Common gutter materials

1. Aluminum

2. Vinyl

3. Copper

4. Wood

5. Zinc

Aluminum Gutters

Aluminum gutters are one of the top picks of homeowners. They’re famous for being versatile, lightweight, and minimal maintenance. They’re also significantly durable.

On average, an aluminum gutter can last for 20 years. The following are the qualities of aluminum that make it a staple in modern homes:

PROS

• Light weight, making it less prone to sagging, rust free due to its formation of oxide and hydroxide layers on its surface that resist oxidation, maintenance is minimal, easy to install, and completely customizable and universal.

CONS

• Due to its lighter weight aluminum can be dented easier which may take away from the aesthetics of it. However, denting does not usually hinder what it's intended for.

Vinyl Gutters

Vinyl is made from polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC. It’s affordable, easy to install, and sturdy. A vinyl gutter can last from 8-20 years, depending on its quality and thickness. Below are the reasons why vinyl is also a popular pick

PROS

Light weight, making it less prone to sagging, rust free due to its formation of oxide and hydroxide layers on its surface that resist oxidation, maintenance is minimal, easy to install, and completely customizable and universal.

CONS

• Due to its lighter weight aluminum can be dented easier which may take away from the aesthetics of it. However, denting does not usually hinder what it's intended for.

Copper Gutters

One of the most dependable materials for gutters is copper. Though leaning on the pricier side, copper adds value to your home with its timeless durability and elegant style.

A copper gutter can last up to 50 years with the proper installation and fair environment.

PROS

• There are several advantages to copper gutters. Copper is a natural metal making it economically friendly and highly recyclable.

• Copper has natural properties that act as fungicides and algaecides. These characteristics make copper gutters less likely to be withered by moss and mildew. Copper has natural properties that act as fungicides and algaecides. These characteristics make copper gutters less likely to be withered by moss and mildew.

• It's exceptionally durable, it can withstand extreme high and low temperatures.

CONS

• The installation is meticulous, as the gutters must be soldered and placed accurately to ensure you get your money’s worth.

• Copper is one of the more expensive material options available. It's expensive to buy and expensive to install.

Wooden Gutters

They can be made from any type of wood, with your choice of half-round, K-style, or V-shaped styles

PROS

• Wooden gutters are popular for historic homes, as they match the vintage or classical look.

• With proper maintenance wooden gutters can last up to 25 years. Red wood gutters can last up to one hundred years,

CONS

• Wooden gutters require a lot of maintenance such as regularly treating the wood so that it doesn’t rot.

• There are so few manufacturers of wooden gutters so their cost can be high.

• They are also challenging to install.