Gutter Materials

Wood Gutters and Galvanized Downspouts

Traditionally, gutters were made out of wood. However, for obvious reasons this was discarded in favor of materials that didn’t swell when wet or rot. A wood that was longer lasting and less susceptible to moisture damage was old growth cedar. However, this is not available very much today.

Continuous Aluminum Gutters and Downspouts

A sizeable majority of gutters today are made from aluminum. Taking up less room and holding more water, aluminum gutters quickly replaced the wooden variety. They are susceptible to denting, but this is usually not a problem. What you should be most careful about is leaning a ladder on them. They will bend underneath the weight of a person leaning on them, and you should never step on them. The thicker the gutter the better, although as mass increases so does price.

Vinyl and Plastic Gutters and Downspouts

Vinyl gutters have gained prominence lately. One reason is that they are lightweight and easy to install by yourself. Ladders are also one of the greatest threats to vinyl, so you should also use caution around them. Because you can install them on your own, you can buy them from a hardware store. They are easy to cut, so it’s no problem that they usually come in units that are slightly larger than what you require.

Integral Gutters

An integral gutter is one that has been built into a home. This includes the end of the rafters and fascia on a sloped roof forming the system. While it can hold a great deal of water and is sturdier, it is susceptible to leads and if severely damaged by water and weather can do harm to the structure of your home. Prevention of damage of these gutters include careful inspection every year or so and replacing the lining every few years. If you re-roof your home and are dissatisfied with your integral gutters, it is possible to convert to a standard gutter system.

Steel and Aluminum Gutters

Steel and Aluminum gutters are generally the most economical. Steel will not bend to the will of a ladder with a person on it (you still should not stand on them), and fallen branches will pose no problem. Rust might set in eventually, but stainless steel gutters will not succumb to it. However, stainless steel is quite costly.