By Omer Okic, owner of Ultimate Exteriors · 28 years on Des Moines homesOriginally published June 2022 · Updated November 2026
Seamless gutters are formed on site from one continuous piece for each run, so there are no joints along the run to leak. Most Des Moines homes use 5-inch K-style; steep, large or metal roofs usually need 6-inch.
- No seams along each run means fewer leaks
- 5-inch is standard; 6-inch for steep or large roofs
- K-style suits most homes; half-round suits some historic homes
- Colors to match or contrast with your trim
Seamless gutters are one of the most popular gutter upgrades for a reason. Instead of snapping together 10-foot sections, the installer runs aluminum through a gutter machine at your house and cuts each run to its exact length. With no joints along the run, there are far fewer places for water to drip, and the only seams left are at the corners and outlets.
Choosing the right size
Seamless gutters come in 5-inch and 6-inch widths. That one inch matters more than it sounds: a 6-inch gutter holds roughly 40% more water. 5-inch is the standard on most Des Moines homes. 6-inch makes sense when:
- The roof is steep and sheds water fast
- A large section of roof drains into one run with a single downspout
- Valleys dump water into a corner
- The roof is metal
Our gutter cost guide explains the size decision in more detail, along with what each size costs per foot around Des Moines.
Pick a style
There are two main seamless gutter styles. K-style gutters have a flat back and a decorative front that looks like crown molding. They hold more water than a half-round of the same width and suit most homes. Half-round gutters have a rounded profile that fits some historic and traditional homes.
Choose a color
You aren't stuck with white. Seamless aluminum comes in a range of factory colors, so gutters can blend in with your trim or stand out as an accent. Dark gutters on a light house are popular right now; matching the trim is the safe, classic choice.
Don't forget the downspouts
Gutters only work if the water gets away from your house. Downspouts should be sized to the gutter (2x3 inch for most 5-inch systems, 3x4 inch for 6-inch) and extended far enough to carry water away from the foundation. See our article on the benefits of enlarged downspouts.
Gutter installation in Des Moines
Seamless gutters are custom-fit, long-lasting and low-maintenance. We form them on site, set the pitch so water flows to the outlets, place downspouts to protect the foundation and add gutter guards if you want less cleaning. See our seamless gutter installation page for colors and recent jobs.
Quick answers
Are seamless gutters worth it?
For most homes, yes. With no joints along each run, they leak less and look cleaner than sectional gutters.
What size gutters do I need?
5-inch K-style works for most Des Moines homes. Steep, large or metal roofs usually need 6-inch gutters with 3x4 inch downspouts.
Thinking about new gutters?
See what seamless gutters cost in Des Moines, or get a free gutter estimate.