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Copper Gutters vs. Aluminum, Galvanized Steel and Vinyl

Copper Gutters vs. Aluminum, Galvanized Steel and Vinyl

When the time comes for choosing the perfect type of gutters for your home, there are several options to consider.  Before deciding which size gutters to get installed, it is important to know the differences between each type of gutter. The types of gutters to choose for your home or business depend on several factors, such as location, type of roof, desired durability, and appearance.  Read the article below for a more detailed description and to gain a better understanding of the perfect type of gutter installation that will meet your needs.

Reasons Aluminum Gutters are Popular

Aluminum Gutters are a popular selection because they will not rust or deteriorate. It’s surface is protected by a natural layer of aluminum oxide. That layer of aluminum oxide does not rust, peel or flake, where as rust can peel and flake off the surface of Steel Gutters. This outer layer of aluminum oxide prevents the layers underneath from coming in contact with oxygen, air and water.

Most aluminum products are also covered with a baked-on enamel paint for even further protection. Aluminum Gutters are the most cost effective in both the short and long term and can last well over 20 to 30 years. Aluminum Gutters are vulnerable to salt water (waterfront homes), acid (acid rain and acid from wood Cedar Shake roof tiles), and evasive chemicals like bleach which removes the outer layer of aluminum oxide. If bleach is used for roof cleaning it is best to make sure the gutters are washed off thoroughly.  Keeping these conditions in mind, Copper Gutters may be a better choice for longevity.

Benefits of Copper Gutters

Copper Gutters are very costly, ranging from 8 to 10 times the cost of Aluminum Gutters. However, the greatest benefit of Copper Gutters are that they have over double the life expectancy of Aluminum Gutters and are known to last well over 50 years. Similar to aluminum, copper oxidizes and forms an outer protective layer also known as patina. It is a distinctive green color as seen on the statue of liberty. This layer is water proof and keeps the lower layers from being perpetrated by outer elements. Copper Gutters are a great selection for those living near the salt water where salt destroys other metals very quickly. It is also great for Cedar Shake roofs which have a natural acid destructive to aluminum and other metals. Copper Gutters are a great choice for historical or high-end homes, and the durability is unmatched!

Steel Gutters Explained

Steel Gutters are normally used to either match a steel roof for coloring or on commercial buildings for durability. Although its life expectancy is half of aluminum and a fraction of copper, galvanized steel is much harder than copper or aluminum. That is the main reason why it is mostly used on commercial buildings where there is a higher chance of dents and dings. Steel Gutters are known to start rusting in 5 to 10 years, but you could get 15 years out of it if you’re lucky.

Don’t Waste Your Time or Money on Vinyl

When it comes to Vinyl Gutters, I don’t have much good to say about it. They’re junk. You are required to purchase the parts from a home improvement store and will have to install it yourself. The store will nickel-and-dime you on accessories, and when you factor in the time it takes for installation, you don’t save much. Vinyl Gutters don’t look nearly as nice and may last 5 years before it is completely dry rotted.

 

POSTED ON September 2, 2016 // 0 COMMENTS

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