The Problem with 5" Gutters
Most California foothill homes are built with 5" gutters — the same size used in the Sacramento Valley. But foothill homes get 2-3x more rainfall:
- ❌ Sacramento Valley: 20-25" annual rainfall → 5" works
- ❌ Lake of the Pines: 45-55" annual rainfall → 5" overflows
- ❌ Nevada City: 55-65" annual rainfall → 5" fails completely
5" vs 6" Comparison
| Spec | 5" Gutter | 6" Gutter | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 5 inches | 6 inches | +20% wider |
| Capacity | ~5 inches/hour | ~8 inches/hour | +60% more |
| Debris Room | Limited | Ample | Less clogging |
| Storm Performance | May overflow | Handles storms | Reliable |
| Installation Cost | $8-14/ft | $12-20/ft | +~30% |
| Best For | Low-rain areas | Foothills | — |
Recommendation by Community
| Community | Annual Rainfall | Gutter Size |
|---|---|---|
| Lake of the Pines | 45-55" | 6" required |
| Nevada City | 55-65" | 6" required |
| Alta Sierra | 55-65" | 6" required |
| Grass Valley | 50-60" | 6" required |
| Penn Valley | 40-50" | 6" recommended |
| Sacramento Valley | 20-25" | 5" acceptable |
Is the Extra Cost Worth It?
Absolutely. Here's the math:
- • Extra cost for 6" vs 5": ~$500-800 on typical home
- • Cost of ONE foundation repair from overflow: $5,000-15,000
- • Cost of repainting water-stained siding: $2,000-5,000
The upgrade pays for itself the first time you avoid overflow damage.