Whether you’re replacing your existing gutters or installing them for the first time, you will have to decide which type of gutter material is best for your home: aluminum or vinyl. Both materials offer advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand the pros and cons before making a final decision.
There are many factors to consider when comparing aluminum vs vinyl gutters. You’ll need to evaluate the durability and cost of each material, as well as its aesthetic appeal. To help you out, we’ve put together some information on the advantages and disadvantages of both types of gutters.
Aluminum Gutters – Pros and Cons
The most popular type of gutter material is aluminum. This material is strong and lightweight, making it easy to install and maintain. Aluminum gutters are also highly resistant to corrosion, making them a popular choice for homes in coastal areas or other high-moisture climates.
One of the main advantages of aluminum gutters is their durability. Aluminum can withstand extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rains or high winds without warping or cracking. This makes them ideal for homes in any climate.
Aluminum gutters are also relatively inexpensive compared to other materials, such as steel or copper.
Another major benefit of aluminum is its flexibility. It can be bent to fit around corners and curves, making them ideal for custom installations or homes with unique architectural features. Aluminum gutters are also available in a range of colors, so you can easily find a style that fits your home’s aesthetic.
Aluminum gutters aren’t without their flaws. They can dent easily if hit by a hard object such as a heavy tree branch. And like all gutters they need to be periodically cleaned out. An easy way to keep debris build up to a minimum is to have gutter guards installed.
Vinyl Gutters – Pros and Cons
The other popular option for gutters is vinyl. This material is lightweight, durable, and inexpensive. It’s also easy to install and maintain, making it a great choice for DIYers or those on a tight budget.
Vinyl gutters are also resistant to corrosion and can withstand extreme weather conditions without cracking or warping. However, vinyl is not as strong as aluminum so it is more likely to bend or break under heavy loads. It’s also not as aesthetically appealing as aluminum so it may not look as good on some homes. Vinyl can look “cheap” on a home.
There are some drawbacks to vinyl gutters. One is that they are not as aesthetically pleasing as aluminum. They are only available in limited colors and styles, which can limit your ability to customize the look of your home.
Vinyl gutters can also be easily scratched or damaged due to their soft surface. They also require more frequent maintenance than aluminum gutters as they tend to clog more easily and need to be cleared of debris to keep them functioning properly. Additionally, since vinyl is a softer and lightweight material, it does not do well during heavy rainfalls and may need to be replaced more often.
So Which is Better – Aluminum or Vinyl Gutters?
When it comes to aluminum vs vinyl gutters, aluminum is the clear winner. It is stronger, more durable, and more aesthetically pleasing than vinyl. It can also be customized to fit any home’s architecture and is available in a wide range of colors and styles.
Because of the advantages of aluminum, it is the only material we use for our seamless gutters. If you are a do-it-yourself person, don’t think regular sectional aluminum gutters or vinyl gutters are your only option. We offer DYI seamless gutters where we’ll come out and measure your home and then custom cut the gutters for you and then you can install them yourself.