Size the gutter to the roof, not the other way around.
5-Inch vs. 6-Inch Gutters: Which Do You Need?
Most homes do fine with 5-inch gutters. Some roofs need 6-inch. Here's how to tell, and why the downspouts matter as much as the gutter.
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Most homes do well with 5-inch K-style gutters and 2x3-inch downspouts. Large or steep roofs, long gutter runs, and corners where roof valleys concentrate water often need 6-inch K-style gutters with 3x4-inch downspouts, which carry much more water and clog less.
Last updated October 2026
- Service area
- All of Rhode Island & nearby MA
- In business since
- 1985, family owned
- Reviews
- 4.9★ · 500+ Google reviews
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| 5-inch K-style | 6-inch K-style | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical downspout | 2x3-inch | 3x4-inch |
| Water capacity | Standard | Much higher |
| Best for | Most homes and moderate roofs | Large, steep or complex roofs; long runs; valleys |
| Clogging | Normal | Less likely, thanks to bigger outlets |
| Cost | Lower | Somewhat higher |
| Look | Standard proportion | Bolder line on larger homes |
When 6-inch gutters make sense
- The roof is large or steep, so water comes off fast.
- Two roof valleys pour into one spot.
- Gutter runs are long with few downspouts.
- Your current gutters overflow even when they're clean.
- The house is big enough that 6-inch looks proportionate.
Don't forget the downspouts
A gutter can only drain as fast as its downspouts. Upgrading to 3x4-inch downspouts, or adding a downspout to a long run, often fixes overflow on its own. See downspout services.
Not sure which size you need?
We'll measure your roof and recommend the right size for free.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are 6-inch gutters better than 5-inch?
What size downspout goes with 6-inch gutters?
Do 6-inch gutters cost more?
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Locations We Serve
From Providence and the Blackstone Valley to Newport, South County and over the line into nearby Massachusetts, our crews cover all of Rhode Island and the towns that border it.
Rhode Island
- Providence
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Massachusetts
We serve all of Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts towns from Sutton and Walpole to Fall River (not beyond Fall River). See every town.
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