Gutters are not just a cosmetic feature. Water can cause severe damage to roofs, homes, and even foundation without proper drainage. Directing water to the right areas can save a homeowner thousands of dollars on repairs. It is important to choose the right type of gutter when building a home. Each type has its benefits and its drawbacks.
Gutters Materials
Aluminum
Aluminum’s affordability and versatility makes it a popular material for professionals. Aluminum is rust-resistant and easy to manage. The material can mold into many shapes, including K-style and half-round gutters. Aluminum can also be painted.
Seamless Aluminum
Seamless aluminum gutters have the same properties as regular aluminum. However, these models are built on the installation site. Instead of hauling gutters to the site, the seamless models are made by a fabricator on the back of a truck. The majority of gutter installations are seamless and are preferred due to their reduced chance of leakage.
Cast Iron
Cast iron gutters are durable. Most cast iron models are found on older style buildings. The life expectancy of a cast iron gutter is 40 years and up. The biggest caveat for these gutters is the cost of installation and manageability. If any problems happen to the cast iron, it can be an expensive fix. Also, cast iron gutters are hard to manufacture, which costs money.
Copper
Plastic/Vinyl
If budget is an issue and you need gutters, vinyl (or plastic) gutters are the choice for you. Vinyl is an affordable, lightweight material that is easy to manage. They cannot rust and will clip together for an easy install. The biggest problem with vinyl is its durability. These gutters can crack in severe cold weather. Also, the sun can cause the vinyl’s color to fade. If you need to work on the gutters, a vinyl gutter cannot support a ladder for you to work on. Be conscious of this before installing this model.
Steel
Zinc
For a heavy-duty gutter that will stand the test of time, go with zinc gutters. These models are similar to steel, copper, and cast iron. Zinc gutters have roughly twice the lifespan of an aluminum gutter. However, zinc gutters are more expensive and just as cumbersome as steel or copper.
Types of Gutters
K-style Gutters
Half-Round Gutters
Know what kind of gutter you want?
If you don’t know, don’t worry. Let the team at American Hill Country Gutters help you with your gutter installation right away.