Types of gutters k style gutters 1950s present.
History of the k style gutter.
Gutter history the most common gutter style in america today is the aluminum k style gutter which is formed to fit flush against the eaves with a contoured profile turned to the outside of the building.
This method of creating gutters without seams makes the gutters stronger and leak proof.
K style gutters have a flat bottom on the back for enhanced installation and aesthetics.
Today over 70 of residential gutters are seamless aluminum gutters also known as roll formed gutters og or k style gutters seamless gutters come in a wide choice of colors painted and baked on to the metal when it is made.
This is the reason why the majority of us homes have k style gutters.
Since you are interested in keeping your gutters clean of debris it s possible that you may be wondering how gutters came to be in the first place.
The outer shape of the gutter is supposed to very vaguely represent the letter k as opposed to a perfectly rounded half circle shaped gutter.
The term k style gutters is derived from the profile of this type of guttering when viewed from the side.
Cast iron 1820s 1870s.
They provide a finished and almost fancy look on the exterior of your home.
Resembling the letter k these gutters curve out on both the top and bottom rather than being perfectly round like more traditional gutters.
Half round gutters were popularized in the early 1900s when metal roll machines came.
Half round gutters 1900s 1960s.
These rolled metal gutters however have only been available in mass produced form since the industrial revolution of the 19th century.
Why it s named k style.
K style gutters were invented in the mid 1940s and soon after became the predominate.
Some sources say that it s because of its shape which resembles the letter k while others believe that it s because it falls at the 11th spot in the list of the most popular types of rectangular gutters which when converted into alphabetical equivalents yields the letter k.
According to do it yourself k style gutters mimic the colonial style crown molding and fit well into modern homes they work well on angled roofs and these roofs are popular in modern us homes.
There are no actual explanations as to how the name k style came to be.
So unless you already learned all about the history of gutters in your junior high history class here is a timeline which depicts the formation.
This type of gutter is named k style because of the shape it makes when looked at from a side profile.
