There’s a lot that goes into choosing new gutters. This can include, shape, materials and the price. However, don’t make the mistake of paying too low and sacrificing performance and quality as this will reward you with reduced maintenance and longer lasting gutters.
Gutters are vital the drainage system of a home and because they’re an exterior feature of a house, they’re subject to a lot of wear and tear throughout the years. Gutters should be regularly examined and cleaned in order to get the maximum lifespan from the product.
There’s a wide variety of gutter styles to choose from and the primary materials of most will be aluminum, copper, steal, zinc, vinyl and galvanized steel. One of the most common materials is aluminum and is often chosen because it’s lightweight, resists corrosion and comes in a broad range of colors. An additional benefit is that it is one of the least expensive options for the homeowner wishing to keep costs low.
Galvanized steel gutters are another popular choice. They are strong and coated with a layer of zing, but may be prone to rusting. There are steel gutters available with a coating of aluminum and zinc, which will solve the rust problem but will be more expensive. Some homeowners opt for zing gutters. Zing gutters are strong and durable and rarely require any paint or finish. If price is negligible, consider copper gutters. They’re upscale in their design and extremely attractive.
For the homeowner who is on a strict budget, vinyl is an option that may suite your needs. It comes in a wide array of colors and can be made to match most vinyl siding. The downfall in vinyl is that it’s not as durable and will break down over time as they are exposed to sunlight and will need replaced more often than other times. An additional concern is that vinyl normally comes in 10 foot sections and the seals that join the sections can begin to leak over time as the rubber becomes brittle.
Given all the options available, most professionals agree that aluminum offers the best “bang for your buck”. An addition to the gutter will be the ‘topper’ which provides some extra protection against debris and clogs. Each will have its good and bad points with recommended being solid hoods and filters. These use a liquid adhesion or the reverse cure model and works most effectively. The downside is that the installation is that the products install under roof shingles and can cause problems with some roof warranties.
When searching for gutters, you not only have your choice of material, but also of style. A popular choice is the “K-style” or ogee, gutter, which has a shape reminiscent of crown molding. Fascia gutters are another option and feature a smooth profile that performs the same basic job of fascia boards, hiding rafter tail edges from view. A contractor can help you to pick which style best suites your home.
Gutters can be purchase in either sectional or seamless varieties. Most gutters available in stores are sold in 10 foot sections that are connected with snap-in pieces. The problem with these is that the joints will eventually be prone to leak. A seamless gutter only has seams at the corners, are typically made of metal and are made to custom lengths by professional installers using portable gutter machines.
If you’re considering new gutters for your home or any other construction project, contact our office in Joplin, MO for a consultation. We’d love to talk to you about your construction project needs.