Choosing the Best Gutter Machine and Profile for Your Business
Which is the best gutter machine for your business? Choosing the wrong gutter machine could hurt your operation, especially if you’re new to the gutter industry. When weighing the options, consider what gutter profile fits with your customer base and which machine will keep your operation running smoothly.
At New Tech Machinery (NTM), we have been building seamless gutter machines for nearly 30 years. We’ve helped contractors across the country and around the world find the right machines to produce the best quality products for their customers.
In this article, you will learn about:
- What to know when choosing a machine
- The pros and cons of common gutter profiles
- The best gutter machines available for each profile
What to Know When Choosing a Portable Seamless Gutter Machine
This article can help you get started in choosing the right gutter machine for your business. Knowing your customer’s needs is essential. While fascia gutters are popular in the west, K-style gutters are standard throughout most of the country. 5” gutters are typical in most states, but areas that experience significant rainfall, such as Florida, lean toward 6” gutters, the same as light commercial.
26 gauge is standard for steel gutters, but southern regions that experience severe storms often use a heavier 24 gauge, while in Canada, the lighter 28 gauge is the norm. Aluminum has become popular as it’s durable, can handle a lot of rain, and won’t rust like steel; however, steel holds up better in areas that get hailstorms. As regions differ, you’ll need to figure out which machine will produce the best gutter for your area.
Once you determine which gutter type is the best for your business, you’ll need to compare machines and their components. For example, push-button controls are easier to use than drum switches, which are cheaper but less durable. A computer controller will allow you to program the gutter length, but will add to the cost of the machine. Each machine offers many options, and it takes research to determine which is right for you.
When deciding on the best gutter machine to purchase, you’ll want to consider:
- Common profiles in your region
- Residential vs. commercial profiles
- What matters to your customer (appearance, cost, etc.)
- Machine’s production speed (fpm)
- Options and accessories
- Materials and gauges
- Size and cost
Types of Seamless Gutter Profiles and Gutter Machines
There are four major types of portable gutter machine profiles:
- Fascia
- K-style
- Half-round
- Box
There are several manufacturers of portable gutter machines, including NTM. This article will include the top gutter manufacturers in the industry.
Fascia Gutter Profiles
Fascia gutters are installed in place of the fascia sideboard that runs along a house or building. The fascia gutters attach to the framing and hides the edge of the roof’s rafter tails. This installation helps secure gutters on homes without fascia panels against storms and strong winds. Aesthetically, they can add a modern look or blend in with the roofline.
Fascia gutters can handle ample runoff due to severe rainstorms, making them popular in western states like California and Washington, where houses are often built with long roofs and no fascia panels.
While they move water easily during storms, their width and depth can make them hard to clean. That aside, fascia gutters function well and add decorative trim to the roofline.
Pros and Cons of Fascia Gutter Profiles
Pros
- Can handle heavy rainfall
- Popular on homes with large roofs
- Modern and decorative
Cons
- Difficult to clean
Fascia Gutter Machine Manufacturers
New Tech Machinery does not currently manufacture a fascia gutter machine.
Eastside Machine Co.
Machines available: 4 1/2”, 5 1/2”, and 7 1/2” Fascia Gutter Machines.
Profile Options
- Pencil Bead
- 3/4” Wide Bead
- Super Fascia Gutter (7 1/2” x 2 1/4” x 19”), Curved Round Fascia Gutter (4 1/2” x 2 1/4” x 15”), and Half Round Fascia Gutter in both 5” and 6”
Recommended Materials and Gauges
- Steel: 26 to 29 gauge
- Aluminum: .027 to .029 (4 1/2”); .024 to .032 (5 1/2” & 7 1/2”)
- Copper: 16 or 20 oz.
Speed: about 36 fpm
KWM Gutterman, Inc.
Machines available: 4 ½” and 5 ” gauge IronMan™ Fascia Gutter Machine.
Profile Options
- Single or double pencil
- Ruler Bead
- Specialty profiles
Recommended Materials and Gauges
- Steel: 26 gauge max. (painted, galvanized, terne coat, Galvalume®)
- Aluminum: .032 max.
- Copper: 16 to 20 oz. 3/4 hard
Speed: about 35 fpm
K-Style Gutter Profiles
K-style gutters have been the most popular choice for homes and buildings in the U.S. since the 1950s. These gutters offer ample flow capacity due to their flat bottoms.
K-style gutters are named for their K shape when looked at from the sides. Their decorative front gives them the smooth appearance of crown molding, and they don’t require brackets as they are nailed directly onto the fascia board.
K-style gutters come in a wide range of materials and colors. While generally easy to maintain, K-style gutters require regular checks as leaves and debris can get trapped in the corners.
Pros and Cons of K-Style Gutter Profiles
Pros
- Can handle heavy rainfall
- Decorative
- Easy to maintain
- Most popular for residences
Cons
- Leaves can get stuck in the corners
K-Style Gutter Machine Manufacturers
KWM Gutterman, Inc.
Machines available: 5/6” IronMan Combo, 6/7” IronMan Combo, 7/8” IronMan Combo, 7”, 5” IronMan Jr., 5” IronMan, 6” IronMan Jr., 6” IronMan, and 8” IronMan machines.
Profile Options
- Alcoa hook
- Roof flange (1”)
Recommended Materials and Gauges:
- Steel: 26 gauge max. (Galvalume®, painted, galvanized, terne coat)
- Aluminum: .032 max.
- Copper: 16 oz. to 20 oz. 3/4 hard
Speed: about 35 fpm
Englert
Machines available: 5”, 6”, and 5/6” Combo K-style Gutter Machines.
Profile Options
- Flat
- Pencil ribs
Recommended Materials and Gauges
Speed: about 45 fpm
New Tech Machinery
Machines available: MACH II™ Gutter Machines for K-style gutters in 5”, 6”, and 5/6” combo.
Profile Options
- Straight Back
- Bottom Bead
- Alcoa Hook
Recommended Materials and Gauges
- Painted Aluminum: .019 to .032
- Steel: 30 to 24 gauge (Galvalume, galvanized, painted)
- Copper: 16 oz. to 20 oz.
Speed: about 50 fpm
Half-round Gutter Profiles
Half-round gutters are semi-circle shaped. Because they don’t have a flat edge, the installation process is a little more complex than standard gutters. However, while they don’t hold as much water as fascia or K-style gutters, their roundness allows for smooth water flow. You often see half-round gutters on homes in historic neighborhoods, but they have also become popular on upscale homes. They are also popular in Europe.
Because of their shape and shallow depth, half-round gutters clog easily from debris, so we recommend leaf guards. Also, these gutters require bracket mounts as they don’t attach flush to the fascia boards like the K-style gutters. Therefore, they’re not as durable in harsh weather conditions.
Pros and Cons of Half-Round Gutter Profiles
Pros
- Good in regions with low to moderate rainfall
- Stylish for traditional and upscale homes
Cons
- Cannot handle heavy rainfall
- Require frequent cleaning
- More expensive than K-style
Half-Round Gutter Machine Manufacturers
Grover
Machines available: 5”, 6”, and 8” (HR5™, HR6™, HR8™) Gutter Machines.
Profile Options
- Single bead
- Double Bead
Recommended Gutter Materials
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Copper
Speed: about 30 fpm
KWM Gutterman
Machines available: IronMan 6” Half Round Gutter Machine
Profile Options
- Reverse curl
Recommended Materials and Gauges
- Steel: 24 gauge max. (Galvalume, painted)
- Aluminum: .032 max.
- Copper: 16/20 oz. 1/2 to 3/4 hard
Speed: about 35 fpm
New Tech Machinery does not manufacture a half-round gutter machine.
Box Gutter Profiles
Box gutters, as the name implies, are square with a deep trough that can handle a lot of runoff. You’ll find them on many older houses as they were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
One unique feature of the traditional box gutters is that they’re built into the wood overhang at the bottom of the roof. The metal box gutter is set within the wood molding, allowing water to flow easily into the spout without pooling. Because they’re wide they don’t clog easily, making for lighter maintenance. However, the wood moldings can rot.
Today, box gutters are almost always exposed and used mainly on commercial structures. While not the most stylish option, they are perfect for buildings that deal with a lot of water runoff. Using exposed box gutters eliminates the risk of wood rot that develops in older houses. Also, they are low-cost and easy to install compared to traditional old-school box gutter installations.
Pros and Cons of Box Gutter Profiles
Pros
- Good in regions with significant rainfall
- Low maintenance
- Popular for commercial buildings
- Low cost
Cons
- Not as decorative as other options
Box Gutter Machine Manufacturers
Englert
Machines available: MetalMan 770 7” Box Gutter Machine
Profile Options
- Adjustable flange back
- Straight back
Recommended Materials and Gauges
- Steel: 22 gauge max. (Galvanized)
- Aluminum: .040 max.
- Copper: 20 oz. 3/4 hard
Speed: about 45 fpm
New Tech Machinery
Machines available: BG7™ Box Gutter Machine
Profile Options
- Hook
- Straight back
Recommended Gutter Materials and Gauges
The BG7 is capable of running either aluminum or steel (option specified prior to purchase)
- Steel: Grade 50: 26 to 22 gauge
- Painted aluminum: .040 (.1mm)
Speed: about 60 fpm
Final Thoughts
As you can see, you have a lot to consider when purchasing a portable gutter machine. The size, the speed, the materials available, and the added options will all factor into your decision.
At New Tech Machinery, it’s our mission to answer all your questions and concerns. For over 30 years, New Tech Machinery pioneered portable gutter and roof and wall panel machines.
We’d love to help you start or grow your operation. Contact one of our machine specialists to help you find the best gutter machine for your business.
