What are Aluminum Gutters? Everything You Need To Know
Gutters are used to protect the house from water damage, especially in rainy areas. Their function is to collect the water and then direct it as far as possible from your home. Gutters are made up of different materials and aluminum is one of them. Aluminum gutters are the most popular type of gutter these days and most homeowners select them due to their durability and cost-effectiveness.
Aluminum gutters can enhance both the value and curb appeal of your house. Below is a complete guide about aluminum gutters including their types, benefits, drawbacks, installation, cost, and maintenance tips.
What are Aluminum Gutters?
Aluminum gutters are a type of seamless gutter that functions to protect homes from water damage by channeling it away from the houses through their attached downspouts. As you can guess by the name, this type of gutter is made using aluminum which is a very popular material used in their production. They are very versatile and durable and their rust-free quality makes them a popular choice among homeowners to elevate both the beauty and safety of their homes.
Types of Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum gutters are further classified into various types including different styles and shapes. Each type has its own specific qualities and a few of the most common types are mentioned below:
K-style Gutters:
This is a very commission style of gutters that you might also have somewhere around you installed on the homes of other people. K-style gutters have a flat surface that allows high capacity of water flow. Their design looks similar to the letter K when you view it from the side and that’s why they are called K-style gutters. They come in different sizes and are very easy to install. Their open design also allows an easy cleaning.
Half-Round Gutters
Half-round gutters were once the standard in older homes and still, they are used in historic-style homes. As you can guess by their name, these are half-rounded or semicircular in shape and have an open top. These gutters are also easy to install and their ability to withstand heavy rain and debris makes them an ideal choice for people living in areas with harsh weather conditions. However, they might require regular cleaning to prevent clogging.
Box Gutters
Box gutters are famous for their unique boxy shape and they are typically built in the roof structure. Box gutters are mostly used in older or commercial buildings having a flat roof. They can enhance the curb appeal of your house with their distinctive style. These gutters have a great width and depth that allows maximum flow of water. Their built-in structure will create difficulties for you in cleaning and that’s why their installation is also quite expensive.
Advantages of Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum gutters and aluminum downspouts are very essential due to their versatile and
corrosion-resistant nature. They offer a lot of benefits and some of them are discussed in detail below:
Lightweight
Aluminum is not a heavy material so gutters made with aluminum are also lightweight and easy to handle. You can easily carry them and don’t need to hire someone for their transportation and lifting like other heavy materials.
Longevity
Aluminum is a light but durable material. Similarly, aluminum gutters have a great lifespan which makes them a good long-term investment. Aluminum gutters can survive harsh conditions and normally last for even more than 20 years.
Cost-effective
Another major of Aluminum gutters is that they are very cost-effective as compared to copper gutters. You can easily install them on a decent budget to ensure the protection of your house from water damage.
Low Maintenance
In the busy routine of these days, you always try to save as much time as possible and gutter cleaning should not add an extra burden on you. So, don’t worry because aluminum gutters won't consume your time as they need only a little maintenance. They can function perfectly even with a little care like occasional cleaning.
High-Resistance
Aluminum gutters are highly durable and their resistance against rust and corrosion makes them a go-to pick for homeowners. Rusting of gutters is a major problem for many people but aluminum is very effective against it even in rainy areas.
Drawbacks of Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum gutters have various benefits but they have some drawbacks as well that cannot be overlooked. The major drawbacks of aluminum gutters are:
Expansion and Contraction Issues
Thermal expansion and contraction is a natural process in which materials like aluminum can expand or contract due to temperature fluctuations. If the gutters expand or contract it will lead to creating gaps, resulting in leaks and other structural damage. Only proper installation from a skilled professional can avoid these issues.
Color Fading
Most homeowners like to paint their aluminum gutters to create more aesthetic appeal. However, these artificial colors will fade with time especially when they are exposed to extreme sunlight or other harsh weather conditions. This will damage the curb appeal of your home as the gutter will look dull and ugly. You will have to spend a significant amount of money to repaint your gutter and review its beauty.
Prone to Dents
Aluminum gutters and downspouts are not very thick and that’s why they are more prone to dents than other materials. If any heavy object like tree branches falls on them, they will result in creating dents on these gutters. Small dents are not a big problem but huge dents can affect their functionality by blocking water flow, resulting in cracks and water damage.
Prone to damage
Aluminum is a durable material but it is not as strong as other materials like steel and copper. Aluminum gutters are more prone to get damaged by very heavy snowfall and other harsh conditions. So, they might be not the best choice for homes with larger roofs and extreme snow or rainfall.
Installation
Installing aluminum gutters is not such a difficult task but there are some complications that should be handled carefully. You can go with either DIY or professional installation. DIY installation is good because you will do all the work on your own and can get experience and save money at the same time. However, professional installation is more suitable for complex tasks because, without enough knowledge, you can destroy your own property.
If you hire a reputable expert then you will have peace of mind that your property is in safe hands. He will ensure everything is done perfectly because even a small mistake will result in poor functioning and leakages. You can even ask him for customization in the design and any other required changes.
Billy.com can help you in hiring a good professional service that has the expertise in installing aluminum gutters. They will ensure the proper functionality of these gutters without compromising the curb appeal of your house.
How Much Aluminum Gutter Costs?
Aluminum gutters are cost-effective and their installation can cost you between $10 to $20 per linear foot. The installation of aluminum downspouts can also range from $15 to $30 per foot. However, the accurate final cost can not be calculated here because it depends on various factors, such as the style, design, thickness, and quality of the materials.
Conclusion
Aluminum gutters have a lot of advantages and they can be a perfect choice for your house. They need very low maintenance and can be installed within a short budget. These gutters can enhance the beauty and appearance of your house. This will result in boosting the value of your house which can help during the resale of it.
They function very well and prevent the water from reaching the foundation of the house. You can elevate the exterior of your house and protect it from water damage with the help of these gutters. You can contact Billy.com to hire a professional service for the perfect installation of these gutters and make your home safe and beautiful.
FAQs related to Aluminum Gutters
What is the lifespan of aluminum gutters?
Aluminum gutters have a very good lifespan as they can last for more than 20 years. However, these gutters need some occasional care to provide the required functionality.
What are the benefits of aluminum guttering?
Aluminum gutters are very lightweight and easy to handle. They are also very cost-effective and need just a little maintenance after a few months. However, the best thing about them is that they are very resistant to corrosion and rust which results in their longevity and durability.
What are the disadvantages of aluminum gutters?
Aluminum gutters have a lot of benefits but their drawbacks can't be overlooked. Aluminum is more prone to dents and damage due to its lesser thickness. They can also face thermal expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
What is the best material to use for gutters?
Aluminum is known as the most popular and best material in the market for the manufacturing of gutters and downspouts. Their wide range of benefits makes them an ideal choice for homeowners to protect their houses from water damage.
