Why Are Six Inch Box Gutters Perfect for Steep Roofs?

A standard size gutter for a smaller commercial building or a residential home is usually the five-inch gutter.  But modern homes have bigger roofs, and commercial buildings tend to have water buildup more than residential properties, so it stands to reason that a six-inch box gutter may be the right option to go with. 

By definition, a box gutter is usually rectangular in shape, and lined with rubber, metal, asphalt, or roofing felt.  It is designed to have a professional appearance, but it can also be concealed behind a parapet in a roof valley. 

​Six-inch box gutters can hold up to forty percent more water than five-inch gutters. This is perfect for larger commercial buildings and modern homes with bigger and steeper roofs.  Read below as we discuss what six-inch gutters are and why they are perfect for steep roofs.  

Six Inch Box Gutters

It should be noted that different situations and building call for different types and sizes of gutters.  So, let us discuss further the types of buildings and situations that call for six-inch box gutters.  

If the building or home has a metal or tile roof, then six-inch box cutters should be considered.  Metal makes the water flow faster and six-inch box gutters can manage it better than five-inch gutters.  Tile in a roof can be set higher above the roof line, which then causes the water flow to go further.  You will need a larger gutter system when this happens to catch the runoff water.  

Another logical reason for using six-inch box gutters would be that the downspouts that come with them are bigger.  The downspouts that come with six-inch box gutters are 3x4-inch.

These larger downspouts can handle more debris than five-inch gutters.  Therefore, if your building or house is in an area directly under trees, or an area that causes debris to build up, it is highly recommended you size up with 6 inch box gutters.  

So, six-inch box gutters are best suited for commercial buildings and larger houses.  Here is a list that we recommended six-inch box gutters for:

• Average sized office buildings
• Apartment buildings
• Restaurants and other establishments 
• Homes that have a steep roof
• Small stores
• Homes or buildings with metal or tile roofs
• Homes or buildings with a larger roof than normal 

​Finally, your commercial property may not fall into the categories that were listed.  In that case, you will have to consider how the building compares to the buildings mentioned.

How does you’re building or home compare in roof materials, size, and pitch?  Six-inch box gutters are perfect for homes or buildings with steep roofs.  But all of these factor into what gutter size is appropriate for your needs.  

If you are uncertain, call or contact Colorado Seamless Gutters today.  Our highly trained staff can answer all your questions about six-inch gutters and your gutter needs.