When you install a new gutter system, you’ll need to decide on the gutter material. There’s a variety of different materials available, including aluminum, steel, copper, vinyl, and zinc. But which one is right for your home? Each type of gutter material for your home has pros and cons, so it’s important to think carefully before making a final decision.
For gutter installation or gutter repairs, we’ve got you covered.
Types of Gutter Materials For Your Home
The typical materials that rain gutters are made out of are aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, copper, vinyl, or zinc. All but vinyl are metals, which means that you need to make your entire gutter system out of one material (including your downspouts) to avoid galvanic corrosion, which causes rust. There’s no one best gutter material, since each home has its own needs, so consider your options carefully.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a popular choice for gutters, and for good reason. It’s a reasonably durable metal that can hold up against the elements, has good curb appeal, and won’t break the bank to install. Compared to other materials, it is prone to minor damage such as dents and the occasional split, but it’s still a solid choice if you’re looking for a new material for your gutter system.
Pros of aluminum gutters:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install
- Last 10 to 20+ years
- Never rusts
- Lightweight
- Wide range of colors
Cons of aluminum gutters:
- Dents easily
- May warp and crack during extreme temperature changes
- Frequent repairs
- Prone to corrosion
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel gutters are a less common gutter material than aluminum, but not for lack of quality. It can be fairly pricey, which turns off most homeowners from using it. Those that do, however, will find it to be a strong, durable material that can last up to 20 years and hold up to extreme weather conditions.
Pros of stainless steel gutters:
- More resistant to corrosion and rust than galvanized steel
- Durable–– less prone to damage than aluminum
- Last 15 to 20+ years
- Have a shiny finish
Cons of stainless steel gutters:
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Difficult to install due to their weight
- Sensitive to salinity– salt can easily damage steel
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel is less expensive than stainless steel, its cost on par with aluminum. However, it’s less resistant to rust and corrosion than stainless steel.
Pros of galvanized steel gutters:
- Less expensive than stainless steel
- Durable– similar to stainless steel
- Have a shiny finish
Cons of galvanized steel gutters:
- Heavy
- Difficult to install due to weight
- Zinc coating can wear off, leaving the gutters vulnerable to rust and corrosion
- Sensitive to salinity
Copper
If you’re looking for a good, long-lasting gutter material, it’s hard to go wrong with copper. When properly maintained, copper gutters have a lifespan between 50 and 100 years, and they never rust. Instead, the copper forms a green coating called a patina.
Just like steel, a high price per linear foot makes copper an uncommon choice, but it can be well worth the extra money. Copper gutters may add value to your home due to both their durability and their attractiveness.
Pros of copper gutters:
- Durable
- Low maintenance– doesn’t require as much cleaning as other gutter types
- Can last up to 100 years
- Doesn’t rust– instead, copper forms an attractive coating called a patina
Cons of copper gutters:
- Expensive
- Difficult to install due to weight
Vinyl
Vinyl is the only gutter material that is not a metal. It’s cost-effective and easy to work with, but it’s not a very commonly-used material thanks to its fragility. It can easily break during heavy rainfall, so it’s best used in dry climates with mild weather. Its main draw is its low price point, so if you’re not concerned about damage and need to keep your installation costs low, vinyl could be the right choice for you.
Pros of vinyl gutters:
- Most affordable option
- Easy to install
- Low maintenance– doesn’t need to be coated and doesn’t corrode
- Doesn’t rust
Cons of vinyl gutters:
- Weak– can’t hold up to damage or bad conditions as well as other materials
- Short lifespan ranges between 10 and 15 years
Zinc
Zinc is a material you might not think of when it comes to gutters. In terms of cost, it’s more expensive than aluminum, but costs less than copper. It can last up to 90 years when properly maintained.
Zinc also doesn’t rust, though it can be affected by harmful runoff from certain shingle materials, such as cedar. If you’re looking for a good gutter material, odds are you won’t be disappointed by zinc.
Pros of zinc gutters:
- Can last up to 90 years
- More affordable than copper
- Attractive
- Durable
Cons of zinc gutters:
- Sensitive to salinity– salt can easily stain zinc gutters
- More expensive than aluminum
FAQ About Gutter Materials
The best way to prevent rust on your gutters is regular cleaning and maintenance. The main cause of rust is standing water, which happens when your gutters get clogged by leaves and other debris. By cleaning your gutters on a regular basis, you can prevent water from gathering in them and causing them to rust.
That’s up to you. Just like almost any other aspect of your gutter system, gutter guards have pros and cons. If you feel that they’re worth the money and the drawbacks they could bring, you can certainly get a set installed to help you reduce the amount of cleaning you have to do.
Seamless gutters have many advantages over sectional gutters. Since they’re made of one continuous piece of metal, they have increased rigidity and get fewer leaks than sectional gutters. Since there’s no seams where debris can get caught and build up over time, they’re also less prone to buildup and clogs that can cause problems for your gutter system.
Gutter installation isn’t ideal for DIY. They need to be at a certain pitch to work properly, and if you’re working with heavy materials, such as stainless steel or copper, you may struggle to carry the gutters up the ladder. DIYers are typically better off hiring a gutter professional to avoid possible issues with the gutters or fascia board later on.
It’s a Material World, so Hire a Pro
To recap, no gutter material is right for every home. When choosing one, you need to examine the conditions of your home and your outdoor space, and pick a material that suits your needs.
If you’re having trouble with gutter installation or other related services, contact your local gutter experts.
You’ve got gutter and gutter guard questions. We’ve got answers.
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