Think gutters are just gutters? Think again! While gutters have the same primary purpose, they come in more types and materials than you’d suppose. Each gutter material has both advantages and disadvantages to consider as you consider which to choose. When selecting a gutter material, you’ll also want to evaluate the location and weather conditions around your home.
Things to Consider when Selecting Gutter Materials
Choosing the right gutter material involves weighing several factors. Of course, you’ll want to consider your budget for the project. Some materials, like vinyl, may cost far less than other types of gutter materials. In addition, the climate (rainfall, winds, average temperatures) is essential to selecting the best type of gutter materials to use for your home.
Ask yourself the following questions as you shop around for the best gutters:
- Is there a high amount of rainfall per year around my home?
- How often will I have the exterior of my gutters cleaned?
- How much do I have to spend?
- How long would I like my gutters to last before needing to replace them?
- Are high winds frequently a problem?
- Does my home have direct sun exposure (chance to fade in color)?
- Is my home in a setting with many trees?
Putting some thought into these questions and performing adequate research will help you determine the best possible material to use for your home’s gutters. If you’re considering new or replacement gutters for your home, consider these 2022 gutter material trends to guide your shopping.
Galvanized Steel Gutters
Galvanized steel gutters are a popular 2022 gutter material trend, although they’ve been used for over 150 years. This type of gutter material, made from hot-dip steel, is popular due to its durability. If you’re looking for gutters on a budget, galvanized steel gutters may be your answer.
When compared to aluminum gutters, galvanized steel gutters are more durable. Living in a very wet climate? The material of galvanized steel gutters may come in handy in areas with heavy rainfall. Experts at Gutter Supply suggest that you can get at least 20 to 30 years out of steel gutters. With proper care and cleaning, you can prevent rusting of steel gutters too.
Aluminum Gutters
Another popular option for gutters is gutters made of aluminum. In fact, aluminum gutters are the most widely used type of gutter material. While they have a shorter lifespan when compared to galvanized steel gutters, they’re also easier to install on your own. If you live in an area with high winds, aluminum gutters may not be your best option.
The lightweight material leaves them prone to cracks. One advantage to aluminum gutters, however, is that they’re available in many different colors to help match the style of your home. Gutter Supply offers a large selection of 18 different prefinished colors made of aluminum!
Zinc Gutters
Zinc gutters are great if you want a super low-maintenance gutter option. Pre-weathered zinc gutters do not rust, and they resist scratches too! With a very long lifespan of upwards of 50 years, you’ll undoubtedly make an excellent investment when purchasing zinc gutters. The pre-weathered materials of zinc gutters create a protective layer known as patina.
The patina helps resist corrosion, leaving your zinc gutters looking as good as new for a long time. According to the experts at Gutter Supply, Zinc gutters are great for homeowners who are unlikely to clean the exterior of their gutters often. The one disadvantage to choosing zinc gutters is that they can get expensive quickly.
Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl gutters are best on a very tight budget, as they are inexpensive. They also come in various colors or can be painted to match the color scheme of your home. Unlike other types of gutters, such as galvanized steel gutters that require professional installation, you may be able to install vinyl gutters yourself.
While it may seem like the obvious choice to go for the cheapest option, vinyl gutters are not ideal for high-heat climates. With lots of sun exposure, vinyl gutters may fade in color throughout their lifespan. In addition, the material may be prone to cracking.
Learn More about Gutters Today
Now that you know some of the most popular 2022 gutter trends, you’re better equipped to choose the right gutters for your home. From vinyl to galvanized steel, choosing the most appropriate type of gutter material for your home can be overwhelming.
Using the tips in this guide, you’re well on your way to selecting the best gutter material for your home. The gutter materials mentioned are just a few of the many options available for homeowners. These options are the most commonly used by 2022 homeowners. However, there may also be other options available.
