There’s a lot to consider when choosing a new rain gutter for your home, like shape, material, and total cost. Gutters are an integral part of your home’s drainage system, and a poorly installed gutter can lead to devastation during a big rain storm.
In addition to function, gutters are a highly visible part of your home. So it’s important to pick something that complements your home’s color scheme and structural style.
Gutters experience a lot of wear and tear over their lifetime, so cleaning them regularly and replacing them when needed is essential. Whether you’re building a new home or updating the drainage system on an existing structure, here’s everything you need to know about choosing the right gutters for your home.
Signs Your Rain Gutters Need Replacing
As long as they are installed and maintained correctly, the rain gutters on your home should last for at least 20 years. Some materials, like copper, may last much longer. Most people replace their gutters at the same time as they replace their roof, but your gutters may need to be replaced before your roof has reached the end of its life.
Here’s a look at some tell-tail signs that your gutters need replacing:
- The gutters are sagging and pulling away from your home.
- There are dents, holes, cracks, or other irreparable damage to the gutters.
- The paint or siding behind your gutters is peeling and being damaged.
- You find water leaking or mold growth in your basement.
- There is standing water in your gutters that doesn’t drain efficiently.
Broken and poorly performing gutters are more than just a cosmetic issue. Water can easily pool around your foundation when gutters can’t perform their job properly. This can cause severe problems like cracks in your foundation, basement leaks, and mold growth.
Choosing the Right Rain Gutter
There’s a wide variety of rain gutters on the market with several options for both material and style. Here’s an overview of the most common materials and styles so you can choose what’s best for you and your home.
Rain Gutter Materials
Not all gutter materials are created equal. Some are incredibly durable but costly, while others are less sturdy but inexpensive. Different materials also offer a different appearance. Let’s look at each material along with its pros and cons.
- Aluminum – Aluminum is the most popular gutter material. It’s lightweight, so it’s easier to attach and isn’t prone to sagging. You can also get aluminum gutters in various colors, which are resistant to corrosion and keep looking nice for longer. They’re one of the less expensive options but aren’t the most durable gutters. They are prone to dents which can decrease performance over time.
- Steel – Steel gutters are typically made of galvanized steel coated in a zinc layer. This makes them very strong and durable, but they are prone to rust. Steel gutters may also be coated in both aluminum and zinc to remain durable and help with the rust problem. They are reasonably inexpensive and easy to install and maintain. The downside? They are one of the heaviest materials, so they are prone to sagging and pulling away from the roof with time.
- Zinc – Zinc gutters are less common, but they have plenty of upsides. They are one of the most durable gutter materials and commonly last upwards of 100 years. Zinc is fully recyclable too, so they’re an eco-friendly choice. Additionally, zinc gutters add a significant amount of curb appeal. They are expensive, so more people don’t go for them.
- Copper – Copper shares a lot of the upsides of zinc. It’s recyclable, durable, and attractive. Copper gutters develop a beautiful patina over time that protect the gutters from rust. This material is often installed on historic homes and buildings. But, like zinc, copper gutters are on the high end of the price scale.
- Vinyl – Vinyl is typically the least expensive gutter material. And while vinyl gutters might look nice initially, they have the shortest life span and will need to be replaced frequently. They become brittle in direct sunlight and break easily. But they are extremely easy to match to a home’s vinyl siding, which is why so many people choose them.
Most people believe aluminum gutters to be the best option all-around, but copper and steel are also excellent choices. We recommend steering clear of vinyl, though, unless you enjoy replacing your gutters every couple of years.
It ultimately comes down to finding something attractive and durable that falls within your price point. A local professional can help you determine the right material and style of gutters for your home.
Styles of Rain Gutters
The two most common styles of gutters are k-style and half round. You can get each style in any of the available materials. K-style gutters are the most common. Their shape is similar to that of decorative crown molding.
Half-round gutters are much simpler and are shaped like a semicircle with the opening facing upwards. This style has been around for much longer and can be found in many older homes and buildings.
Regarding which style is best, it’s a matter of personal preference. Many homeowners prefer the half-round look, while others opt for the newer k-style gutters.
M&M Gutters Has The Best Rain Gutters For Your Home
Your home is one of the most significant investments you will ever make, and it’s essential to protect it from rain and storm damage. That’s why M & M Gutters & Exteriors is here to help pick the right rain gutter for your home. We offer various styles and materials, including copper, box round, k-style, and custom box gutters.
We have installed thousands of gutter systems on homes across Northern Utah, including Lehi, Salt Lake City, Park City, Ogden, and more. We provide superior service to new construction, remodels, apartments, and even commercial buildings. We also offer siding installation and repair, leaf guards, and ice melt systems. Contact us today for an estimate!