3 Rain Gutter Materials You Should Consider

The approach of the rainy season usually signals a time to repair or replace the gutter system on buildings. However, some people may be unsure about which material their replacement gutters should be made from. This article discusses three common materials from which rain gutters can be made. Use this information to select the most appropriate material for the gutters of your home.

Aluminium Gutters

Aluminium gutters are quite common because of their affordability. They are lightweight and are therefore easy to install. They require minimal maintenance because of their corrosion resistance. However, harsh weather events, such as hailstones, can easily bend or dent the aluminium rain gutters.

Copper Gutters

Many homeowners prefer copper gutters because of their superior aesthetic appeal. You also don't have to clean copper gutters as often as you would clean other types of gutters. This is because the copper gutters kill any algae or fungi that may try to grow on them. Additionally, copper develops a brown or green film on its surface. That patina helps to protect the copper from corrosion. Thus, the copper gutters will last for much longer than any other type of rain gutter.

However, copper rain gutters are more expensive than other types of gutters, such as those made from stainless steel or aluminium. Their installation also requires a specialist who will know which connectors to use in order to prevent the copper from being destroyed when it reacts with other metals.

Stainless Steel Gutters

Stainless steel gutters are much stronger than those made from copper or aluminium. However, they tend to be heavy. This makes it necessary to incur a higher installation cost because you will need more brackets to support those gutters. The gutters also have to be inspected frequently in order to identify corrosion early and take remedial steps. This corrosion usually begins when the surface coating of the material is destroyed by prolonged contact with acidic rain and other metals. Their lifespan is also not as long as that of copper gutters. The cost of these gutters is not as high as that of copper gutters. However, stainless steel gutters are more expensive than aluminium ones.

Consider the pros and cons of each material before you make a final decision. It may also be wise to consult a roofing expert for help because the material that you prefer may not be the best material for your climatic zone. That expert will also advise you about the most appropriate size for your roof pitch and size.

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