What They're Made From
All gutters are made from aluminum, galvanized or stainless steel, copper, cast iron, wood, or vinyl/plastic.
Aluminum is the most popular material used to construct gutters as they are economical and relatively long lasting. This material is prized for its durability and strength to manage greater amounts of runoff water. It is also rust proof. When choosing the right aluminum for your gutters, choose primary aluminum and opt for thicker rather than thinner – the thicker, the better. Just make sure that once you've installed them, ladders or heavy branches don't come into contact with them, since they warp easily. For something stronger, but a little more expensive, try steel gutters.
Steel gutters are stronger than aluminum gutters. They do not dent or warp as easily, and drain runoff water and small debris efficiently from your home. The steel used to construct gutters can be either galvanized or stainless. If it is galvanized, make sure that it is treated with a rust resistant coating before installation. This will prevent rust erosion for several years. Unfortunately, rust can still occur in the long run.
To improve the appearance of your home, gutters manufactured out of copper are your best choice. Crafted and installed by professionals, they oxidize beautifully into a marble color, making it look more like an accessory for your home rather than just a “gutter”. They are durable, never rust, and last long, but are not popular due to their price. Another unpopular material is cast iron.
Unfortunately, due to its heavy weight, high cost, and cumbersome installation method, cast iron is by far the least popular material to construct gutters with. They are durable and resilient, though, and most older and historical homes are built with this type.
Wood is another unpopular material in the manufacturing of gutter. It requires yearly time consuming maintenance in waterproofing involving oiling the wood for protection. On the other hand, it is aesthetically pleasing and does not warp under pressure. Some popular types of wood to use are fir, redwood and cedar.
In recent years, vinyl/plastic has fast become the most popular material in the manufacturing of gutters. Being relatively smooth and slippery, vinyl/plastic gutters are extremely easy to clean, and remain clean, in comparison to other materials. The rainbow of colors and styles in which they come make it easy to find the perfect one to compliment the appearance of your home. Often sold in sections, they are quite simple to attach to your home without professional assistance. They are also highly flexible and lightweight, bending rather than breaking under the pressure of runoff water. Unfortunately, their flexibility is also a major drawback, as constant pressure from heavy objects such as ladders or debris will warp them. Another major problem is that they do not last as long as other types of gutters, since vinyl/plastic will weaken and become damaged when exposed long term to extreme cold or ultraviolet rays from the sun.
