Gutter Showdown: Aluminum Gutters Vs. Copper Gutters
When looking at buying gutters for your home, it can sometimes be hard to choose between the different types of gutters. Even the types of material can be difficult to differentiate between. When it comes to gutters, it is important to have the types of gutters that best suit your needs and will provide the best protection for your home.
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a list of pros and cons for two of the most common types of gutter material, copper and aluminum? Well, look no further because that is what you have found right here!
Copper Gutter Pros
One of the very first things that become clear with copper gutters is how decorative they are! Rather than being an eyesore, these gutters can actually add a nice flair to your house that wouldn’t normally be there otherwise. Particularly the color is quite beautiful, particularly when it is finished and polished. Though function is more important than aesthetic, it may still be nice to add a nice design feel to the outside of your house!
On the functional end of things, copper gutters are known to be very hardy and long-lasting. When properly taken care of, copper gutters can last decades without needing to be replaced or repaired. Copper gutters also have to be custom designed for your house, which means they are seamless gutters that are less prone to problems that can be caused by ice and snow, such as ice damming.
Having seamless copper gutters may be the best choice for you because they will last a long time and are less prone to some of the common problems with gutter systems. Before you decide on that, though, let’s look at some of the drawbacks of copper seamless gutters.
Copper Gutter Cons
Like many things in the world, you get what you pay for with copper gutters. The excellent looks and quality of the material also carry a higher price tag than other options. Though copper is less prone to rust and damage from ice, it is also harder to work and must be custom designed for a house.
Because copper is a little bit harder to work with than other materials, it takes a professional in the field to really be able to install it correctly. It also tends to take longer to install than other gutter systems, partially because it has to be custom designed and partially because the whole system has to be made out of copper. Other materials can cause copper to rust, so the whole system needs to be made out of copper in order to work effectively.
Though these cons definitely need to be considered when picking your gutter material, the price may be worth the quality. Having these professionally installed by Storm Master Gutters will ensure that your house will be well protected during winter. Plus, the good-looking material will add a nice design feel to the outside of your house!
Aluminum Gutter Pros
Aluminum gutters are the most common gutter material, and it is no wonder that they are! Aluminum gutters are remarkably well priced and dependable. Aluminum also allows for a lot of flexibility because the material is lightweight, which makes it easier to install and customize. On top of that, aluminum is coated with enamel in order to protect it from rust, which allows for some customization of color for your gutters.
The main thing going for aluminum gutters is the price tag. The gutters themselves are relatively inexpensive, and the material is much easier to work with than other materials, which makes it much easier to install for professionals. That means less labor time, which means a lower installation cost. The reliability of these gutters, combined with the lighter price tag, which can ultimately save you thousands of dollars in some cases, makes this a really good option for homeowners who are in the market for new gutters.
Aluminum Gutter Cons
Aluminum gutters also fall under the phrase you get what you pay for, and not in the best way. Because aluminum gutters are more lightweight, they are also more prone to getting damaged by things like hail or tree branches. Aluminum is also more prone to rust, which is why it is treated with that enamel layer to help prevent this. With special care, aluminum gutters will last a long time.
Aluminum gutters also don’t have the same durability as some of the other options for gutters. Though good care can make them last significantly longer, they still are more prone to damage and rust. They may require more protection and repairs than other gutter systems, which will cost some money.
So Which One is Better?
The reality with these two types of gutters is that it really depends on how important price and longevity is to you. If the price is the top priority for you, then aluminum gutters may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, the cost for repairs and maintenance may make copper gutters worth the extra initial cost.
If longevity is most important, then copper gutters will probably be the best option for you. Though they have a higher price tag upfront, they will last longer than their competition and will do better with ice that can normally cause damage. The seamless copper gutters also have the advantage of being form-fitted to the house, which makes them work much better for protecting your house.
So which gutter is better ultimately? It really depends on what your needs are. For example, if your area is prone to hailstorms, it may be best to go with the more durable copper gutters than the aluminum ones. But now that you know the pros and cons of each, you should be able to make the best decision for your home. And if you need help, you can always consult a professional who will be able to give their best opinion based on their experience.