Types Of Gutters

There are several types of gutters, and having an idea of each one of them would be helpful to select the right one for your home.

Most of the earlier types of gutters in the United States during the 19th century were carved and made from wood materials. Today, the introduction of metal forming machines has led to the development of several types of metallic gutters. Gutters differ in materials, sizes, and designs. Gutters are made from different kind of materials. We have zinc gutters, galvalume gutters, steel gutters, copper gutters, and aluminum gutters. These are the major choice materials for gutters these days.

Zinc Gutters

These type of gutters are generally made of very little amount of titanium and about 99.5 percent zinc. These gutters are normally not painted and it always has a protective shiny surface that protects the gutter against corrosion or weathering. Zinc gutters a more expensive than their aluminum counterparts and equally last longer. They also require minimal maintenance.

Galvalume Gutters

Galvalum is a steel, coated with zinc and aluminum. This combination produces a durable and strong material with high corrosion resistance. It is coated with 45% zinc and 55% aluminum and is produced by a prolonged heating process. Galvalume gutters have very long lifespan and its longevity can be nine times more than galvanized steel.

Galvanized Steel Gutters

These are gutters that are usually coated with zinc. It does not last long and is susceptible to rust. It is equally cheaper than other gutter materials. For proper maintenance, galvanized gutters should be properly installed and regularly cleaned to prevent premature rusting or clogging.

Copper Gutters

The durability of copper gutters does not really reflect on their price tags. They are among the most expensive types of gutters but do not score well in terms of longevity. Let’s be frank, the major reasons why people would want to install copper gutters in their homes is just for bragging rights. There are stronger gutters that can be installed in the homes that are even less expensive. However, one who installs a copper gutter would not have to worry about painting and would not have to worry about mildew associated with painted surfaces.

Aluminum Gutters

There is no doubt that aluminum gutters are the most common types of gutters in the market. This is because the metal sheets are available in several colors, it is easy to work with, does not weigh much, and is resistant to corrosion. It is equally less expensive compared to other types of gutters.

Vinyl gutters

Vinyl gutters have gradually replaced plastic gutters. For anyone who wants durability, vinyl gutters are not the best kind type of gutters to install. Though Vinyl gutters are corrosion resistant, they can easily break and become from brittle from the heat of the sun. Apart from that, the connecting parts are also very expensive and could cost as much as the cost of installing an aluminum gutter which is more durable.