Rain gutters do a silent and thankless job most of the time, until they are not working right. If you have been dealing with a lot of water damage from leaking gutters, you are probably considering replacing your old gutter system with something brand new and more dependable. To make the best purchase for your home, you need to keep many factors in mind. One of the biggest decisions you will make is choosing the type of gutters. The material can play a big role in whether they last you a long time or not.

What are gutters made of? Here is a little primer to help.

Vinyl Gutters

Vinyl gutters are a popular choice for gutter systems because they come with many benefits at a reasonable price. They are very easy to install because all you have to do is snap the pieces together, and you never have to worry about them rusting. Perfect for DIYers who want to do the installation themselves.

Two things to keep in mind when you are making your final decision though is that vinyl tends to crack in really cold temperatures and if vinyl gutters are not installed properly, you may end up with water pooling on your roof.

Aluminum Gutters

Another popular type of roof gutters are aluminum gutters. Aluminum gutters offer a lot of the same benefits as vinyl gutters. They are lightweight and rust-proof and easy to install. An added bonus is that these gutters can withstand cold climates and be painted whatever color will look best with the outside of your house. Aluminum gutters also come in a seamless option.

The only real concern you might have with aluminum gutters is that they can be easily bent out of shape whether by being hit by a ladder or being stepped on. Choose a primary aluminum that is of a higher quality instead of recycled aluminum because it will be stronger and less likely to dent.

Stainless Steel Gutters

Gutters can also be made of steel. Stainless steel gutters are very sturdier, but also more expensive. They are also rust-proof so if you are financially able to invest more in your home, they are a smart choice.

Wood Gutters

If you are restoring an old home to its former glory then you may want wood gutters. They are very aesthetically pleasing but are very expensive and not all wood gutter products are as effective as they should be. Be careful when shopping around.

Copper Gutters

What else are gutters made of? Some old home restorations might also need copper gutters. They too are more expensive, but they also never rust and you will never need to paint them either. Gutter experts though advise you to add a sealant to them though otherwise the copper will oxidize and turn green over time. At Storm Masters, we also offer zinc-coated copper gutters.

Custom Gutters

At Storm Masters, we also offer custom gutters for both homes and businesses. We can build you custom gutters to any combination of profile, size, material, weight or color specifications. We bring our truck mounted gutter machines to your location and build your custom gutters to exact specifications right on site.

Other Things to Consider When Choosing New Gutters

There are also other things you need to consider when choosing new gutters, of course. You will need to decide between sectional versus seamless and K-Shape or Half-Round shape. Keep in mind that if you prefer seamless gutters, aluminum gutter system are the only type that currently offers a seamless option. Also keep in mind that K-shape gutters carry more water and are more structurally sound than the half-round shape.

Another big decision you will have to make is whether you will hire a professional company to install them for you or do it yourself. While making it a DIY project can save you money, if you do not feel safe on a ladder or are nervous in any way about the installation process, it is always best to hire a professional.

If you do decide to install them yourself, make sure you are buying the right size because if they are too big or too small, the rain water might not be able to properly drain away causing damage to your home.

At Storm Masters, we have been providing gutters and gutter services like gutter installation for over 40 years now and we guarantee affordable and reliable products and services always. We also provide gutter cleaning, gutter repair and protection services.

To protect your gutters from damage and leaks, we offer a variety of products like the LeaFree, Leaf Relief and GutterRX. LeaFree keeps debris out, but allows the water to flow freely down to the ground. Leaf Relief by PlyGem adds extra support to your gutter system to reduce the normal wear and tear that occurs especially with bad weather. The GutterRX, on the other hand, completely encloses your gutters so no wildlife can get in. If the chore you hate the most is cleaning out the gutters, then these products can help reduce the amount of debris you will have to clean up.

Want to learn more about what gutters are made of and how we can help you protect your home from water damage, call us for a free estimate or request one online today.