Gutters were created to carry rainwater from your roof into downspouts and safely to the ground to prevent water-related damage to your home. We are often asked the question; which gutter material is best to use for a home? At various times and for various purposes, gutters have been made from a number of different materials. In this article, we provide a breakdown of the most common gutter materials and gutter types.
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The most popular residential gutter type is made of seamless aluminum, known as formed K-style gutters. Aluminum gutters are strong and lightweight. Seamless aluminum gutters come in many colors and are formed into the shape and length you need at your home. For example, LeafGuard gutters are made from aluminum 20% thicker than industry standard to ensure protection against the harshest of weather conditions.
Wood gutters are rare, except for restoration work. They're also expensive, starting at about $15 per linear foot installed and, depending on the wood species used, they can be very expensive - running as high as $25 per linear foot. The original wood gutters were made from old-growth cedar, a product that is rarely available today. Its substitution - new growth cedar or hemlock gutters have proven inadequate.
Copper is usually reserved for classic restorations. It's handsome, never rusts, and never needs painting. They are expensive, but add value to your home and require less maintenance than aluminum or other materials. However, Copper gutters will oxidize and turn green over time unless they are treated. There are several sealants available that can be applied to keep copper gutters looking golden and shiny.
Steel gutters can stand up to ladders and fallen branches better than aluminum. But even thick galvanized steel eventually rusts and needs to be painted. Stainless-steel gutters are strong and rust-free and maintain their high sheen for years. But, like copper, stainless steel is expensive.
Vinyl is a commonly used material, often sold in hardware stores in six and 12-foot sections to do-it-yourselfers. Heavy amounts of rain can cause the material to bend and bow. Even a ladder put up against them can create serious damage. In regions with hot sunny temperatures, vinyl gutters will crack under the harsh conditions and break apart. They do not rust or corrode and do retain their color or can be painted if desired.
Half-round and quarter round style gutters with round downspouts are only found on 19th Century era houses. They enable water to flow very effectively but they must be sized one inch larger than K styles to handle the same capacity. Consequently, 6-inch half-round gutters are equivalent to 5-inch K-style.
A fascia gutter is a rainwater system that is fixed to a fascia board. It is often a custom made rainwater gutter that is fixed to the ends of the rafters and performs the function of a fascia board. It is commonly found in the Western part of the United States.
Integral gutters were a popular gutter style in the 's. The end of the rafters and fascia on a sloped roof forms this system. The gutter is lined with built-up roofing material and is able to hold a great deal more water than most of the other types of gutters. The disadvantage of this gutter style is the potential for leaks, which can result in damage to the framing, fascia, soffit and sheathing of the roof. The lining must be replaced or repaired every five to ten years.
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Choosing new gutter system for your home is not an easy decision. There are many factors to consider, including the gutter material, design, and required installation process. We&#;ve reviewed these factors and several more to help you weigh your options.
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Gutter installation can range anywhere from $1,000 to $6,600.
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The average cost of gutter guard installation is typically between $1,000 and $2,000.
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The average cost of gutter repair can range from $150 to $630.
GET ESTIMATEGutter suppliers offer several options to customize your home&#;s gutter system for aesthetic appeal and functionality.
First, consider the gutter material before committing to a purchase. Aluminum gutters are the most common material and benefit from a lightweight construction, making for an easier installation. This material lasts for around 20 years, but note that it can be susceptible to denting and warpage from falling debris.
Other gutter materials include the following:
Copper is an unconventional choice with a striking, elegant appearance that is often a good match for historic homes. It forms a patina over time due to natural oxidation, giving the material a bluish appearance that many people enjoy. Copper is durable and doesn&#;t rust, lasting 50 years or more in ideal conditions.
These gutters are zinc-coated, a process that strengthens the material&#;s resistance to rust and
corrosion
.
Steel gutters
often last longer than
aluminum gutters
For more information, please visit what gutter material is best.
, but they are heavy and difficult to install.
Vinyl gutters
are made from polyvinyl chloride (
PVC
), a type of plastic. These gutters are the most cost-effective option for
homeowners
but have a shorter
life span
than
aluminum gutters
and are more prone to warpages due to weather fluctuations.
Residential gutter systems come in several styles, but K-style and half-round gutters are the most common choices.
Half-round gutters are less common than K-style gutters, but they offer a unique, rounded appearance that complements traditional homes. The hangers are exposed but often have an aesthetically pleasing design. Half-round gutters flush out debris more efficiently due to their rounded shape, but they are more difficult to install.
These gutters look like the letter K from the side and like crown molding from the front. They are easy to install, can hold hidden brackets for a sleeker appearance, and come in many sizes.
K-style gutters
are the most common style you will see on modern homes.
Seamless gutters contain no seams, meaning the installer fabricates the gutter from a single sheet of metal or vinyl. This adds to the cost, but the absence of seams reduces the chance of leaks developing in your home&#;s new gutter system.
Sectional gutters
, also known as traditional gutters, come in separate pieces that are connected together during
gutter installation
. This process leaves seams that must be sealed with caulk or solder, depending on the material. Seams increase the chance of leaks developing without yearly maintenance.
Gutters come in multiple widths. You will most commonly see 5-, 6-, and 7-inch gutters. The larger the gutter, the more heavy rain flow it can handle. However, large gutters cost more and are often only necessary for homes with steeply pitched roofs. You may also consider a larger gutter if inclement weather is common in your area.
In an area that frequently experiences severe weather conditions, it&#;s important to purchase gutters that are large enough to withstand heavy precipitation. This will help prevent water damage to your home. You might also want to consider a more durable material, such as galvanized steel or copper, to avoid rust and corrosion developing on your gutters. In mild to moderate climates, aluminum gutters are a reliable option.
Modern homes tend to look aesthetically pleasing with most gutter styles. However, an older, more rustic home may benefit from the elegant appearance of copper gutters and a half-round design. This is ultimately up to you, but if you live in a historic neighborhood, you may want to consult local zoning regulations before purchasing a gutter system.
Modern homes tend to look aesthetically pleasing with most gutter styles. However, an older, more rustic home may benefit from the elegant appearance of copper gutters and a half-round design. This is ultimately up to you, but if you live in a historic neighborhood, you may want to consult local zoning regulations before purchasing a gutter system.
In an area that frequently experiences severe weather conditions, it&#;s important to purchase gutters that are large enough to withstand heavy precipitation. This will help prevent water damage to your home. You might also want to consider a more durable material, such as galvanized steel or copper, to avoid rust and corrosion developing on your gutters. In mild to moderate climates, aluminum gutters are a reliable option.
One additional thing to consider when purchasing a gutter system is whether you intend to sell your home in the future. Certain styles of gutters, such as half-round gutters, tend to be more pleasing to the eye. High-end materials, such as copper and zinc, also have an appealing aesthetic quality. These factors can boost curb appeal and potentially increase the value of your home.
You should also consider the gutter&#;s warranty before committing to a purchase. Some manufacturers and installers may provide long-term warranties, while others only provide limited warranty coverage.
We recommend considering the gutter material, style, size and cost when deciding on the best gutter for your home. You should also decide whether you want to install the gutters yourself or hire a professional. Regardless of which gutter type you choose, you will need to clean your gutters at least twice per year.
To reduce gutter cleaning frequency and the chance of damage caused by falling debris, you can install a gutter guard. These products offer gutter protection by allowing water into the gutter while shedding debris to the surrounding ground. LeafFilter is the best gutter guard provider in our rankings, offering a durable micro-mesh design that blocks large and small debris to prevent gutter clogs.
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Yes, gutters are a necessary home component to prevent water from running down your home&#;s siding and foundation. This helps prevent structural damage, landscaping damage, mold and mildew, and pest infestations.
Half-round gutters can withstand heavy rainfall. However, it&#;s important to note that a half-round gutter can not handle the same amount of water flow as a K-style gutter of equal width.
To make your home&#;s gutter system as low-maintenance as possible, you should install a high-quality gutter guard. This will reduce the amount of debris that accumulates in the gutter system.
We researched and analyzed dozens of gutter guards and gutter guard companies to create an in-depth review methodology. We formulated a rating system based on the factors homeowners find most important. We evaluated each provider&#;s gutter guard design and aesthetics, service offerings, customer service and communication, quote process, warranties, and financing options.
We created a separate rating system for DIY-installed gutter guards sold on retailer sites. We evaluated these guards based on their quality of materials, aesthetics, communication, warranty, customer reviews, and cost.
We evaluated each provider&#;s reputation using independent, third-party sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google My Business pages. For products, we analyzed the customer reviews on whichever online retailer primarily hosts the product.
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