*Note: Amerimax gutters are typically sold in 10ft sections. Calculations include waste factor. Costs are estimated based on average big-box retail pricing for standard K-style systems.
function calculateAmerimax() {
// Get Inputs
var roofLength = parseFloat(document.getElementById('roofLength').value);
var downspouts = parseInt(document.getElementById('numDownspouts').value);
var height = parseFloat(document.getElementById('heightHouse').value);
var corners = parseInt(document.getElementById('numCorners').value);
var material = document.getElementById('materialType').value;
var waste = parseFloat(document.getElementById('wasteFactor').value) || 0;
// Validation
if (isNaN(roofLength) || roofLength <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid Total Roofline Length.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(downspouts) || downspouts < 0) {
downspouts = 0;
}
if (isNaN(height) || height < 0) {
height = 10; // default to 1 story
}
if (isNaN(corners)) {
corners = 0;
}
// Logic Constants for Amerimax Products
var sectionLength = 10; // Standard Amerimax gutter length is 10ft
var hangerSpacing = 2; // Hangers needed every 2 feet (24 inches)
// Pricing Estimates (Avg Retail)
var priceGutter10ft = (material === 'aluminum') ? 16.00 : 9.00;
var priceDS10ft = (material === 'aluminum') ? 14.00 : 10.00;
var priceJoiner = (material === 'aluminum') ? 6.00 : 4.50;
var priceHanger = (material === 'aluminum') ? 2.50 : 2.00; // often sold in packs, avg unit price
var priceElbow = (material === 'aluminum') ? 5.50 : 4.00;
var priceDrop = (material === 'aluminum') ? 6.00 : 5.00;
var priceCorner = (material === 'aluminum') ? 12.00 : 9.00;
var priceEndCapPair = (material === 'aluminum') ? 7.00 : 5.00; // Est price for a pair
// Calculations
// 1. Total Gutter Length with Waste
var totalGutterNeeded = roofLength * (1 + (waste / 100));
var gutterPieces = Math.ceil(totalGutterNeeded / sectionLength);
// 2. Downspouts
var totalDSLength = (downspouts * height) * (1 + (waste / 100));
var dsPieces = Math.ceil(totalDSLength / sectionLength);
// 3. Components
var hangers = Math.ceil(roofLength / hangerSpacing);
// Estimate Joiners: 1 per connection between 10ft pieces.
// Rough logic: (Gutter Pieces – 1) – but corners interrupt runs.
// Safer estimate: Total Pieces minus 1, but ensuring we have enough.
var joiners = Math.max(0, gutterPieces – 1);
// Elbows: Standard is 3 per downspout (2 for top offset, 1 for bottom discharge)
var elbows = downspouts * 3;
var drops = downspouts;
// End Caps: Difficult to know exactly without "runs", but we can estimate.
// Assume at least 2 end caps total, plus 2 more for every 40ft of roof (assuming multiple roof lines).
// A safe estimate for budgeting:
var estimatedRuns = Math.ceil(roofLength / 40);
var endCapsPairs = Math.max(1, estimatedRuns);
// Cost Calculation
var costGutters = gutterPieces * priceGutter10ft;
var costDS = dsPieces * priceDS10ft;
var costJoiners = joiners * priceJoiner;
var costHangers = hangers * priceHanger;
var costElbows = elbows * priceElbow;
var costDrops = drops * priceDrop;
var costCorners = corners * priceCorner;
var costCaps = endCapsPairs * priceEndCapPair;
var totalCost = costGutters + costDS + costJoiners + costHangers + costElbows + costDrops + costCorners + costCaps;
// Display Results
document.getElementById('resGutterPieces').innerText = gutterPieces;
document.getElementById('resDSPieces').innerText = dsPieces;
document.getElementById('resJoiners').innerText = joiners;
document.getElementById('resHangers').innerText = hangers;
document.getElementById('resElbows').innerText = elbows;
document.getElementById('resDrops').innerText = drops;
document.getElementById('resCorners').innerText = corners;
document.getElementById('resCost').innerText = "$" + totalCost.toFixed(2);
// Show Container
document.getElementById('resultsArea').style.display = 'block';
}
Understanding Your Amerimax Calculator Results
When planning a home drainage project using Amerimax building products, accuracy is key to avoiding multiple trips to the hardware store. The Amerimax Calculator above helps you estimate the quantity of aluminum or vinyl gutter components required for your specific roofline. Whether you are installing a traditional K-style aluminum system or a snap-in vinyl system, understanding the breakdown of materials is essential.
Why Amerimax Products?
Amerimax is a leading manufacturer in the home improvement industry, specifically renowned for their rain carrying systems. They offer robust solutions ranging from standard 5-inch K-style aluminum gutters to contemporary vinyl options that are rust-proof and dent-resistant. Using an estimator specifically tuned to Amerimax standard lengths (typically 10-foot sections) ensures your project budget is realistic.
Key Components Explained
The calculator estimates several specific parts necessary for a complete installation:
Gutter Sections: Sold primarily in 10-foot lengths. The calculation includes your specified waste factor (we recommend 10%) to account for cutting errors and overlaps.
Hidden Hangers: Amerimax recommends installing hangers every 24 inches (2 feet) to support the weight of the gutter when filled with water or ice. Weak spacing leads to sagging.
Joiners & Connectors: These are required to seam two sections of gutter together. The calculator estimates these based on the total number of sections required.
Elbows (A & B): Essential for routing the downspout from the gutter overhang back to the wall, and then directing water away at the bottom. The standard setup requires 3 elbows per downspout.
Material Differences: Aluminum vs. Vinyl
The Amerimax Aluminum line is lightweight and durable, often available in baked-on enamel finishes like White or Brown. It requires sealants at joints and end caps.
The Amerimax Vinyl line is often favored by DIYers because the components snap together and feature built-in gaskets, reducing the need for messy sealants. Vinyl is also impervious to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for coastal areas, though it can become brittle in extreme cold compared to aluminum.
How to Measure for Your Project
To use this Amerimax calculator effectively, measure the length of the fascia board where the gutter will hang. Count the number of inside and outside corners. Determine where your downspouts will go—usually one for every 30 to 40 feet of gutter run is standard practice to handle heavy rainfall. Finally, measure the height from the roofline to the ground to estimate downspout length.