Yes, you need to have rain gutters to direct water away from your home so that runoff doesn’t damage your foundation (among other issues), but it’s not just having rain gutters that you, the homeowner, need to consider. You also need to pick what material you want your gutters to be made from!
Let’s go through the different materials along with their pros and cons.
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Aluminum
There’s a reason that most gutters are made from aluminum. It’s light, durable, and affordable. However, if you experience severe precipitation, aluminum can bend and dent.
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Vinyl
Just like aluminum, vinyl is a great budget choice. It can come in many colors to match just about any exterior paint, too. The downside of vinyl is that it’s much weaker than any metal option. Even sunlight will cause it and its rubber seals to degrade, leading to leaks.
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Steel
If you’re looking for strength, steel has it! But it will start to rust after about ten years and is much more expensive than aluminum. If you want the strength of steel without rusting issues, you’ll need either galvanized or stainless steel. Just be prepared for the cost to go even higher.
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Copper
Copper has an appearance that can’t be replicated by other materials and is incredibly resilient, offering lifespans up to 50 years or more. The major con, however, is cost, which can be up to double that of steel.
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Zinc
Another high-end option is zinc, which offers incredible durability similar to copper. It won’t rust, it won’t fade, and it won’t warp. As you may imagine, it’s also similar in price to copper. Additionally, zinc can still be damaged by acidic rain and runoff despite its durability.
Which Do You Prefer?
So the answer for which is the best is a personal one. Do you care more about budget, style, or longevity? Hopefully, we’ve given you enough information to make an informed decision!
Trust Your Gutters to Chesapeake Property Services
Whatever material you prefer, you can trust Chesapeake Property Services to install and maintain your gutters with professional results! Call us right away at (410) 661-4235.