8 Types of Gutters Designed to Fit Virtually Any Home

Just like everything else, there are many types of gutters. Understanding the facts behind each type can help you choose the best gutters for your home. However, you don't have to do it alone!

The experts at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island offer decades of experience helping homeowners like you choose the best types of gutters for their home. Continue reading to learn more about about the different types of gutters.

Vinyl Gutters

One of the most cost effective and popular options are vinyl gutters. These gutters are available in a wide range of colors to easily match the existing style of your home. However, vinyl gutters are not as durable as metal and will break down over time due to exposure to weathering and sunlight.

As a result, vinyl gutters may need to be replaced more frequently. In addition, these gutters commonly come in 10 foot sections and have rubber seals used to join the sections, which can become brittle and break to cause gutter leaks.

Aluminum Gutters

Among all of the different types of gutters, aluminum arguably dominates the market, and there are several reasons why. These types of gutters are:

Unlike vinyl, however, aluminum gutters are weather-resistant across the board and have the ability to maintain their integrity in the coldest of climates. It's also rust-resistant and is offered in an .032 or .027 gauge thickness for long-lasting duty for regions with snow, like Long Island..

Best of all, aluminum gutters hold paint very well and can be manufactured in seamless models. The major downside to aluminum is they are not as structurally sound as other materials and can dent or be misshapen.

Stainless Steel Gutters

Stainless steel gutters are virtually indestructible, will not rust, and can shine for several years to come. As a matter of fact, stainless steel gutters are widely accepted as the strongest materials in the industry. The main downside to stainless steel gutters are their price, which can be anywhere from two up to four times as much as gutters made from lesser materials.

Copper Gutters

Similar to stainless steel gutters, copper gutters are virtually indestructible, will not rust, will never require painting, and will not mildew. However, copper gutters are probably the most expensive gutter material.

The main reason someone chooses copper gutters is for their stylish appeal and flair of opulence. As a result, you will most likely see copper gutters on high-end homes as well as historic restorations.

Galvanized Steel Gutters

Galvanized steel are steel gutters coated with a layer of zinc. While galvanized steel gutters are exceptionally strong, longevity can be an issue. These gutters are prone to rusting after five to 10 years. If you use galvanized steel gutters, it's imperative to have them installed properly to avoid standing water and to ensure proper draining.

Galvalume Gutters

Galvalume is steel with a coating of zinc and aluminum. The coating of 45% zinc and 55% aluminum is applied through a process of continuous hot dipping. This mixture results in a durable, strong metal with the ability to resist corrosion. Depending on your location, galvalume can have the lifespan of nine times of galvanized steel.

Zinc Gutters

Zinc gutters are typically crafted from an alloy of 99.5% zinc with traces of titanium and copper. Like copper gutters, zinc gutters are commonly used unpainted and will develop a protective patina to protect the zinc from corrosion and weathering. Although zinc gutters may have a higher initial cost than aluminum, they do not require paint, require very little maintenance, and can average twice the lifespan to extend gutter repair or replacement.

Wood Gutters

Although you may not see wood gutters very often, they are still an option. However, wood gutters have vastly fallen out of popularity due to the advent of cheaper, more mass produced materials with better weather resistant properties.

In either case, wood gutters can be made out of fir, redwood, cedar and other woods. Today, wood gutters are most likely to be used in renovation of historic or older homes where staying true to the original construction takes precedence over cost efficiency or longevity.

Contact Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island

If you are looking to learn the different types of gutters for new gutter installation or gutter replacement, the experts at Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island can help. We offer a vast array of different types of gutters, materials, and styles. We will work closely with you to help you choose the best types of gutters for your home.

Contact Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning of Long Island today for a free quote.