Best Types of Gutters for Your Home: Which Material Should You Choose?

Oh, rain gutters. How can that be an important element of our home? Maybe you’re thinking this. Believe me, I did too! But the truth is, they are a vital addition to your home.

Rain gutters protect our homes from water damage due to rain and snow. They do their job of channeling the water out and away from home so well that we often forget they exist unless they need maintenance!

So, when it comes to replacing them, you might like to know which are the best types of gutters for your home and the materials you can choose from.

The Best Materials for Gutters

If you are looking to install or replace your gutters, you need to consider various gutter materials. This overview will help you determine the best type of gutters for your home.

1. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel, although expensive, is the best option for the gutters on your home. They are stronger and sturdier than gutters composed of other materials, plus they are low maintenance longer-lasting than the rest. However, because they are expensive, there is a lower demand for them in the market.

If you have a generous budget, weigh the pros and cons of stainless steel gutters and consider buying them. You will thank yourself later.

2. Vinyl

Vinyl is, by far, the cheapest type of gutter and the  easiest to install, even for DIYers. Gutter experts highly recommend vinyl gutters for those who are on a budget. They are lightweight, easy to install, and don’t rust.

However, there are some cons. They are prone to cracking in cold weather, and they are brittle when exposed to  harsh heat. Therefore, if you live in a harsh climate, you may need to replace them frequently, which will increase your overall cost.

3. Copper

Copper gutters are expensive, but homeowners still use them to retain the aesthetic appeal of their homes. Long lasting, copper gutters are highly durable,will survive any weather, and won’t rust.

However, they oxidize quickly, developing a greenish compound or patina. This may dampen the aesthetic beauty unless this look appeals to you. Additionally, maintaining and replacing copper gutters can get expensive as they require special tools!

4. Zinc

Zinc gutters are resistant to corrosion and incredibly durable, so much so that they can last you for three generations! Like copper gutters, they will develop a patina too, but it’s quite beautiful, so you don’t need to worry about it.

Yes, zinc gutters are costly and require expert installation. But because of the durability that they provide, many people consider zinc gutters  an excellent investment! Those extra bucks are totally worth it!

5. Aluminum

Among all the metal gutters discussed here, aluminum gutters are the least expensive. However, they are also highly durable, providing you with a good cost-durability balance. If you maintain them well, they will last you for decades.

However, just like all other metal gutters, aluminum gutters have their cons too. They can dent easily, even from something like a tree branch hitting them. If you install seamed aluminum gutters, they will be more prone to leaks and clogging, leading to common problems like a damaged roof or pests. Not to mention, aluminum gutters corrode over time.

Types of Gutters

Now that you know the best materials to use for your gutters, let’s have a look at two types of gutters—seamless, and seamed or sectional. 

Seamless Gutters

If you want a smooth, streamlined look for your gutters, seamless gutters are the way to go. Because there are no joints, there are almost no chances of leakage.

A group of professionals will arrive at your home, roll out long, seamless pipes on the spot from a machine, and install them instantly based on precise measurements. Installation is a fast process, and you can choose any color you’d like!

Seamless gutters are only available in aluminum. Definitely cheap in this case, but it can still be expensive. There are other cons of seamless gutters apart from this.

Seamless gutters are complicated and costly to replace if damage occurs to a section. If you make any mistake in maintaining them or try to clean them by yourself, you can end up damaging your gutters.

Seamless gutters can also leak from the ends. Moreover, if one part fails during production, you will need to discard the entire length!

Seamed or Sectional Gutters

If you are a DIY-er, then seamed or sectional gutters are a good option for you. You can attach them either by overlapping or by snapping them with joining pieces. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, readily available in almost every home improvement store, and you can change out sections when you need to.

Of course, they have cons too! Sectional gutters can leak at joints, so the seams must be thoroughly sealed. Also, they come in fewer colors, so you don’t have as many options.

Seamed gutters are available in a variety of materials including stainless steel, copper, vinyl, wood, zinc, and aluminum. Do keep in mind that you can’t paint vinyl gutters!

Things to Keep in Mind: Gutter Shapes and Size

Gutters come in different shapes. The most popular is the k-style gutter, also called ogee gutters. They have a similar shape to decorative crown molding and can hold more water than the regular half-round open gutters.

Fascia-shaped gutters are tall and narrow, and they’re difficult to clean because of their depth. Half-round gutters, as mentioned, carry less water than k-shaped ones. They will most likely come in copper and will weather naturally.

When installing gutters, make sure to choose the right size so that you don’t leave too much gutter pipe hanging. Be careful while installing them so that you don’t dent or damage them in any way. Also, angle your gutters carefully.

Final Thoughts

Gutters are an essential installation that all homes need. A properly installed gutter system can save your home from water-related damage that can cause issues with the home’s foundation, lead to cracks in the walls, and more.

To protect your property, you must choose the best types of gutters for your home and carefully consider the materials so that you can have a good cost-durability balance.

Don’t forget to take into consideration the right size and shape, along with the type that will be most convenient for you to maintain.