When it comes to taking care of your home, one of the most important things you can do is have seamless gutters installed, but what type of material should you choose when replacing or upgrading your rain gutters?
To help you figure this out, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the most popular gutter materials available. Choosing the right material for your gutters can bring you peace of mind knowing your home will be protected from unwanted water damage for years to come!
Aluminum Seamless Gutters
Aluminum is the seamless gutter material of choice for many, and once you look at the benefits, it’s easy to see why.
From saving you time on convenient installation to saving you money with its affordability and variety of colors, aluminum seamless gutters are a homeowner’s dream come true! Not to mention, corrosion resistance will keep your seamless gutters looking great for years on end, regardless of climate.
If you want to add a touch of personal style to your home, aluminum gutters can help you out with that, too. This material is available in various unique colors, so you don’t have to worry about your new seamless gutters sticking out like a sore thumb.
Pros of Aluminum Seamless Gutters
- Variety of color options available to boost curb appeal
- Most budget-friendly of all gutter options
- Easy installation process
- Lightweight and durable
- Seamless design offers added corrosion resistance
- Last up to 20 years
- Minimal maintenance required
- Leak-resistant design protects against heavy rains
- Material is easy to work with and can be repaired easily if need be
Cons of Aluminum Seamless Gutters
- May dent in strong winds or hail
Galvanized Steel Seamless Gutters
Galvanized steel has become a staple in the building and construction industry. It is used frequently for industrial and commercial gutter systems as well due to its protective coating of zinc oxide.
The purpose of this coating is to block out corrosive elements like oxidation and rust. While galvanized steel gutters get the job done relatively well, it isn’t without its disadvantages.
Galvanized steel gutters can be quite strong and provide a good level of protection, but they may not be the best choice for rust prevention.
The zinc layer used in galvanized steel gutters may wear off over time due to rain, wind, and other wear-and-tear that comes from the weathering elements.
Although these gutters can offer good durability, some homeowners might want to opt for an alternative material that offers corrosion resistance to safeguard their homes for longer.
Pros of Galvanized Steel Gutters
- Heavy and durable material
- Holds up against extreme temperatures
Cons of Galvanized Steel Gutters
- Prone to rusting around the edges
- Requires regular maintenance and repairs
- Limited color options available
- Difficult installation process
- Expensive to install
Galvalume Seamless Gutters
Galvalume steel gutters are a patented product that differs from traditional steel panels.
Rather than using a thin layer of zinc oxide like galvanized steel, these sheets feature an aluminum-zinc alloy coating. This composition generally consists of 55% aluminum, 43.5% zinc, and 1.5% silicon for increased durability.
The alloy allows for the combined qualities of both metals to protect the underlying steel structure.
Galvalume steel gutters boast a coating that may not be particularly scratch-resistant, but it certainly has its advantages. When temperatures fluctuate rapidly, you can feel at ease that it will contract and expand without sustaining any damage.
Pros of Galvalume Steel Gutters
- Some corrosion resistance thanks to the aluminum element
- Lasts longer than galvanized steel
- Lightweight and flexible
Cons of Galvalume Steel Gutters
- Susceptible to dents and scratches
- Tedious installation process
- Higher upfront costs
- Regular maintenance is required
- Limited color options available
Copper Gutters
Copper gutters seem like an attractive, sophisticated way to adorn your home – until you see the price tag.
Copper costs substantially more than other metals like steel or aluminum and can price out many potential buyers. But if you have the room in your budget, those shiny, timeless copper gutters might be perfect for your house.
With the proper care and maintenance, the extra costs could be worth the charm that can only be found in these metallic beauties.
Pros of Copper Gutters
- Appealing finish
- Minimal maintenance required
Cons of Copper Gutters
- Most expensive gutter option
- Difficult installation process
- Prone to oxidation and will change color over time
- No color options available
- Cannot be painted
- Exposure to other metals can corrode copper
Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl gutters come on the scene with a price tag that gives aluminum a run for its money. While vinyl is customizable and affordable, its shelf life isn’t so hot.
Composed of lightweight plastic, these gutters may also be referred to as PVC or plastic gutters and feature a snap-together installation method.
These gutters tend to age prematurely due to exposure to the sun and other elements, leaving you having to replace them more often than metal materials. Although you can get them in an array of colors, vinyl gutters generally only come in 10-foot sections, and the seals used to join them up can become brittle and cause leaks over time.
So if there’s any advice we can give when it comes to your gutter system – don’t cheap out by choosing vinyl. Your future self will thank you!
Pros of Vinyl Gutters
- Lightweight material
- Budget-friendly
- Variety of color options available
Cons of Vinyl Gutters
- Prone to damage from heat and sun exposure
- Cannot handle heavy rainfalls
- No seamless option available
- Prone to leakage
- Regular maintenance is required
- Tedious installation process
And The Winner Is…
After weighing the different options, aluminum seamless gutters are the clear winner. They have a long life span, require little to no maintenance beyond occasional cleaning, and come in a variety of colors and designs to match any aesthetic. For these reasons, we exclusively use aluminum for our custom seamless gutters.