Gutters are somewhat of an unsung hero when it comes to protecting property. Specifically, they serve the very important purpose of channeling rain water away from the foundation, which helps prevent the likes of soil erosion and basement water intrusion, among others. But gutters have a shelf life. In fact, it's estimated that on the average American home, gutters only last for about 20 years and are likely to require regular maintenance and upkeep throughout this lifespan.
Just what are some signs that your gutters need to be replaced? Some things to look out for include excessive sagging, rusting or widespread leaks that have become too difficult to repair. In other cases, homeowners may not need new gutters from a performance standpoint, but may elect to have a new system installed to match the color on a new roof or siding that was installed. Whatever your situation when it comes time to replace your gutters, know that there are options you can choose from beyond the conventional aluminum gutters. This post will take a closer look at the gutter options that homeowners can select from and weigh the pros and cons of each style in an effort to better help you select the perfect gutters for your house.
Selecting the Perfect Gutter
Gutters should be considered a home improvement project, as they can add value to a home, improve a home's curb appeal and, ultimately, keep it safe from water intrusion and foundation degradation. New gutters are also a fairly affordable home improvement project. Home Advisor states that the average gutter installation project costs about $920, though this can vary based on the type of gutter that is being installed and size of the home, among other factors.
Aluminum
According to House Logic, aluminum is the most popular gutter material - and for good reason. For starters, it's the most affordable gutter material. But beyond affordability, aluminum gutters offer various other benefits. For instance, they won't rust. They're also fairly lightweight and durable, normally lasting for about 20 years. Finally, they can be painted if a homeowner decides they want the gutter color to match that of new siding or a new roof, for example. Aluminum does have its downsides, however. Perhaps the most significant one is that the material isn't prone to denting. What's more is that the material may expand and contract depending on the weather conditions. This may cause pieces to separate or leaks to occur around the joints, making regular upkeep important.
Copper
Copper gutters make gutters look good, a key reason why older, historic homes or high-end homes will select the material for their gutter system. In addition to being non-corrosive, copper gutters also last for a very long time. In fact, according to ImproveNet, it's not uncommon for copper gutters to last anywhere from 60 to 100 years. One of the main drawbacks to copper gutters, however, is their cost - as prices can be as high as $25 per linear foot. Keep in mind that if the system lasts for a century, the ROI is more than worth it in the long run.
Metal
Steel and zinc are two other metal gutter options, though they're not as popular as aluminum. The former material is considered heavy and, while inexpensive, is also susceptible to rusting anywhere from five to 10 years after installation. Zinc, on the other hand, tends to be a durable, long-lasting material, but its expensive nature limits its use primarily to historic homes and high-end properties.
Built-in
One style of gutter is built-in. According to Old House Web, built-in gutters are preferred because they are incorporated into the home in a way that doesn't detract from its look. In other words, these types of gutters are somewhat of a part of the actual roof. Though these types of gutters can help preserve the natural charm of homes, you need to be sure to regularly maintain these types of systems. Because they're hidden, it's easy for homeowners to neglect proper care and upkeep, which can result in major problems down the road.
Final Word
With many material choices and styles to choose from, selecting the perfect gutter can be more of a decision than what may initially meet the eye. But it's an important decision to ensure that your house is taking the necessary steps to minimize the threat of water intrusion and property damage. For more information on gutter materials and styles, contact us today.
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