter style.
Why Is It Called K-Style?
Most gutter companies offer two types of gutter profiles — half-round and K-style. Half-rounds feature a U-shaped profile and are typically installed on traditional home styles. K-style gutters, on the other hand, feature an angular profile. They work with most roofing styles, both traditional and modern.
Many people have speculated on why K-style gutters are called by that name. Some say it vaguely looks like the letter K, while others say a person whose name starts with the same letter designed it. However, the truth is much more mundane.
During the early stages of creating standards for gutter design, the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) assigned letters to gutter profiles, and it just so happened that the eleventh in the list — assigned the letter K — became popular over time. Alternatively, K-style gutters are called “ogee” gutters due to their S-shaped flourish at the outer edge, creating a look that resembles crown molding or the casing on windows when viewed from the ground.
Advantages of K-Style Gutters
K-style gutters are not just for looks. The flat inner side makes it compatible with most types of gutter brackets and allows more fastener coverage, resulting in more secure installations. They also have greater capacities that allow them to handle more rainwater, making K-style gutters ideal for steeper roofs. While half-round gutters are built using shorter segments, K-style gutters are typically built using 10-foot lengths. Seamless options are also available for both styles.
Kroll Construction is your leading provider of gutters and replacement windows. Give us a call at (888) 338-6340. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Detroit and the surrounding communities in Michigan.
