Tips on Choosing the Best Material for Your Gutters

Helping your customers choose a material for their new gutters can be difficult but it is an important step for the overall aesthetics of the exterior of the home.

By Chelsea Welsh

While the gutters don’t impact the home’s appearance as much as the roof, siding or decking, they do play a major role in protecting it from the elements.

Ultimately, the choice of gutter material comes down to two main factors: aesthetics and performance. Following is an overview of the pros and cons of 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 any 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 and 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—thus 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.

No matter what gutter material consumers may pick be sure to help them understand the important investment of gutter guards to keep their new gutters free from clogs.

Inquire about becoming a Gutter Helmet® dealer today.

Chelsea Welsh is the national marketing manager for Gutter Helmet, a Gibraltar Industries company.