Which Material Should You Choose For Your Rain Gutters?

There are a few types of materials rain gutters can come in. Every homeowner needs a rain gutter to protect their home and prevent future problems. Rain gutters are necessary to avoid water damage to the foundation of your house. If you don’t have rain gutters, prepare to do some costly home repairs in the future.

Rain gutters redirect rainwater and snowmelt away from your house to avoid problems like roof damage, siding damage, or flooded basements.

Flooded basements can lead to water seeping into your home and will eventually cause mold and create unhygienic, dangerous circumstances for you and your family. The expenses from this type of damage can really add up.

Knowing all this, you should consider having rain gutters installed as soon as possible. You can choose from materials such as aluminum, galvanized steel, vinyl and copper.

It’s probably safe to say that as a homeowner your main priority is to protect your investment.

Different homes will have different gutters that work best for them. However, some factors to consider when investing in gutters for your home include the climate, the amount of rain/snow fall in your area, and the type of roof you have.

As we all know, it can get extremely cold here in North Idaho and the best gutters for snowy climates such as ours are those that are made of durable materials that can withstand heavy snowfall and extreme cold temperatures as well as hold up in the hot summer months.

Some of the most popular materials for house gutters in North Idaho include aluminum, vinyl, steel, and copper.

Below are some pros and cons of each material that will help you determine which type of gutter is best for the type of home you own, your geographical location and budget.

Aluminum Gutters-

Advantages:

• Lightweight/ease of installation

• Resistant to rust and corrosion

Disadvantages:

• Can be bent and dented more easily than other types of gutters

Lifespan: up to

20 years

Vinyl Gutters-

Advantages:

• Inexpensive

• Lightweight and easy to work with

• Resistant to corrosion

• Rust resistant

Disadvantages:

• Can become brittle and weaken over time in cold weather and hot summer months

• Not recommended for snowy or windy locations

Lifespan: 8-20 years

Galvanized Steel Gutters-

Advantages :

• Durable

• Resistant to corrosion

Disadvantages:

• Can be heavy and difficult to install

• May rust over time

Lifespan: up to 20 years

Copper Gutters-

Advantages:

• Resistant to corrosion

• Aesthetically pleasing

• Lifelong investment

• Inexpensive to maintain

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than other types of gutters

• Can become discolored over time

Lifespan: up to 50 years or more

Need more information or have further questions about rain gutters? Give us a call at (208) 987-0414 and we'd be happy to talk rain gutters with you.