Are round downspouts better than square?

Neither round nor square downspouts are universally "better"; the ideal choice depends on your home's style and your priorities, as round downspouts offer superior water flow and classic aesthetics (good for older homes) while square downspouts provide higher capacity, easier installation, and a modern look (good for contemporary homes), though both can effectively manage water when properly sized.

Are round downspouts better?

Round downspouts are generally the choice for restorations of older-style properties, whereas square downspouts are more popular in contemporary homes that can still look aesthetically appealing while remaining effective.

Which is better, round or square downpipes?

If your home generally has a lot of straight lines, square pipes usually look the best. However, round downpipes are essentially the same, they're just held to the wall with a special clip, and they also look pleasing to the eye. It's all down to personal preference really.

Are round or square gutters better?

The best type of gutter depends on factors such as the building's architecture, local climate, and style preferences. Half round gutters offer easy flow and minimal debris accumulation, square line gutters maximise space efficiency, while ogee gutters combine functionality with decorative appeal.

What are the disadvantages of half-round gutters?

Cons

• Half-round gutters carry less water than K-style gutters.
• Half-round gutters often require special accessories.
• Half-round gutters weigh a little more than what you'd expect. Make sure your house can adequately support the material.
• Half-round gutters are visually appealing, but this comes at a special cost.

Understanding Gutter Downspouts | Ask This Old House

Why are half-round gutters more expensive?

Half-round gutters cost more because they are more difficult to install. While many types of K-style gutters can be installed by the homeowner, half-round gutters typically require professional installation. They also require more brackets and accessories, since they cannot sit flat against the fascia board.

Why is the LeafFilter being sued?

v. LeafFilter North, LLC, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. The primary complaint? That LeafFilter failed to deliver on its promise of keeping gutters clog-free—leading to overflowing gutters, roof leaks, and costly home damage.

When to use half-round gutters?

For homeowners with older or historic homes, half round gutters can provide an authentic touch that complements the architecture. Many older homes were originally built with half round gutters, and choosing this style can help preserve the historic integrity of your property.

Why do new houses not have gutters?

In regions with very little rainfall, homeowners may see no need to install gutters, as the risk of water damage is minimal. Homes built on elevated terrain—such as hills or small mountains—benefit from natural drainage. Rainwater flows down the slope, away from the structure.

Is square guttering better for heavy rain?

Square gutters generally have a larger water capacity than round gutters due to their angular design. This makes square gutters more suitable for homes in areas that experience heavy rainfall.

Is having a downpipe illegal?

No, catless downpipes are generally illegal for street use in most places (US, EU, etc.) because they remove essential emissions controls, leading to fines or impoundment, but high-flow catted downpipes (especially CARB-approved ones in California) offer a legal, performance-oriented alternative by retaining emissions compliance. Legality depends heavily on local laws, so always check your state/country's regulations. 

What is the most common downpipe size?

Even though 68mm round and 65mm square downpipes are among the most common, most rainwater systems are available in multiple sizes. For example, this might be 75mm, 87mm, 100mm and 120mm for a certain range, with corresponding gutter sizes to match.

What is the rule of thumb for downspouts?

The general rule of thumb is one downspout for every 20-30 feet of gutter. This may vary depending on several factors such as the pitch of your roof, the volume of rainfall in your area, and the capacity of your gutters.

What is the best downspout drainage option?

PVC pipes are durable, easy to work with, and resistant to corrosion. They're a popular choice for many underground drain systems.

What is the difference between round and square downpipes?

Types of Downpipes

Square downpipes are designed to fit flush with walls using dedicated clips. Round pipes are clip-attached to walls or free standing in some older homes. The big consideration with downpipes is capacity. A downpipe is required to carry water away as fast as possible to prevent backflow.

Which is better, half-round or square guttering?

Half-round - provides a simple, uniform profile with smooth curves that allow rainwater to flow into the centre of the gutter channel with ease. Square - has a greater capacity than half-round gutters and boasts an attractive rectilinear profile. These can be fitted with either round or square downpipes.

How much more expensive are half-round gutters?

The national average cost for new half-round gutters is $28.80 per linear foot, with prices ranging from $13.34 to $44.25 per linear foot. For a 2,500-square-foot home, installing half-round gutters typically costs between $2,668 and $8,850, depending on factors such as material, labor, and installation complexity.

Should downspouts match siding or gutters?

Most people prefer to match their gutters to their trim or roof, and keep the downspouts the same color as their siding. Gutters that match a home's trim color always look nice, because the gutters enhance and outline the home.

What is the best time of year to install gutters?

Scheduling your gutter install in summer helps you avoid seasonal markups. Summer's dry weather provides ideal working conditions for gutter installation. Installers can work safely and efficiently, and you're less likely to run into delays caused by rain or storms.

Are there tax credits for new gutters?

Is New Siding, Insulation, or Gutters Tax Deductible? In most cases, replacing siding, insulation, or gutters is not tax-deductible as a home improvement. However, certain upgrades that improve energy efficiency may qualify for federal tax credits under the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.

How much does Home Depot charge to install gutters?

Q: What does Home Depot charge to install gutters? A: The average cost to install galvanized or aluminum gutters is approximately $4 to $9 per linear foot. There are also vinyl gutters which are much easier to install, and which run at roughly $3 to $5 per linear foot.

What happened to Leafguard?

Leafguard is acquired by Great Day Improvements and becomes part of the Great Day family of brands.

Do pine needles get stuck in leaffilters?

The most effective gutter guard for preventing pine needle blockages is LeafFilter. In general, micro-mesh gutter guards are the most effective for blocking pine needles thanks to their tight mesh filters that block large and small debris.

What shingle company has a class action lawsuit?

CertainTeed previously settled a number of class actions over its organic asphalt shingles. These lawsuits alleged that the adhesive used to attach the organic shingles to roofs was defective, which prevented the shingles from sticking properly.