10 Modern Gutter Styles & Downspouts That Are Just Beautiful
By: Claire
Gutters and downspouts aren’t just a necessary part of a home’s weatherproofing, they can also set the tone for your exterior design. Gutters collect the water, while downspouts divert water away from your home’s foundation, reducing the risk of flooding, leaks, mold and erosion. Although all gutters serve the same functional purpose, they come in a vast array of styles, colors, shapes and constructions so you can customize your curb appeal. We have found 10 gutter styles and downspouts that are just beautiful.
At brick&batten, our virtual designers know that gutters don’t have to be an eyesore. Different gutter styles and downspouts can enhance the look of your home. To get started, simply upload a photo of your house, and our team of virtual exterior design experts can deliver a functional and eye-catching design — gutters and all.
Before You Get Started: Know Your Options
Gutters come in many materials. To know which is right for you, consider the look of your home, your budget, and how much maintenance you’re willing to put up with. Whether you plan to work with a professional or install your gutters and downspouts yourself is also a factor in making the best choice.
- Aluminum: This is the most common gutter material. It’s rust-proof and easy to install. You can even paint aluminum gutters to match your house.
- Vinyl: Vinyl is the most affordable gutter material, but the lightweight material is also prone to fading and cracking.
- Zinc: This durable metal requires professional installation, but its long lifespan and mottled patina make it an attractive option.
- Steel: Coming in galvanized or stainless options, steel is a heavy-duty gutter material that also requires professional installation.
- Copper: One of the most expensive gutter materials, copper is increasingly popular because of its long lifespan.
You have two options when it comes to installation: seamless and sectional. Seamless gutters are one continuous piece of material and typically require professional installation. The seamless construction reduces leaks and weaknesses. On the other hand, sectional gutters piece together segments to form one large system. This easy-to-install option is a great choice for DIYers.
10 Gutter Styles and Downspouts That Are Just Beautiful
#1 – Give Your Home Crown Molding with K-Style Gutters
One of the most common styles for homes built within the past 50 years is the K-style gutter. These distinctive gutters have a decorative edge that resembles crown molding for a polished look. The added curves carry more water than their half-round counterparts. K-style gutters have a flat back panel, which sits flush with your roof’s fascia board for a secure fit.
#2 – Embrace Your Curves with Half-Round Gutters
Half-round gutters have a shallow trough shape. Homes built before the 1960s typically have half-round gutters. This style is more prone to clogging than the modern K-style. They come in multiple looks, including single-bead, double-bead and reverse-bead. You can customize your look even more by adding decorative supporting brackets.
#3 – Hide in Plain Sight with Fascia Gutters
Fascia gutters are built into the fascia — the board covering the ends of your roof’s rafters. These gutters lie beneath the roofline for an uncluttered look. Adding fascia gutters to your home can be costly unless you install them during the home-building phase.
#4 – Opt for Old-World Charm with Victorian Ogee Gutters
Give your home traditional flair with Victorian Ogee gutters. Also called Old Gothic, these gutters resemble the cast-iron gutters of 19th Century homes. The traditional construction is relatively shallow, so this style is not well suited for regions with intense rainfall.
#5 – Keep it Classy with European-Style Gutters
European-style gutters are a specific variation of half-round gutters. These gutters have an outside bead (or curled lip) with a visible exterior bracket and are the most ornamental gutter style. They are generally made of strong, long-lasting materials like copper.
#6 – Look Down the Downspout
Downspouts channel water out of your gutters and away from your home. Adding downspouts can increase the water-collection capacity of your gutter system. At brick&batten, we love to make downspouts an attractive component of a digital exterior design, too. They come in two shapes, square or round, and several dimensions. Downspouts typically match your gutter system, but you can also paint them to blend into your home.
Pro Tip for Gutter Styles and Downspouts: Buy the round downspouts and don’t replace your gutters. Just paint them to match.
#7 – Create a Chain Reaction with Rain Chains, Links and Cups
While traditional downspouts are functional, special touches like rain chains, rain links or rain cups can make a gloomy day a little brighter. Water slinks down the chain, making a light splashing or twinkling noise. For maximum zen, position your rain chains in front of a window so you can watch the water trickle down.
#8 – Hold It In with Rain Barrels
Get the most out of your gutters with a rain barrel system. Using diverters or spouts, you can collect rainwater in barrels to water your yard or garden, saving money. Before you buy, check your local environmental works department because some municipalities reimburse you for installing these eco-friendly features.
#9 – Use Conductor Heads for Added Pizazz
Conductor heads are the funnel-shaped structures that direct water to your downspouts. Although mostly decorative, they can be a charming detail to add to a copper gutter system. In times of heavy rainfall, these bold features can also hold excess water as your gutters drain.
#10 – Keep Your Guard Up against Clogs
Nothing is more beautiful than avoiding unnecessary work. Save yourself some hassle by adding gutter guards. Gutter guards act as a filter to keep debris from clogging your gutters. They come in the form of screens, mesh, wedges or surface tension covers. Most hide discreetly over the top of your gutters, staying out of sight.
Gutters and downspouts are a necessary part of your home’s construction, but they can also be a beautiful addition to your exterior design.Whether you opt for Old World style or a modern craftsman look, the right materials and colors can protect your home from water damage and lend a little curb appeal in the process. Though there are more than 10 gutter styles and downspouts that are just beautiful, use this for inspiration. Not sure where to start? Work with brick&batten to give your home the face-lift it deserves.
Subscribe for more content like this!
