Gutter Guard Material- Steel, Vinyl, & Aluminum

Benefits of an effective gutter system

• Doesn’t clog
• Protects your home, landscaping & foundation from water damage
• Maximizes water flow away from the home
• Stays debris free
• Won't sag or pull away from the structure overtime

How do you know which gutter material is suitable for your home?

There are three common types of gutter material offered; steel, vinyl, and aluminum. Each option has both advantages and disadvantages. Luckily, you Brown Roofing experts are here to inform you on which selection is perfect for your home.

Steel Gutters

Steel gutters can be coated in either zinc (galvanized), zinc-aluminum alloy (galvalume), or chrome (stainless steel). This option can take on harsh weather and still perform flawlessly.

• Galvanized: the process of coating steel in protective layers of zinc.
• Galvalume: Like galvanized, this coating contains zinc, aluminum, and silicon to protect steel from any oxidation.
• Soldering: joining two or more pieces together by using different types of metal filters

Pros of steel gutters

• Available in seamless and seamed (seams are soldered, making them less likely to leak) models
• Available in galvanized and stainless steel versions
• Can be used with any shingle without the added risk of corrosion
• Can stand up to snow, hail, and heat
• Strong & secure
• Can be painted

Cons of steel gutters

• Expands and contracts with heat
• Installation costs are higher than vinyl or aluminum gutters
• Some installers do not work with steel; finding a professional may be difficult
• Available in a small variety of colors and styles
• Prone to rust
• Heavy

Vinyl (PVC) Gutters

Vinyl is the least expensive of the three favored gutter materials. Homeowners in a dry climate can expect 20 years with this option, and residents in a more wet climate can expect around ten years.

Pros of vinyl gutters

• A popular choice due to low pricing and weight
• Sections snap together- not requiring joints
• Low maintenance
• No rust or corrode
• Color is embedded in material; scratches are less noticeable

Cons of vinyl gutters

• Won’t hold up in climates with lots of rain, wind, and snow (best suited for mild to dry climates)
• Prone to cracking and sagging
• Only available in tradition section models (more seams = more likely to leak)

Aluminum Gutters

Aluminum is the most durable and reliable gutter material on the market. Gutter Shutter is the World's Strongest, High-Performance Gutter System. This low-cost metal comes in a wide selection of colors. However, it's important to note that not all aluminum gutters are created equal. Some gutter companies use thin, cheap aluminum (0.024”-0.027”) which will be more susceptible to damage. If you get aluminum gutters installed, make sure they're made from 0.032” premium-grade aluminum. That is the strongest and thickest aluminum available and will help prevent distortion and deliver a clean, laser-straight product. Aluminum gutters are usually either 5 inches in width (standard size) or 6 inches in width. 6" aluminum gutters however can hold in 20% more water than industry standard, 5" gutters. Aluminum also won’t rust! Aluminum gutters are available in seamless and seamed sections.

Pros of aluminum gutters

• It’s lighter, which means it won’t sag & easier to handle
• Popular & accessible
• You can paint it if the desired color is not available

Cons

• If become dented, can interfere with the flow of water

Contact Brown Roofing to assist in your decision

Whether or not you need gutters is dependent on where you live, the type of weather you get, or if the ground around your home slopes towards your foundation. Allow the Brown Roofing trusted gutter professionals to guide you in the right direction! It’s never too late to contact Brown Roofing and get your free estimate. Get started today by calling to find your true gutter match!

 

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