If you’re in the market for new gutters, you may have noticed that they come in a variety of materials. There are many factors to consider: cost, durability, and appearance, to name a few. Follow this brief guide to decide which of these popular gutter materials is best for your Asheville, North Carolina home.
- Vinyl- Vinyl gutters typically have seams, so they come in sections that attach to each other. Vinyl is also one of the cheapest gutter materials (about $2 per linear foot). However, the attractions of vinyl gutters are also its weaknesses. Seams make the gutters prone to leaks, and vinyl is the cheapest material because it is the least durable.
- Aluminum– Aluminum is another of the most popular gutter materials. While more expensive than vinyl, aluminum is still affordable (about $2 to $3 per linear foot). It’s more durable than vinyl, as it lasts 20 years on average. It does not rust either. Aluminum gutters are available in both seamless and sectional styles, and you can choose from a variety of colors too.
- Steel– Steel tends to be more durable than aluminum but more expensive. There are two types of steel gutters: galvanized and stainless. Galvanized steel will remain rustless for 10 to 15 years and costs about $8 to $10 per linear foot when it’s professionally installed. In contrast, stainless steel won’t rust at all but costs significantly more than galvanized steel.
- Copper– Copper is the most durable gutter material on this list, as copper gutters can last anywhere from 60 to 100 years if they are properly maintained. Because of its long life, copper is the most expensive of gutter materials at about $20 to $30 per linear foot when it’s professionally installed. Copper gutters are elegant and used often on historical homes.
There’s more to gutter materials than we’ve covered here. If you would like to know more or want help with your gutter installation, contact us today at Express Gutters.