Which Gutter Material Is T+I2:I92 For Your Home
Gutters and downspouts play an important role in directing rainwater off your roof and keeping it away from the foundation to prevent flooding or water damage to your home. Knowing what material to get your replacement gutters made from is a tough choice. Here are some of the best options available:
1. Seamless Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum seamless gutters are cut to the specific length needed for your home, which eliminates the possibility of seams weakening your gutter system. They are highly durable due to the factory finish and won’t corrode or rust. You can expect them to last much longer than other varieties, with the average life expectancy of more than 30 years. Aluminum seamless gutters are also affordable and easy to install. These maintenance-free gutters come in a variety of colors to fit the style of your home.
However, installing aluminum seamless gutters is generally not a DIY job. Since the gutters are not sectioned, they require several people and special equipment to put in place. The installation will take a minimal amount of time with a professional installing them.
Another downside to seamless aluminum gutters is they can get dented with heavy storms or falling debris. You can overlook small dings, but larger ones will need some repair work to fix.
2. Copper Gutters
If you’re looking for a unique look for your home, copper gutters provide the unique finish and can improve the curb appeal of your home. With copper gutters, you can improve your home’s aesthetics without sacrificing durability and performance. They won’t rust or corrode, but will over time turn a blue-green patina. Fortunately, you can clean or treat this to make the patina in your desired color.
Since copper gutters are soldered together, you won’t have to worry about leaks. With proper maintenance, copper gutters can last up to 50 years without requiring repair or replacement. Copper gutter systems are also tailor-made for your home. This means there won’t be any seams, which prevents future leaks.
However, copper gutters do have some drawbacks, the major one being the price. Copper gutters cost much more than what aluminum gutters cost. Using copper gutters means all the fasteners, nails, and fitting will need to be copper, which further increases the price. Again, copper gutters will take longer to install and require skilled professionals to solder appropriately.
3. Wood Gutters
Wood gutters are great for homeowners who want a historic feel to their homes. They provide a unique charm and aesthetic appeal. Although wood is a natural material, it still works great at directing rainwater away from your house as long as they are fitted and maintained properly. Moreover, wood gutters can be treated to improve durability.
Wooden gutters look great, and depending on the craftsmanship, they can become the kind of detail which makes your house stand out. Wooden gutters are generally designed to help maintain the architectural integrity of historic homes, but this doesn’t mean they don’t get the job done right. They are both charming and practical.
Homeowners can expect to spend a moderate price per foot of wood gutters. However, they aren’t as expensive as copper gutters. Since most homeowners looking to install wooden gutters seek to protect their historic homes, they may require special permits before commencing the project. This, of course, means you may incur further costs to obtain special permits from your municipality, county, or state. If your home is listed on the National Register of Historic Homes, you may need to obtain a permit from the federal government.
There are worries wooden gutters don’t hold up to the elements, but with correct installation and regular maintenance, they can last as long as 25 years. Gutters made of durable redwood can even last 50 years or more. Other benefits of wood gutters include effectiveness, architectural integrity, and high-end look.
Work with Couto Construction for your Gutter Installation!
Ultimately, you need to work with a reputable gutter specialist to ensure your gutters will hold up to the elements for several years to come. Couto Construction can help take care of your gutter system before clogging becomes a bigger issue and causes damages to your home. We serve Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island. Contact us today for a free estimate!