ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT METAL GUTTERS
Gutters run the gamut between inexpensive, low-quality vinyl to fashionable yet costly wooden troughs. Metal gutters are the preferred choice for many homeowners because they’re available in many different types of metal, they’re durable, and for many other reasons. Below are a few important things to note about metal gutters if you’re planning to have them installed or if you have some that you’d like to have replaced or repaired.
Metal Gutters Come in All Types of Metal
The reason that metal is so popular for gutters is fairly straightforward: many metals can be bent and shaped into robust gutters for a cost-effective price. Cheaper vinyl gutters will get the job done, but they’ll often be susceptible to damage and thus require constant repairs and replacement. Instead, choose metal for its superior structural stability and its ability to wick away and direct water away from the roof and down the downspout.
Some popular metals include: copper, zinc, steel, and aluminium. Styles and price points may vary quite a bit for each metal type, so choose one that matches both the character of the home (copper tends to make a statement for stylistic reasons) yet also won’t cost an arm and a leg to install.
Gutters Complement a Roof
While the roof usually catches the eye more so than the gutter, it doesn’t mean that they are any less important in capturing and shedding water away from your roof and home. A roof without a good gutter will not be able to channel rainfall efficiently away from the home, which can lead to too much rainfall directly around the home. A drop of water won’t knock down a house, but too much water seeping around the foundations can create cracks and structural damage that is both costly and inconvenient to clean up after.
How Long Do They Last?
As a general rule of thumb, expect the following lifespans from the following types of gutter:
- Aluminium: 25 years
- Galvanised steel: 15 years
- Zinc: 30-50 years
- Copper: 100 years
If your gutters are regularly cleaned of debris (pine needles are a noteworthy concern) and damaged sections are promptly repaired, metal gutters can last quite a long time before rusting. Zinc and copper gutters don’t rust but experience wear and tear over the years, so consider these if you’d like a lifetime investment that looks great yet stands the test of time.
Can Metal Gutters Be Installed Easily?
Straight sections of metal gutter are straightforward and easy to install. Naturally, you’ll want to also invest in proper safety equipment such as a quality ladder and fall protection kit so that you don’t injure yourself whilst working on the gutters. Cornered sections and awkward angles may pose particular challenges, however. For those untrained in gutter installation, improper installation can lead to poor water management and ineffective gutters.
Rather than risking it yourself, consider hiring a professional roofer to come by and install them for you. Not only will they be able to assemble your gutters correctly and safely, but it can also save you lots of time and effort in dealing with corners, downspouts, and other sections that would otherwise be a headache to deal with yourself.
Roof Guard Roofing
Don’t throw your hard-earned money down the gutter and instead invest in good quality gutters to protect your roof and home. Metal gutter installation and repairs from Roof Guard Roofing can prolong the life of your roof by years and alleviate the potential damage that would otherwise be caused by excessive rainfall. Get in touch with us today to enquire about our approach to metal gutter installation and repairs.