Gutter Materials They're Not All Equal
The Gutter materials you chose are more important than you think.
Gutters are an essential part of the home’s exterior for keeping the house dry. Gutters channel rain water away from the foundation, protecting the home. These and other advantages are why gutter installation is one of the most common exterior home improvement projects in Richmond. But, there are many types of gutters, some materials are not well suited for Richmond Virginia’s weather, rainfall or position on the roof.
When someone is considering a new gutter installation, they might assume that any material will work. That’s not true. Gutter materials have varying strengths, as well as advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the differences between gutters is an essential first step in determining if and what kind of gutter to install, that’s where Rain Carriers comes in!
Comparing Gutter Materials The Top 4 Types
Wooden gutters have been used by builders for many years. However, wooden gutters are susceptible to weathering and rotting. Because they corrode easily, wooden gutters have gone out of fashion for modern homes. Today, aluminum, vinyl, steel, copper, and zinc gutters are what most homes are fitted with. Half-round and K-style gutters made of all these materials but fascia gutters are mostly made from aluminum.
Here’s how the five materials stack up.
Aluminum - The Most Popular Of All 4 Gutter Materials
Aluminum gutters have a lot of different options. Being a softer, pliable metal the thickness you chose is very important. Aluminum gutters are commonly available in three standard thicknesses: .025 inch, .027 inch, and .032 inch. While the thinner is also the least expensive, it’s more susceptible to bending or denting. Thicker metal is a bit pricier but definitely worth it in most cases. This is particularly important if you live in a place with heavy snowfall during the winter months.
Pros and Cons:
Aluminum Gutters have tons of benefits. Firstly, they are light weight and they aren’t susceptible to rust. This contributes to the long life of aluminum as you can expect to get up to 25 years out of them. Secondly, they can greatly add to the over aesthetic of your home as they will take paint. Aluminum gutters are also available in a variety of colors. Lastly, Aluminum Gutters are weatherproof. You won’t have to worry about elements affecting them as much as some other materials. However, as mentioned above, aluminum is a soft metal. This leaves gutters made from this material in danger of being bent and dented from debris.
Aluminum gutters need a cleaning and inspection at least once per year by a certified technician like Rain Carriers. This insures the longest life from them. Ask about our maintenance services!
Zinc - Expensive but Feature Packed
Zinc gutters come in a variety of finishes such as galvanized, which gives it a shiny silver look. However, the most popular is the natural great of zinc. Starting out as a dull gray they develop a very attractive patina over time. The material is also highly durable and, resistant to almost all types of weather. You should expect to get upwards of 50 years of life from zinc gutters. This will shorten if you live near the ocean or have a problem with acid rain. Cedar roof shingles will affect zinc as well, the runoff usually contains a high acidity level. Zinc gutters require welding and require a certified installer like Rain Carriers to properly apply them to your home.
Pros and Cons:
Zinc gutters are highly durable and won’t rust or corrode over time. They are also very resistant to warping and fading. For curb appeal you don’t have to worry about painting. The appeal of zinc is that it develops its own beautiful patina that almost every homeowner loves. Unlike some other materials, zinc gutters have an unusually long life which makes the cost worth it. Therefore, when considering zinc gutters consult with Rain Carriers about your budget because they are pricy, but you definitely get what you pay for. However, watch out for salty or acidic conditions as this is the only Achilles heel of zinc.
Zinc gutters need to be professionally installed by a certified technician like Rain Carriers. You risk wasting tons of time and money otherwise!
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Vinyl - Inexpensive and Easy, but at a cost.
Vinyl gutters are the least expensive option for your home. They have just as many pros as cons. They are easy to install, so labor costs are lower than other materials. Typically snapping together, they require minimal effort in getting them up. They also come in a variety of colors and will take paint, so matching your exterior is simple. However, they are prone to fading in direct sunlight. You can expect to get up to 20 years out of vinyl gutters, but this is highly subjective to the climate and elements they are exposed to.
Pros and Cons:
Vinyl gutters are a great option for many budgets, their application can be beneficial in many areas. Firstly, vinyl doesn’t rust as it contains no metal, additionally they don’t corrode. Secondly, being manufactured in a variety of styles, they can match almost any aesthetic. Since vinyl is very inexpensive this gives first time home buyers and remodelers tons of flexibility. Finally, they do not take damage from salty air. This is a quality that most all metal gutters lack. However, vinyl gutters are sensitive to direct sunlight. Fading is a big problem for most vinyl gutters and, direct sunlight over time can make them brittle. You have to be careful when working on your home as a ladder leaned against them can crack them.
It is important to use a certified contractor, like Rain Carriers, to help you with maintaining, and installing your vinyl gutter systems.
Copper - the most expensive of all the gutter materials with the most benefits.
Copper is the priciest choice for rain gutters on your home however, it comes with a long list of benefits you can’t deny. Copper gutters are completely unfazed by any weather. From extreme hot to the coldest cold, copper will outlast any other material, it also comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Those who install copper gutters tend to love the old-world charm that it adds to their home. Over time, copper develops a weathered patina that tends to lend value to those who are in the market for a high-end home. Homeowners can get up to 100 years of life out of copper gutters when maintained properly.
Pros and Cons:
Copper Gutters are beautiful. They have an awesome bright glowing quality that develops into an attractive weathered patina. There is no need to paint or otherwise refinish copper gutters. Importantly, they are extremely durable and can handle all types of weather and climates. Copper gutters won’t rust, corrode, or warp and, are very resistant to damage. However, nothing about copper is budget friendly but the results and the longevity of these gutters won’t disappoint.
Copper gutter systems require a certified gutter contractor for installation. Without Rain Carriers you risk wasting tons of money and completely busting your project budget.
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