What are Half Round Gutters?

Half round gutters are one of the oldest gutter styles still in use today. Also known as trough style and half-moon gutters, half round gutters were originally formed by splitting a tube in half, creating two half-round channels. Today, half round gutters are often made to order using specialized machinery. 

Half round gutters are available in various materials, including aluminum, galvanized steel, and copper.

We’ll provide an overview of half round gutters, their pros and cons, and offer a few tips for choosing and installing them on your home.

What Are Half Round Gutters?

When viewed from the side, half round gutters are in the shape of a half circle, hence the name. The half-round gutter style is very simple to create, and its popularity in modern construction is significant. 

The terms half moon gutters and trough style gutters are used interchangeably with half round, as they all describe the same design.

Half round gutters differ from the more popular K style in that half round gutters are almost symmetrical, while K-style gutters have a front and back. 

Half round gutters are typically available in traditional, bead, and reverse bead designs.

Here’s a list of the three most popular design options for half round gutters and how they compare:

• Traditional half round gutters are symmetrical from front to back, so either side can face outward. Traditional half round gutters usually include a rolled bead on the front lip and the back lip for increased rigidity.

• European-style half round gutters differ from traditional ones in how they retain the rolled bead on the front side but replace the rolled bead on the back side with a pressed bead. This allows the back of the gutter to sit more closely under the edge of the shingles and collect more runoff. In this style, the rolled bead faces outward.

• Reverse bead half round gutters are very similar to the European style, except the rolled bead faces inward instead of outward. Both have the pressed bead on the backside, are equally strong, and are installed using the same hardware.

Explaining the Pros and Cons of Half Round Gutters

Half round gutters are unparalleled when elegance is the goal, but they have a few cons, like high cost and limited capacity.

Here’s a list of some common pros and cons of using half round gutters: 

Pros:

• It is easier to clean and maintain half round gutters than K style due to their smooth inside surface. Keeping half round gutters free of dirt buildup is crucial in preventing mold and mildew.
• They are less likely to leak or corrode with fewer joints and seams. Joints and seams are responsible for most gutter leaks and overflows, as they may weaken or corrode over time.
• Half round gutters are more aesthetically pleasing and elegant, with a simple and graceful design that complements various roof styles and materials.
• Half round gutters are more friendly to certain roof styles, such as A-frame and post-modern, than K-style or box-style.

Cons:

• They often hold less water per linear foot than other types of gutters, such as K-style or box gutters, which can lead to more frequent overflows and erosion.
• Half round gutters require more support and reinforcement, as the design requires straps, spacers, or brackets to attach to the fascia board.
• Half round gutters are usually more expensive than other types of gutters because the economy of scale is smaller, and the style requires more expertise to install.

Comparing Half Round Gutters with Other Types of Gutters

Tips for Choosing and Installing Half Round Gutters

• Make sure the gutter size is appropriate for the roof. Half round gutters tend to overflow when the roof pitch is too steep or the roof is too large.
• Take advantage of the materials available. If your budget allows, consider upgrading your half round gutters to copper instead of aluminum or galvanized steel. Copper half round gutters often provide a significant return on investment due to their 50+ year lifespan.
• Install gutter guards to help control overflows and reduce erosion.
• Ensure the fascia boards are in good condition. Half round gutters use hangers or straps to attach to the fascia, so the fascia must be sufficiently able to support the weight, especially when using copper or galvanized steel, as these are heavier than aluminum.
• Use the appropriate spacer when required. Half round gutters have the advantage of being infinitely adjustable by using spacers or bending the straps. This makes installing half round gutters much easier when the fascia board is not perpendicular to the ground.
• Ensure and maintain the correct gutter slope for maximum performance.

Half Round Gutters Can Add Beauty and Elegance to Your Home

Half round gutters offer elegance and curb appeal to any home design, but they are often more expensive to purchase and install than either K-style or box-style gutters.

Still they are easier to clean and have fewer joints and seams than K or box-style gutters, meaning a leak is less likely so you may not have to repair or replace half round gutters as much.

Contact our local gutter professional to learn more about half round gutters or for a free estimate. Our pros have the training and experience half-round gutter installation requires, providing maximum performance and value to your home’s guttering system.
Our gutter experts also have access to the most current designs, giving you even more options. We back our work with a warranty and also offer other repair services like siding and roofing.