Nothing lasts forever, and more than 99% of rain gutters need to be replaced eventually. Signs that your gutters need to be replaced including cracking, leaking, and warping of the material. These gutters play an essential role in keeping your home safe and valuable by moving rainwater away from the home. Without them, the water would damage your roof and the house's very foundation. As a result, it's important that you get the best gutters to suit your needs.
Read on to learn about the different types of gutters and their pros and cons.
Gutter Materials
Gutters come in a variety of materials, and knowing the differences between these materials is important in choosing the best gutters for your house.
Aluminum
Some of the cheapest gutters around are made out of aluminum.
This sturdy material is a great choice if you plan on installing the gutters yourself due to its lightweight nature.
Aluminum metal is also known for being rust and weather-resistant. Even so, the material is still susceptible to physical damage such as incidental denting.
Steel
Steel gutters are some of the strongest around, making them optimal for intense weather conditions.
The biggest con of regular steel, though, is the rust factor. If you want a combination of cheap and durable in exchange for aesthetics, steel gutters are the gutters for you.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel gutters the most expensive around. They've earned this price, however, by being the best type of gutters on the market.
These gutters are more durable than regular steel all without the risk of rusting.
With stainless steel, you get the best of looks and durability all in one, but for a price.
Plastic
On the opposite end of the spectrum, vinyl gutters are the absolute cheapest available. This makes it the best gutter system for anyone on a tight budget.
Made out of PVC plastic, plastic rain gutters hold almost all the same benefits as the aluminum ones. They're lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to install yourself.
The biggest con for vinyl gutters is their susceptibility to weather damage over the years. Extreme cold can cause the material to crack, while sunlight slowly wears them down.
If you happen to live in a state with moderate weather, you may be able to reap the benefits for a longer period of time before needing to replace them.
Seamed vs Seamless Gutters
Another choice you'll have to make when choosing the right gutter system for your house is if you want seamed or seamless gutters.
It's important to note that seamless gutters are only available in the aluminum materials, so if you're dead set on another material, seamless may not be for you.
Seamless gutters are also more expensive and aren't ideal if you plan on replacing your own gutters.
So why would you go with seamless?
Seamless gutter systems are custom fit to your house and consist of longer strips of material. This means fewer pieces are involved so there's a smaller chance of getting leaks.
The pros of going with seamed gutters other than being able to DIY is that if a piece needs to be replaced, that piece will be much smaller.
Choose the Best Gutters For You
Everyone needs a gutter system that works to keep their house in good condition.
The good news is that there are several types of gutters that offer different solutions depending on what you need.
Be sure to consider the pros and cons of each type so that you get the best gutters for your budget and home.
