Balancing Style and Function When Choosing Gutters for Your Home

While your roof is designed to protect your home and family, a system of rain gutters and downspouts are your best protection against potential water damage from storms.

Gutters serve to collect the runoff, and the downspouts help direct the water away from the home. You have a wide range of options when it comes to design and function as you decide on what style of gutters to install for your home.

The Go-To Standard: Aluminum or Vinyl

The most popular choice for ease of installation and versatility are aluminum or vinyl. Available in 10-foot lengths of channels ranging from 3 to 6 inches with either 2 x 3 or 4 x 5-inch rectangular downspouts, they are the most affordable as well. Aluminum is lightweight and resists corrosion.

Both vinyl and aluminum are available in a variety of colors. Vinyl is not as durable as metal gutters and can break down from exposure to extremes of cold and direct sun, making it necessary to replace them more frequently.

The average lifespan of less expensive gutters averages 20 years, but with proper maintenance and upkeep, they can last longer.

Galvanized Steel and Zinc Gutters

Galvanized steel and zinc gutters offer more durability over aluminum or vinyl. Where aluminum is prone to developing leaks over time from cracks and splits or where there are joints, galvanized steel or zinc gutters can be made seamless eliminating this weakness.

Steel is coated with zinc to offer greater corrosion resistance if it does not get scratched off. Unrepaired scratches tend to rust, which can undermine the integrity of the material.

Zinc is a non-ferrous metal less susceptible to corrosion. Zinc holds a lesser resale value as a raw material making it far less attractive to thieves.

Zinc can be made to match commercial and residential exteriors. Only buy zinc from a qualified and knowledgeable roof company for a stronger, better looking gutter system.

Gorgeous, Durable and Elegant Copper

Although the installation of rain gutters was popularized following WWII, copper gutter systems have been around since ancient times.

The simple reason for this is due to copper’s longevity lasting your lifetime and those of your descendants since it will not corrode or lose its impressive strength throughout the years of freeze and thaw cycles.

Copper gives your home a statelier appearance of sophistication. The composition of copper naturally prevents mold and mildew from developing without much maintenance.

It is possible to keep copper shiny like a new penny or let it gain its lovely green patina, the chemical reaction to oxidation that increase its ability to ward off the growth of algae and fungus.

Accessorize Your Gutters

It is possible to tailor the appearance of your gutter system with decorative accessories. Why not consider adorning your classic and timeless copper gutter system with graceful ornamentation such as artfully designed fascia and downspout brackets? Have a decorative boot attached to your downspout for a more classy and rugged water exit.

Such treatment can be applied to aluminum with Fluer-dis-Lis, Trefle, Grapevine or Acanthus Leaf detail or waxed bronze curled brackets. A garden or branch style or brass Queen Anne style cast downspout bracket can give your system artistic expression.

There are options when it comes to rain gutters. When you can achieve a look that is pleasing and boosts curb appeal while serving as the best means of drawing water away from your home, you prolong the integrity of the structure and increase property value at the same time.