Your gutter system is essential to keeping your home dry and preventing foundation problems. Your gutters need to be able to hold water and snow and move it safely away from your home. The material that your gutters are made of, might not seem to matter too much, but it can change the way your home looks and functions. All homes need gutters, but not every home needs to implement the same material for gutters. If you are curious about what materials may be best for your situation, read this blog for more insight.
1- Consider Your Climate
Homes in different climates have different needs. Many climates can experience different amounts of rainfall, different debris types, etc. Certain materials are more susceptible to moisture damage than others. Here are a handful of climates and what material is recommended for them.
- Heavy Rainfall: Gutters made of steel, copper, or zinc
- Extreme Temperatures: Aluminum or steel
- Coastal Climates: Aluminum or copper
- Mild Climates: Vinyl gutters
2- Budget
If you are on a tight budget, the materials you can choose for your gutters will dwindle slightly. Some materials are harder to find or cost more to make, so you as the consumer will have to pay more to get them on your home. Aluminum and vinyl tend to be budget-friendly options for homeowners. More expensive materials include copper and zinc.
3- Local Availability
Oftentimes, your roofing contractor will only be able to implement certain materials for gutters. If they don’t have access to rarer materials, the cost of installing gutters may rise astronomically or you may have to choose a completely different material. You may be able to find a different supplier that offers the material you prefer, but the place you live will impact all local businesses.
4- Maintenance
Certain materials need more maintenance and cleaning than others. If you are not able to keep up with the maintenance of these materials, it may not be best to install them in your home. Your gutters need to be cleaned and maintained if you want to keep your home safe, but some materials need more frequent services in order for them to stay intact.
5- Aesthetic Preference
If you want your home to be unique, choosing materials for your gutters can help you achieve that. Copper, wood, or steel gutters can give your home an attractive appearance while also giving you peace of mind about the foundation. Consider how certain materials will impact your home design and what colors may complement your exterior.
4 Popular Materials For Gutters
There are a handful of materials that are commonly used on homes for gutters. Choosing the right one for your climate, home aesthetics, and what maintenance will require can seem like a daunting task. Our team at Premier Roofing And Restoration will discuss some of the pros and cons of materials for gutters so that homeowners can make an educated choice for their homes.
Aluminum
Pros: Lightweight, rust-resistant, easy to install, and available in various colors
Cons: Not as durable as other materials and may dent easily in storms
Vinyl
Pros: Inexpensive and easy to install, so it is a great material for those on a budget. Resistant to rust and corrosion
Cons: Typically is less durable than other materials, may become brittle in extreme temperatures, and is prone to cracking.
Copper
Pros: Durable and elegant, resistant to corrosion, and can last for much longer than other materials.
Cons: Expensive upfront cost, but may be worth it because of their long lifespan. Needs professional installation and can start to turn green over time (similar to the Statue of Liberty).
Steel
Pros: Durable and long-lasting because they are more resistant to rust. Can handle heavy rain, snowfall, and other storms well. If you choose galvanized steel, it is corrosion-resistant.
Cons: Heavier than aluminum which can be difficult if your home can not bear the weight. It is more expensive than aluminum and if your steel is not galvanized, it may need to be painted to avoid rust.
Premier Roofing And Restoration
Our team offers gutter maintenance for businesses and homes in Idaho Falls. Having proper cleaning will help keep your home from flooding and limit the amount of damage that can occur to your home’s foundation. No matter what material for gutters is included in your home, proper maintenance is key. Clean gutters will prevent water overflow, lingering birds, ice dams, and roof damage. Reach out to our experts to get a cost-effective solution for your drainage needs, prevent leaks, and keep your Idaho home looking pristine.
