Creating a Beautiful Outdoor Space

Which Gutter Is Best For Your Home?

4 June 2018 by Delores Chavez

One of the most important features on a home is the gutter system. Your gutter system works hard to carry rain and snow-melt away from the roof, siding, and foundation, protecting your home from the damage standing water can do. But with so many different types of gutters available, it's hard to know which is best for you. Here's a look at three popular options.

Vinyl Gutters

These gutters are the least expensive. They are also lightweight and are suitable for a do-it-yourself project if you're handy and feel brave enough to get on a ladder. While vinyl gutters won't corrode like aluminum or rust like steel gutters can, they can crack. This is especially true in severe climates with temperature extremes. Vinyl gutters are also not suitable in regions with heavy snowfall. They can quickly be destroyed when snow and ice slide off the roof. Vinyl gutters are a good choice if you live in a mild climate and are on a tight budget.

Aluminum Gutters

Also lightweight, aluminum gutters cost more than vinyl gutters, but they are also more durable. Aluminum gutters can withstand most kinds of weather, although they can be damaged more easily in extremely hot locations. Unlike vinyl, you can also paint your gutters with any quality exterior metal paint if needed in the future. When made with primary aluminum rather than recycled aluminum, they are quite strong, but they can be bent or damaged more easily than steel gutters.

A gutter is most likely to eventually fail wherever a seam is located. In recent years, seamless gutters have become more popular. A gutter company uses a special machine to fashion custom gutter lengths specific to your home's needs. Avoiding seams means your gutters will last longer. Seamless gutters cost more than traditional aluminum gutters. Contact a company like Raingutter Specialists for more information on aluminum gutters.

Steel Gutters

Galvanized steel gutters are a popular choice. While they are more expensive than aluminum gutters, they are virtually impervious to heavy snow and ice loads sliding off the roof, hail, and damage from falling tree branches. Steel does eventually rust, so they aren't a maintenance-free option. They will eventually need to be scraped, primed, and painted, but they will last a long time.

Stainless steel gutters are another option. While they are considerably more expensive than galvanized steel, stainless steel can withstand any environment. They will also stay shiny for many years to come, requiring only an occasionally washing to keep them looking their best.

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