Gutters are an important part of your roof, but many homeowners don’t think much about them until a storm rolls in and suddenly their gutters are overflowing. It’s important to think about your gutters every now and then so there aren’t any surprises when the weather gets wetter. Here in the PNW, we get a lot of rain during most seasons. Now that it’s summertime, it might just be the perfect time to have a gutter contractor take a look at your gutters to make sure they’re ready for the fall rain.
Is it time for new gutters? That could be the case! Sometimes gutters leak because of a clog somewhere along the line, but other times they could be cracked, warped, or broken. If you need new gutters installed, it’s a good idea to learn about your options. Even if your current gutters will keep working just fine for a while longer, it still never hurts to be informed; you’ll be more prepared when it’s time for gutter replacement service.
Gutter Materials and Durability
There are a few different types of materials used to make gutters. They all have their advantages and disadvantages; the one that’s right for you depends on a lot of different factors. Most important is, of course, your budget — both upfront and over time. Keep in mind that while some materials are cheaper to build with initially, they may cost more in upkeep as time goes on. That’s why you may want to invest in a costlier material to start; it might just pay for itself over the years.
Common Gutter Materials
- Vinyl. The cheapest type of material by far, it’s a good choice for a small budget. While they won’t rust like some metal gutters, vinyl gutters will become brittle over time, making them more likely to crack. Keep this in mind when making your choice! They also aren’t available for seamless gutter systems.
- Aluminum. Aluminum is a lightweight, rust-proof material that comes at a similar price point to vinyl and can last for up to 20 years. It can be dented or bent relatively easily, especially at lower (cheaper) thicknesses. If you have a lot of overhanging trees, it might be best to choose a sturdier option. Even with its drawbacks, aluminum gutters are the most popular choice for homeowners.
- Steel. There are two types of steel used for gutters: galvanized steel and stainless steel. Galvanized steel is cheaper, but will rust over time; stainless steel can cost twice as much, but won’t rust. Either way, they are heavy and sturdy gutters that can last decades without getting dented.
- Zinc. This material doesn’t rust and is sturdier and longer-lasting than aluminum. For a higher cost, you can get gutters that last up to 50 years without denting or warping. They also develop a unique patina as they oxidize, bringing your home a truly one-of-a-kind look.
- Copper. At the top of the cost scale, copper is a stylish gutter material that gives your home a unique and classy look. That high cost comes with some real benefits. Copper is so durable it can last up to a century — potentially outlasting the rest of the home! Like zinc, it will develop a patina (this time in green) over time. You may not have to worry about gutter replacement ever again!
Gutter Types and Their Benefits
The two broad types of gutters are segmented gutters and seamless gutters. Seamless gutter systems are used more often nowadays, but segmented gutters can still be found on older homes. Seamless gutter systems are fitted to your home’s specific dimensions and are fabricated on-site. They’re less likely to clog than their seamed counterparts since they have fewer places for debris to get caught.
If you want to upgrade your home’s gutter system, a seamless system is the way to go. They’re easier to clean and clog less frequently. Many gutter companies don’t build segmented gutters anymore; seamless gutters are much quicker to install and the benefits they bring outweigh the cost. Seamed gutters are the DIY option; they might cost less upfront, but you might end up paying for it later instead.
Benefits of Gutter Guards
Gutter guards can do a lot to protect your home from water damage! They simply filter leaves, pine needles, and other debris out of the water that runs down your roof. That way, the only thing that enters your gutters is rainwater. Gutter guards keep your gutters clean and prevent clogs before they can start. For a little extra payment upfront, gutter guards could save you a lot of money on gutter cleaning and clog clearing. If you have galvanized steel gutters, gutter guards are a necessity; wet leaves and debris will significantly speed up the rusting process if left to sit for a while.
Gutter guards are usually a fine mesh or grating that covers the gutter opening. A gutter installation professional can install it for you with ease and make the headache of cleaning your gutters a thing of the past. No need for regular gutter cleaning services; extend the life of your gutter system and save money over time with gutter guards.
Count on the Gutter Contractors at Precision Roofing & Gutters!
At Precision Roofing & Gutters, we work on your whole roof — and that naturally includes your gutters. Our skilled team takes extreme care to handle your gutter system and roof with all the respect you and your home deserve. We’ll provide exceptional service every time, in every aspect of our work.
Whether you need a routine inspection, a gutter repair, or a whole new roof replacement, we bring our best. We also stand by all our work with a lifetime warranty, so you can count on us to do it right or make it right. Need new gutters? Interested in advice from an expert technician? Give us a call today!