Best Gutter Materials

Rain gutters are located at the bottom of a roof. They prevent rainwater from soaking people when they enter or leave. Rain gutters also redirect water away from the foundation of a house, which reduces the chances of a flooded basement or damaged siding. Additionally, they help prevent erosion and protect the landscaping. If you want to save water, you can collect the runoff from the gutters in a rain barrel and use it for your garden. Rain gutters are available in different styles and are made from five different materials. Whether you need to replace old and corroded gutters or install new ones, it's important to have the necessary information to make the right choice.

Rain Gutters Components

Rain gutters consist of several specific components that have their names and functions. Understanding these parts is essential to comprehend how gutters work. Here are the different elements of gutters:

1. Downspouts: These are vertical sections of the gutter that run down the side of the house. They carry water from the roof to the ground or a collection container.

2. Downspout Elbow: This angled piece connects to the bottom of the downspout. It directs water away from the foundation of the house.

3. Pipe Cleats: These secure the downspout to the house, keeping it in place.

4. End Caps: These attach to the ends of the gutter sections, sealing them off.

5. Hangers: Strips of metal called hangers support the bottom of the gutter, preventing it from sagging.

6. Ferrule: A ferrule is a hollow shaft that encloses a long screw, also known as a "spike." It is used to attach the gutter to the house.

7. Gutter: Gutters are sold in various lengths, with each length referred to as a "section."

8. Mitered Corner: This is a specialized corner piece of the gutter that fits precisely at the roof's corner.

By familiarizing yourself with these gutter components, you can better understand their anatomy and how they function.

The Basic Rain Gutter Styles and Sizes

There are three main styles of rain gutters, each with its characteristics:

1. Half-round gutters: These gutters have a shape similar to a tube cut in half. They are effective at carrying water, but their open trough-like design makes them susceptible to clogs from leaves and debris. To prevent clogging, many homeowners choose to install leaf guards. Since half-round gutters have curved sides, they don't sit flush against the fascia boards, requiring brackets for support. While not particularly decorative, they are commonly found on homes built before 1960, and local regulations may mandate their use in older or historic neighborhoods.

2. K-style gutters: These gutters resemble the letter "K" when viewed from the side. They are the most common type of homes built in the last 50 years, although they are also installed in older homes. The flat back of K-style gutters allows for direct attachment to the fascia board without the need for brackets. The front side of K-style gutters often features decorative molding, resembling crown molding. With their flat bottoms and outwardly angled sides, K-style gutters can typically handle more water than half-round gutters, making them suitable for rainy climates. However, cleaning K-style gutters can be slightly more challenging due to the inner angles that tend to collect debris.

3. Custom-built fascia gutters: These gutters have a sleek and contemporary appearance. Unlike sectional gutters, fascia gutters are custom-made for the house using a single long piece of aluminum. This eliminates seams that can lead to rust and leaks. However, fascia gutters are more expensive and require professional installation. They can cost up to twice as much as half-round or K-style gutters, which can be self-installed. The cost of fascia gutters can vary depending on the size of the home, potentially amounting to hundreds of dollars.

Comparing Common Rain Gutter Materials

When it comes to rain gutters, there are several materials commonly used. In the past, wood was a popular choice, but it is susceptible to rot and weather damage. "Nowadays, rain gutters are typically made from aluminum, vinyl, zinc, steel, or copper," says Pavel Buyeu, home improvement expert on the LocalProBook project. Both half-round and K-style gutters can be made from any of these materials, while fascia gutters are exclusively made of aluminum. Let's compare these five materials:

1. Aluminum is the most commonly used material for rain gutters, whether they are seamed or seamless. There are three standard thicknesses available: .025 inch, .027 inch, and .032 inch. The thinnest aluminum is the least expensive but is more prone to denting or bending. Thicker aluminum is slightly more expensive but worth it, especially in areas with heavy snowfall. Home improvement centers typically offer 10-foot lengths of aluminum gutters for DIY installation. DIY K-style aluminum rain gutters cost around $2 to $3 per linear foot, while professional installation can double that price. The lifetime of aluminum gutters is about 25 years.

PROS:

- Resistant to rust

- Lightweight and easy to install

- Available in various colors and can be painted

- Weatherproof

- Can last up to 25 years

CONS:

- Prone to denting or bending

2. Vinyl is the most affordable option for rain gutters and the easiest to install as a DIY project. It is lightweight, easy to cut, and can be snapped together. Vinyl gutters are available in a few different colors and can be painted to match your preference. However, vinyl is the least durable material for gutters. In moderate climates, you can expect around 20 years of use from vinyl gutters. They are not affected by salty air and do not corrode or rust. However, vinyl gutters become brittle in high-heat climates and can crack when exposed to hard freezes. They are also prone to fading in intense sunlight. DIY vinyl K-style rain gutters cost approximately $1 to $2 per linear foot, while professionally installed vinyl gutters can cost up to $5 per linear foot. Vinyl rain gutters' lifetime is 10-15 years.

PROS:

- Lightweight and inexpensive

- Can be painted

- Easy to install as a DIY project

- Not damaged by salty air

- Resistant to corrosion and rust

CONS:

- Becomes brittle in high-heat climates and can crack in freezing temperatures

- Color fades with intense sun exposure

- Prone to cracking if a ladder is leaned against them

- Short lifespan compared to other materials

3. Zinc rain gutters are costly but highly durable. They can resist corrosion, weathering, and warping. Their lifetime is about 50 years. If you live near the ocean or in a place with salty air, the lifespan of zinc gutters may be slightly shorter. Initially, zinc gutters have a dull gray appearance, but over time, they develop an appealing patina. Professional installation is necessary for zinc gutters as the joints and ends need to be welded. These gutters are typically used in historic or high-end homes. The cost of professionally installed zinc rain gutters ranges from $10 to $22 per linear foot.?

PROS:

- Very long-lasting

- Does not rust, warp, or fade

- Develops an attractive patina over time

CONS:

- Expensive

- Not suitable for DIY installation

- Somewhat sensitive to salty air or acidic runoff from cedar-shingled roofs

4. Steel rain gutters are more durable than aluminum gutters, especially in regions with severe weather conditions. Most steel rain gutters are galvanized to enhance their resistance to rust, although oxidation typically occurs within 10 to 15 years. Leaf guards are crucial for galvanized steel gutters as wet piles of fallen leaves accelerate the onset of rust. Stainless steel gutters, on the other hand, do not rust but are significantly more expensive than galvanized steel gutters. Their lifespan is about 50 years. Due to their weight, it is not recommended to install steel gutters as a do-it-yourself project. The cost of professionally installed galvanized steel gutters is approximately $8 to $10 per linear foot, while stainless steel gutters cost nearly twice as much.

PROS:

- Very strong

- Withstands all types of weather

- Can be painted

CONS:

- Prone to rust

- Not suitable for DIY installation

- Heavy

5. Copper possesses a distinct beauty, although its shine will eventually transform into a greenish patina. Many homeowners appreciate the weathered appearance of copper, which adds to its old-world charm. Copper is highly durable and can withstand any weather condition, from extreme heat to freezing cold. However, it is the most expensive type of rain gutter and is not suitable for DIY installation. Typically reserved for high-end homes, properly installed and welded copper rain gutters can last up to 100 years. The cost of professionally installed copper gutters can range from $15 to $25 per linear foot.

PROS:

- Beautiful glow that develops a greenish patina over time

- No need for painting

- Extremely durable in all weather conditions

- Resistant to rust and warping

CONS:

- Very expensive

- Not suitable for DIY installation

FAQ

Are vinyl gutters better than aluminum?

When comparing vinyl gutters to aluminum gutters, it is important to note that aluminum gutters offer seamless options, while vinyl gutters are only available in sections. This makes vinyl gutters more prone to leaking. Vinyl gutters have an average lifespan of approximately two decades due to their sensitivity to weather conditions. On the other hand, aluminum gutters are better equipped to withstand adverse weather conditions.

How much does it cost to install gutters per foot?

The cost of gutter installation per foot varies depending on the material used. For vinyl gutters, the average price is approximately $3 to $5 per linear foot. Aluminum gutters, on the other hand, range from $6 to $12 per foot for installation. Copper gutters are the most expensive, with installation costs reaching as high as $40 per foot. It is important to note that complex architectural or structural features can increase the overall installation costs.

Which guttering requires the most minor maintenance?

Among different types of guttering, aluminum gutters require the most minor maintenance. The primary advantage of aluminum gutters is their low maintenance requirements. Unlike plastic or steel gutters, aluminum gutters do not need regular painting or sealing to preserve their appearance and functionality.

What is the longest-lasting gutter material?

Copper is the longest-lasting gutter material available. When properly maintained, copper gutters can last anywhere from 50 to 150 years. This lifespan surpasses that of any other gutter material currently on the market. In comparison, most other materials have a lifespan ranging from 10 to 30 years.

The article was written by LocalProBook Content Team.