Many homeowners question which type of
rain gutters
are best for their home. This is an important question as rain gutters are vitally important to protect your home from the elements but it is also good to know which type of gutters are long lasting and require low maintenance.
The ultimate purpose of a gutter system
is to channel storm water away from the roof to the ground through downspouts that direct water away from the foundation. Rain gutters are simple in form and function but extremely important to protect the roof, windows, siding, and foundation from moisture and mold that can damage the structural integrity of your home.
To help you make a well informed decision for rain gutter installation or repair, let’s do some homework and evaluate the different gutter styles and types with your budget in mind. Whether you need rain gutter repair or a new installation, the information here will guide you to the best rain gutter choice for your home and budget.
Types of Gutters
The list of the most common gutter types below, along with the pros and cons of each, will be helpful when you are looking to have a new rain gutter system installed. It’s always best to be armed with knowledge so you can move ahead with
confidence with your next gutter purchase.
1. Vinyl Gutters (Spoiler Alert: Don’t Waste Your Time or Money)
Vinyl gutters are the most economical, are easy to install, and will never rust or corrode, making them a popular choice for many DIY homeowners or those on a tight budget.
Vinyl gutters can be a great choice for your home because they are inexpensive but they also have their drawbacks and gutter contractors will not recommend them due to the problems encountered by homeowners when vinyl gutters have been installed. Vinyl gutters work best in mild temperatures that do not have a lot of rain. If they are used in climates that experience sub-zero weather or heavy rainfall seasons, over time they can become brittle and break or become warped and sag. Knowing the pros and cons of vinyl gutters before contacting a gutter repair company will help you ask the right questions when selecting the best type of gutter for your home.
2. Aluminum Gutters (#1 Choice by Most Homeowners)
Aluminum gutters are the most
popular type of rain gutters selected by homeowners. The cost of aluminum gutters is just above the cost of vinyl gutters but the slightly higher price tag is balanced out with durability and a longer lifespan. Aluminum gutters are covered with enamel, deliver durable protection, are customizable and come in many different colors.
When comparing gutter repair and installations, it’s helpful to know metal gutters, like aluminum, will resist the effects of the sun better than vinyl gutters as they do not lose their color or become brittle when exposed to sunlight. In terms of durability, only copper gutters (which are the most expensive) have a significant advantage over aluminum gutters, Due to the lower cost and high durability of aluminum gutters, they are a very popular choice for homeowners over any other metal gutter system.
3. Copper Gutters
Copper gutters are one of the most expensive gutter systems, making them cost prohibitive for most homeowners. They are heavier than aluminum, making them more durable and less likely to be damaged. Savings will come from the lack of future copper gutter repairs due to their durability. Copper gutters come with several options to choose from, similar to aluminum gutters, and you will often find copper gutters on historical homes or exclusive luxury homes because of their unrivaled durability.
Copper gutters will outlive other types of metal gutters, lasting well over 50 years. As copper ages, it will oxidize and form an outer protective layer with a distinctive green colored patina. This protective patina covers the lower layers of the copper and forms a protective shield against the elements. Those living in coastal areas should consider copper gutters. When exposed to the harmful effects of saltwater, copper gutters will outlast other types of metal gutters because of the protective patina.
4. Galvanized & Stainless Steel Gutters
Steel gutter systems are more expensive than aluminum and are typically used by business owners for their commercial buildings.
Galvanized steel rain gutters deliver a sturdier product than aluminum gutters and when exposed to falling tree limbs or debris, galvanized steel gutters will require fewer repairs than aluminum gutters. Today’s galvanized steel is coated with a thin layer of zinc to help strengthen it and make it rust resistant. It is heavier than aluminum which makes it harder to work with, increasing labor costs, and does not have a various colors available like aluminum does.
Stainless steel gutters will cost two-to-four times as much as other metal gutters do, but they are virtually indestructible gutters which makes them worth the high cost for some business owners due to the savings from future commercial gutter repair bills.
Steel gutters are sought for commercial use since they will match a steel roof and are very durable. Steel gutters will require less commercial gutter repair because they are strong and will resist dents and dings.
5. Wood Gutters
Wooden gutters used to be the norm a hundred years ago. Wooden gutter repair and replacements are mostly used to restore gutters on historic homes to maintain the traditional structure. Wood gutters, although the alternatives above are less expensive and function better, can actually work very well but finding the material and a contractor that is skilled in installing wood gutters may be a challenge.
Sectional vs. Seamless
Finally, there is one last comparison you need to make when searching for the best gutters for your home no matter which type of gutter material you decide on. Will you want a
sectional gutter system or a seamless gutter installation?
Sectional gutters have been around for many years. As part of a building’s rain water drainage system, sectional gutters come in 10 – 20 foot sections that are connected together to complete a single gutter system.
Sectional gutters can be made of vinyl, aluminum, copper and steel. Vinyl sectional gutters are light weight making them easier to install yourself if you are a DIY homeowner looking for a short time fix. Sectional gutters made from metal materials are more difficult to handle and should be installed by a professional. Every seam and joint of sectional gutters will require a tight seal to prevent leaks. Loose joints will leak and any snag will catch debris. A clog will develop as debris gets caught on a loose joint or snag. Sectional gutters will require more maintenance and repairs to keep the seams and joints in proper working order.
Seamless gutters are built as a single long section with no seams. Often, gutter contractors will fabricate the seamless gutter system on-site to ensure a perfect fit. Installing flawless seamless gutters that will outlast sectional gutters necessitates specialized equipment and expert knowledge. With seamless gutters, there are no seams to come apart and no joints or seam fasteners for particles to get caught on. We highly recommend seamless gutters for the following reasons:
- Customized seamless gutters are now the most functional and visually appealing.
- There are very few places for leaves and twigs to get caught in seamless gutters.
- Seamless gutters require less time and money to maintain.
- Seamless gutters have a longer lifespan than sectional gutters.
Seamless gutters will outperform sectional gutters while protecting the exterior of your home and will save you money in the long run with fewer maintenance and repair costs.
Call us today for your gutter installation services!
We are the experts for local gutter installations in the Bluffton, SC area. We promise to evaluate your home and your budget for the perfect type of
gutters that will be right for you. Contact us today for a free quote!
