Replacing your home’s gutters is an exciting time! (Maybe not everyone gets as excited as we do.) But it’s a great opportunity to refresh a part of your home that is absolutely essential to keeping your roof, walls, foundation, and landscaping in their best condition. Plus, gutter replacement is one of the less expensive home repair and improvement projects that you can undertake. So, between the (relatively) small investment and the really large potential impact, it’s worth getting excited about. Getting new gutters is about more than just slapping some new ones up there, though. When it’s time to think about replacement gutters, you should take the time to consider all the options and choose the one that is right for your home and your budget.
As a matter of principle, gutters are just channels, attached along the edge or underside of your roof, which channel water and debris away from your walls, foundation, and landscaping, helping to keep the exterior of your home in great condition and the interior of your home dry. But not all gutters are created equal. You probably haven’t thought a lot about gutters, right up until the time they needed to be replaced. But gutters come in a variety of materials, and different ones are better in different situations. Let’s explore some of the options, so we can help you to be a more informed and savvy consumer.
Vinyl
When most people think of gutters, they think of metal half-tubes. But vinyl gutters are becoming a more common option, especially because they are made from recycled materials, are budget-friendly, don’t rust, and come in a wide array of colors and styles, allowing you to match your gutters to the aesthetic of your home’s exterior. Vinyl gutters can even be installed by an ambitious DIY-er (though we think it’s a better protection of investment to hire a reliable gutter replacement company). On the downside, vinyl gutters are not as durable as many of the metal varieties listed below, and are not particularly well-suited to extremely cold climates, as they can become brittle in very cold temperatures.
Aluminum
Aluminum is the most classic and popular choice in terms of gutters at the current time, and throughout most of the last century. They are lightweight and affordable, come in a variety of colors, and are relatively easy to install (which contributes to their cost-effectiveness). They can also be installed by a homeowner, if they’re capable and confident. However, they aren’t as sturdy or as durable as some of the other types of metal, and they’re particularly vulnerable to denting, as aluminum is a relatively soft and pliable metal.
Steel
Steel is strong, sturdy, and heavy, which means they stand the test of time, but they can be more expensive than aluminum or vinyl, and more difficult to install. Uncoated steel can also rust, which is particularly relevant to gutters, which are regularly and intentionally exposed to water. Steel gutters coated in zinc and/or aluminum are less vulnerable to rust but are also more expensive.
Copper
Copper gutters are (ironically!) the gold standard in gutters. They are one of the most durable and beautiful choices. Copper ages beautifully, and copper gutters, especially paired with copper roofs, look elegant and sophisticated. But that elegance comes with a high price tag — copper gutters are usually the most expensive option, and because installation can be tricky, you’ll need to hire a pro for your copper gutter installation.
Zinc
Zinc is another option on the more expensive side, but this is because zinc gutters are durable and low maintenance. They look beautiful without any help from painting or coating, as well. They’re slightly less expensive than copper gutters, but still require professional installation. Zinc can be a great choice if you want a beautiful and durable option with a slightly lower price tag than copper.
Whichever direction you decide to go with your new gutters, it’s best to be well-informed. This allows you to make an educated choice you’ll feel good about for years to come. And if you’re looking for replacement gutters in Cincinnati, give us a call here at Harper Siding and Roofing and we’ll help you make a great selection for your home.