K-style gutters have a flat back and a decorative front, hold more water than half-round gutters of the same width, and are the standard for modern homes. Half-round gutters have a rounded trough that suits historic and Craftsman homes, drains and cleans out slightly easier, but holds less water and usually costs more to install.
Side by side
| K-style | Half-round | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Like crown molding | Traditional, rounded |
| Capacity | Higher for same width | Lower |
| Mounting | Flat back fastens to fascia | Brackets or hangers |
| Common materials | Aluminum, steel | Copper, aluminum |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
Which fits your home
Many Portland bungalows, Foursquares and Victorians in neighborhoods like Irvington, Laurelhurst and Eastmoreland originally had half-round or built-in box gutters, and matching that look preserves character. Newer homes across Washington and Clark counties almost always use K-style.
Frequently asked questions
Can half-round gutters handle Northwest rain?
Yes, when sized up (a 6-inch half-round) and paired with enough downspouts.
Do half-round gutters clog less?
The smooth rounded bottom flushes debris a bit more easily, but they still need regular cleaning under trees.
Need a hand?
- Seamless Gutter Installation: Seamless aluminum gutters formed on-site to the exact length of your roofline, in your color.
- Gutter Repair: Leaking seams, sagging runs, loose hangers, bad slope and crushed downspouts fixed in one visit.