What Material Is Best for Rain Gutters?

September 04, 2020

It's a homeowner's dream to safeguard their property without sacrificing the esthetic value of their home. Rain gutters represent a basic resource in the protective layout of any home, with more options in terms of materials and style that you'd initially think. Custom rain gutters provide functionality while infusing a modern air that won't ruin your home's outer look. Each of the common materials for rain gutters has its own set of qualities and limitations so it's likely that, upon learning more about them, you will find an option that matches your home's structural needs.

Rain gutters come in a wide-ranging assortment of styles and structures, so if you're planning on installing a rain gutter system, you should start by getting the assistance of a reliable company in the industry. A professional might help you reach a quick decision when it comes to the materials best suited for your home, but there are three factors you can work on your own from the get-go:

• Set a budget and determine how much money can you invest on the installation and maintenance of your rain gutters.
• Assess the architecture and materials in your house, setting its structural needs and limitations beforehand.
• Keep in mind the climatic conditions in your area throughout the year.

Best Materials for Rain Gutters

As stated above, the conditions of your home and the area you live in will determine which material work best in terms of visual appeal and long-lasting results. Still, there are options you can rule out in advance depending on the priorities you have set for your future rain gutter system. Here is a comprehensive list of all materials used for rain gutters, along with pros and cons that each option brings to the table:

• Copper: Cooper gutters are esthetically pleasing and provide an air of sophistication that makes them stand out. Their main feature is their durability: copper is impervious to extreme weather conditions and proper maintenance guarantees an extremely long lifespan. Involving a complex installation process, cooper gutters are definitely the most expensive option available, so it might be outside your budget even after ruling out costs for painting (copper gutters don't need to be painted). The green patina that gradually takes after their initial color is very appealing to some people but can equally be seen as a deal-breaker for other homeowners.



• Galvanized Steel: An option that's long-lasting and resistant to damage. Since they are made of a high-end metal, galvanized steel gutters can easily withstand different weathers and spend decades without getting dents but will get rusty when their zinc coating eventually wears off. Galvanized steel is one of the heaviest materials for rain gutters, and many people see this as a disadvantage in terms of workability and safety. Another downside is their unpolished look that usually calls for painting and refining expenses, but they are also very accessible when it comes to customization options.



• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel shares many things in common with galvanized steel but one key difference that makes it stand out. Unlike galvanized steel, this material is considerably more resistant to corrosion, lasting much longer without getting rusty. The structure of stained steel gutters maintains its sturdiness and shine in spite of harsh temperature changes, a trait that is enhanced with regular cleaning. They are as heavy as galvanized steel gutters, but their durability makes them much more expensive.


• Aluminum: One of the most versatile and cost-effective options around. Its lightweight nature makes for a smooth installation process and, with 25 colors and different girths to choose from, it offers many customization options to make it suit your home's architecture. Aluminum gutters can last for 20 years with proper maintenance, but they are still more prone to bending and getting dents if you live in an area with heavy rains and snowfall. The thickest layout is still fairly weatherproof, and their affordable prices make aluminum gutters one of the most popular choices among homeowners.


• Vinyl: Another lightweight alternative that ensures a simple installation process but fewer perks in terms of durability. Unlike most metal gutters, there are impervious to corrosion and resistant to salt air, but will flake in the face of cold temperatures and snowy weather. Because they are made of PVC, vinyl gutters offer countless coloring options. The downside of this is that they can't take too much weight without crumbling.


• Zinc: Lasting an average of 50 years, zinc gutters are known for their durability and sturdiness. They provide many long-term benefits like high resistance and an appearance that actually improves with time, so they don't need to be painted during installation and repairs. This also makes zinc gutters one of the most expensive alternatives, and the material itself rules out any chances of going for a do-it-yourself approach. It has a poor resistance to salt airs, so you might want to forego this option if you live close to the sea.


• Wood: While it is one of the most stylish options, a wood gutter carries a host of functionality problems. Their harsh surface makes it particularly hard to upkeep and it's also the reason why wood gutters carry less water when compared to their vinyl and aluminum counterparts. On the flip side, this roughness is also what makes wood gutters more durable in the long run, but only when the installation and maintenance are on par with the intricacies of this material.

Upgrade your home with esthetically pleasing rain gutters by the hand of the most experienced talents in the industry. With twenty years of experience installing, repairing and customizing the most durable rain gutters, Rain Gutters Solution has what it takes to complement your property with an efficient rain gutter system to greet the rainy season. Don't hesitate to call (305) 270-7779 or fill out the contact form on this website, and schedule an appointment with our team right away. We are ready to surpass all your expectations!

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