There’s quite a bit to consider when you’re in the market for a new gutter system. For one, you’ll need to determine which gutter system is best for your home. Next, you’ll need to decide which material you’d like your gutter system to be. Once you select the style and material, you can customize the color to complement your home.
When selecting a material for your home gutters, do you choose aluminum, vinyl, copper, or steel? You’ll need to consider one key factor before determining which gutter system is best for your home – the weather conditions where you live. You’ll need to ensure your gutter system can withstand all weather patterns while protecting your home from drainage issues.
If you’re unfamiliar with the different kinds of materials available for home gutters, continue reading. We’ll explain the most common materials and their advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision.
Aluminum Gutters
Take a walk around your neighborhood or keep an eye out the next time you drive through a residential area – you’ll notice that most homeowners have aluminum gutter systems. It’s one of the most popular gutter materials because of its relatively low cost and durability.
Depending on the type of aluminum used for the gutter system, it may not be as durable compared to a more heavy-duty aluminum. Traditional half-round gutter systems use a basic aluminum that will most likely show wear and tear easily from certain weather conditions like heavy rain, snow, hail, and high wind speeds. As previously mentioned, you’ll need to consider the climate you live in when determining the best material for your gutter system.
Living in Central Ohio means we experience all four seasons with a humid climate and precipitation year-round. Therefore, homeowners need a quality gutter system that withstands certain weather conditions. Our weather can wreak havoc on a traditional aluminum gutter system and cause damage resulting in overflowing and sagging gutters.
Not all aluminum gutter systems can show wear and tear like traditional gutter systems. The K-Guard® Leaf Free Gutter System from K-Guard® of Central Ohio is made of heavy-duty aluminum that can withstand all weather conditions thanks to its thick aluminum coil.
Steel Gutters
Another popular home gutter material is steel. When you think of steel, you probably think of unmatched durability and protection. While this can be the case, weather conditions in the area can cause a steel gutter system to rust and corrode. Though steel is one the strongest manmade materials, if it doesn’t have a protective layer, it will warp over time.
Steel gutters are available in two finishes – galvanized and stainless. While both are very durable, galvanized steel gutters can corrode easily, and that outer layer of protection will wear down quickly in our humid climate. On the contrary, stainless steel gutters hold up well in any environment. However, they can be nearly four times more expensive than other gutter materials.
Copper Gutters
Copper gutter systems have been around for centuries, since the 1800s. They are beautiful and catch the eye since they’re unique, but they’re not the best choice for the average homeowner. Copper gutters would be best for a vintage home to match the older style, not for modern homes since they require routine maintenance to keep them looking their best.
Pennies have a coating of copper – think about how many you’ve discovered over the years that have tarnished, developing that blueish hue. Just like a penny, copper gutters rust when exposed to humid weather and oxidization. They require frequent maintenance to keep from tarnishing and cost nearly five times more than other gutter materials, so use caution.
Vinyl Gutters
Another common material for home gutters is vinyl because of its lower cost and ease of installation. While it may sound good in theory, vinyl home gutters can wind up costing a homeowner more in the long run due to how they hold up in severe weather. Living in Columbus and surrounding cities means we experience four seasons with the possibility of severe weather any given month. We have heavy precipitation and high humidity, which can wreak havoc on vinyl gutters. Vinyl gutters aren’t nearly as heavy as other gutter materials and shouldn’t be exposed to high wind speeds, heavy snow and rain, and hail, all frequent weather patterns here in Central Ohio.
Shopping for gutters can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! At K-Guard® of Central Ohio, our K-Guard® Leaf Free Gutter System is made of non-corrosive, heavy-duty aluminum that can withstand all forms of severe weather. Why K-Guard®? No other gutter system on the market can compete with the durability and effectiveness of the K-Guard® System. Consider installing K-Guard® today – schedule a free estimate today to get started!