There are many different options when it comes to selecting a gutter system for your home: half-round, K-style, gutter screens and hoods are some of the most commonly known gutter systems available on the market. If your home was built many years ago then you most likely have a half-round gutter system. If you’re not entirely sure which type of gutter system you have, below are some ways you can easily identify it:
- Does the gutter have a bottom and no covering? If so then you most likely have an open-top gutter system.
- Is there a mesh liner that covers the top of the gutter? If so then you most likely have gutter screens.
- Is there a hood that covers your gutter? If so then you most likely have gutter guards.
If you identify your gutters as open-top (or half-round), then you’re like most homeowners whose homes are 10 years or older. Open-top gutter systems have a bottom on the actual gutter but do not have a covering. Ultimately, the inside of the gutter is exposed, hence the name open-top. They resemble a half-circle, unlike a gutter system that has a hood installed.
Open-top gutter systems are available in a “c” style or a “k” style. As we previously mentioned, open-top gutters are easy to identify because they resemble a half-circle and the top of the gutter is not enclosed. Sure, open-top gutters can offer some protection when it comes to collecting and draining rainwater away from your home. However, they get clogged easily especially when compared to the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System.
There are many differences between half-round gutter systems and the K-Guard Gutter System. Keep reading to learn about the 4 differences between open-top gutter systems and K-Guard.
Difference #1: Appearance
Open-top Gutters
As previously mentioned, open-top or half-round gutters resemble a half-circle where there is a bottom but the top is completely exposed. They are available in a few different shapes (“c” shape and “k” shape). Open-top gutters are typically installed on homes that are a bit older because they resemble crown molding, a popular choice among home builders many years ago.
K-Guard
Unlike most gutter systems that have one component, the K-Guard Gutter system is complete, offering more than just one part to keep debris and pests out. The unique style of the K-Guard Gutter System is more attractive than any other system on the market and adds curb appeal to your home. Our complete gutter system is available in 37 different colors, making it easier than ever to customize your K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System.
Our K-Guard product also has a smooth, curved design that complements any home whether it’s a timeless beauty or a newer build. The K-Guard Gutter System is the only full gutter system that adds curb appeal while protecting your home from drainage issues.
Difference #2: Durability
Open-top Gutters
Open-top or half-round gutters can be made from somewhat durable materials, however, the actual materials they’re constructed of and the way they’re installed on a home are major factors in determining how durable they are.
Open-top gutters are usually available in materials like aluminum, copper, vinyl, and steel. Some of these materials are durable, but their average lifespan is much shorter when compared to the K-Guard Gutter System. On average, traditional half-round gutter systems will last around 20 years.
Traditional half-round gutters don’t fare as well in harsh weather conditions. Living in The Heartland means the potential for severe weather year-round. Traditional gutters will develop chips in the paint and will rust quickly over time if they’re installed on a home in The Heartland.
K-Guard
The durability of the K-Guard Gutter System can’t be beaten. Not only is our gutter system made from heavy-duty aluminum that will never rust or get chips in the paint, but it comes with three-lifetime warranties: a lifetime paint, a no clog, and a no-pull away warranty.
Our seamless gutter system can also withstand all types of weather conditions and won’t pull away from your home in the event of severe weather. Just another way our system is more durable compared to other gutter systems. Our gutter system is so durable that it’s guaranteed transferable for the life of the home – something an open-top gutter system can’t offer.
Difference #3: How They’re Installed
Open-top Gutters
Traditional open-top gutters are usually mounted to a home’s fascia and in rare cases can sometimes be mounted to the roof. They’re also usually installed using nails. These installation techniques can lead to damage to your home like separation from the fascia, sagging, rotting of the fascia boards, etc. All of these types of damage can be costly to fix, only adding to the cost of maintaining your open-top gutter system.
K-Guard
Unlike an open-top gutter system, The K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System is mounted above the floodplain. What’s the difference? When a gutter system is mounted above the floodplain as opposed to the fascia the possibility of your gutter system separating or sagging is eliminated, saving you money in the long run. Our gutter installation process is as easy as 1, 2, 3, with three simple steps to get your new seamless gutter guard system installed.
Difference #4: Maintenance
Open-top Gutters
Another major difference between traditional open-top gutters versus K-Guard is the maintenance. Open-top gutters need to be cleaned often for them to flush water throughout the entire system. Because they can clog so easily, you’ll need to clean them about 2-4 times a year.
K-Guard
So how do you clean a gutter system that has a curved hood that eliminates the possibility for debris to enter the system? You don’t have to! Because the K-Guard Gutter System keeps all debris and pests out you will never have to perform the daunting task of cleaning your gutters ever again! They’ll look good as new for decades without any maintenance required.
Now that you’re aware of the 4 differences between open-top gutters and K-Guard, are you ready to make the switch? Not only will you save time from performing regular maintenance on an open-top gutter system but you’ll also save money in the long run with how durable the K-Guard Gutter System is.
If you have questions about the K-Guard Gutter System or if you’re ready to schedule your free estimate, contact us today. We proudly offer our gutter installation service to homeowners across both Missouri and Kansas including, but not limited to, the following locations:
We look forward to helping you make the switch to a more durable and maintenance-free gutter system!
