When it comes to protecting your home from water damage in Athens, GA, your gutters deserve way more credit than they usually get. Between summer thunderstorms rolling off the North Georgia mountains and fall leaf clogs from Five Points to Normaltown, your gutter system works overtime to keep your siding dry and your foundation solid.
At Best Choice Roofing, we know a thing or two about making the right call when it comes to gutter sizing. We proudly install seamless and sectional gutters to match your home’s style and drainage needs, because in a city where one minute it’s blue skies and the next it’s a monsoon, your gutters better be ready.
Why Gutter Size Matters in Athens
Here in the Classic City, we see around 50 inches of rain per year, that’s more than Seattle! Add in mature oak trees shedding leaves in fall, steep-sloped roofs in Eastside neighborhoods, and sudden downpours in spring, and it’s easy to see why undersized gutters just won’t cut it.
Undersized gutters can lead to:
- Overflowing water during heavy rainstorms
- Fascia board rot
- Foundation damage
- Washed-out landscaping
- Nasty mildew on your siding
Choosing the right gutter size (and type) is essential for keeping your Athens home both stylish and structurally sound.
5-Inch vs. 6-Inch Gutters: The Classic Face-Off
Most homes in Athens are fitted with either 5-inch or 6-inch gutters, available in seamless aluminum or traditional sectional vinyl or steel. So, how do you choose?
5-Inch Gutters (Standard Size)
These are the OG of residential gutters and work well for:
- Smaller or average-sized homes
- Roofs with moderate pitch
- Areas with decent tree coverage but not excessive runoff
Pros: More budget-friendly, easier to install, compatible with most downspouts
Cons: May overflow during Athens’ more intense rain events, especially on steep roofs or larger homes
6-Inch Gutters (Oversized Upgrade)
If you’ve got a larger home, steep rooflines, or just want that extra peace of mind during summer storms, 6-inch gutters are the move.
Pros: Hold up to 40% more water, fewer chances of overflow, ideal for custom or steep-pitch roofs
Cons: Slightly more expensive, heavier (so installation matters!)
Seamless vs. Sectional Gutters: What’s the Difference?
In neighborhoods like Boulevard or Five Points, seamless gutters are becoming the go-to for good reason. Seamless gutters are custom-made on-site to fit your home perfectly, which means:
- Fewer joints = fewer leaks
- Sleeker look that blends with your trim
- Less maintenance overall
Sectional gutters, on the other hand, come in pre-cut segments and are joined together during installation. They’re typically cheaper up front but require more attention long-term, especially in climates like Athens, where leaves and rain love to test your patience (and your caulk).
What Size is Right for Your Home in Athens, GA?
It depends on:
- Your roof’s square footage
- The pitch and style of your home
- How much tree coverage you’ve got (shoutout to those beautiful Athens canopies)
- Your drainage goals (aka: “I never want to climb a ladder again”)
At Best Choice Roofing, our team will evaluate all these factors and help you pick the gutter system that fits your home and your peace of mind.
Call in the Local Gutter Experts in Athens, GA
If your gutters are sagging, leaking, or just outdated, it might be time to size up. Best Choice Roofing is proud to serve Athens, GA, homeowners with top-tier gutter replacements, roofing services, and expert installs. Whether you’re upgrading to 6-inch seamless aluminum or just need some guidance on what fits your home best, we’re here to help, rain or shine.
Call us today for a free inspection and gutter consultation that keeps your home flowing in all the right ways.
