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Gutter Helmet®Gutters

Tips on Choosing the Best Material for Your Gutters

By May 11, 2017October 18th, 2023No Comments

Choosing a material for your new gutters may not be as exciting as other decisions you’ll need to make as a homeowner—like what color to paint your exterior or what kind of deck to install in your backyard—but it’s just as important, if not more so. While your gutters don’t impact your home’s appearance as much as your siding or your deck, they do play a major role in protecting it from the elements.

Ultimately, your choice of gutter material comes down to two main factors: aesthetics and performance. In today’s post, Gutter Helmet®, provider of the best rain gutter covers on the market, shares the pros and cons of the leading gutter materials.

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most popular gutter material because it is relatively low-cost and comes in a wide range of colors to complement your exterior. It is also very easy to install, which cuts down on labor expenses. In addition, aluminum is a strong material that will hold up well against rain, hail, and snow, and should last for several decades.

Some downsides of aluminum are that extreme temperature changes can cause it to warp, and it can also become dented. Furthermore, it will require regular maintenance over the years, as it’s typically covered in an enamel coating that may need to be repainted from time to time.

Vinyl

Vinyl is the cheapest gutter material available and is very easy to work with. If you’re looking to go the DIY route, vinyl is probably your best option. Another great benefit of vinyl is that it is very quiet during a rainstorm, whereas other materials like aluminum and copper can be noisy.

On the downside, vinyl has a shorter lifespan than other gutter materials. Also, it doesn’t stand up well to severe weather like heavy snow and rain—so if you live in a harsh climate, it’s probably not a good choice.

Steel

Steel is one of the strongest gutter materials available. It is more reliable than aluminum in standing up to severe weather and extreme temperature changes. In addition, it is resistant to rust.

A disadvantage of steel is that it requires regular inspections to make sure the protective coating (that keeps it free of rust) is still intact. Also, it’s a heavier material, which makes the installation trickier—so you’ll incur higher labor costs.

Copper

Copper is a high-end gutter material that will give your home long-lasting beauty. The appearance of the copper will change naturally over time, only enhancing its attractiveness. Another major benefit of copper is its longevity—copper gutters can last up to 50 years.

The main drawback of copper is its high price tag. This includes both materials and labor—installing copper gutters is a complicated and time-consuming process that requires highly skilled contractors.

Get Gutter Guards to Protect Your Gutters

No matter what gutter material you choose, you still need to invest in gutter guards to keep your new gutters free from clogs. Of all the gutter guard systems available, Gutter Helmet is the most effective. To learn more, call us today at (800) 824-3772.