What is the Best Type of Gutter Material to Use?

Learn about the different types of gutter materials available for your home including aluminum, copper, steel, galvanized steel, zinc, and vinyl.

What is the Best Type of Gutter Material to Use?

Galvanized steel gutters are more durable than aluminum gutters and require professional installation. These gutters are strong and can withstand humid climates with heavy rain, lasting an average of 20 to 30 years. However, they can rust if not properly maintained. Galvanized steel gutters are more durable and stronger than aluminum gutters, but they need to be welded together, making professional installation a must.

Seamless gutters are a more expensive option than their sectional counterparts due to their custom design. While aluminum is the most common choice for gutter materials, there are other options available such as copper, steel, and zinc. Keep in mind that you'll likely pay twice as much for fascia gutters compared to semicircular or type K gutters. Gutters may not be the most exciting part of your home, but they are essential in preventing structural and foundational damage.

If your gutters show signs of severe wear and tear, cracks, holes and leaks, or if they are loose or separating from the house, it may be time to replace them. Seamless gutters have become increasingly popular as a bespoke option, as they come in long sheets of metal that fit your home. Aluminum rain gutters have long been the preferred choice due to their low price and long lifespan. Most professionals agree that aluminum gutters offer the best combination of style, durability and price.

The downside of this type of roofing is that it needs to be installed by a subcontractor. Zinc gutters also require professional installation because they have to be welded together and are usually found in historic or very expensive houses. Seamless gutters are usually made of metal and are extruded to custom lengths by professional installers using a portable gutter machine. There are many types and styles of gutters on the market today, with the main materials being aluminum, copper, steel, galvanized steel, zinc, and vinyl.

The good news is that you can paint vinyl (and metal) gutters to give them a fresh look. Gutters are an important part of a home's drainage system and can suffer from wear and tear over time.

Erica Harjo
Erica Harjo

Typical food practitioner. Avid coffee lover. Lifelong web maven. Certified internetaholic. Unapologetic web aficionado.

Leave Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *