Building Materials; Roofing & Gutters; Gutter Systems; Gutters. Please select a color that best works for your home. Stainless steel is cheaper, and will last forever, but has a very industrial look. Brief History of Gutters and Their Materials, Recap of the Benefits of Vinyl vs Aluminum Gutters, Water from damaging your roof and causing rot, mold, or deterioration in shingles, masonry, fascia, and soffit, Water from pooling around the foundation, thereby spurring erosion and causing damage to your foundation and potential, Lightweight and easy to install sectional vinyl by yourself, Minimal maintenance costs as vinyl gutters never require painting, Sturdy and durable material that will hold up to most all types of weather conditions, Seamless aluminum gutters offer maximum durability, All aluminum gutters are stocked available in a great array of colors, Changing appearance is easy as homeowners can readily paint aluminum gutters any shade they want. Rainstorms are a daily occurrence, and the threat of tropical strength storms is ever present. Everything Gutter 1,521 views. Cumberland & nearby stores. There are two types of aluminum gutters that you’ll see advertised: Seamed aluminum and seamless aluminum. Vinyl gutters may be about 25% cheaper than aluminum but they last about 10% as long. Aluminum Gutters Pros Sturdy - Aluminum is thicker and heavier than vinyl. Seamless Gutters VS Traditional Gutters - Duration: 2:47. Why People Choose Vinyl Gutters With all the various materials available for gutters, including steel, aluminum, and copper, people still choose vinyl relatively often. The seamed version is a good choice for those homeowners who want to install gutters themselves while seamless aluminum gutters will be found with professional installers as they are custom-made on site. Vinyl gutters are still relatively new in the industry and, while they are gaining in popularity, have not yet overtaken aluminum gutters. As such, it may be difficult to find seamless gutters in your area and this is another reason why vinyl tends not to be the top pick in northern climates where sagging gutters can be a common issue. Compare vinyl vs aluminum gutters. This style is most popular in aluminum gutters. If you don’t believe us, simply price your gutters out here for free using our gutter calculator and see for yourself: Figure out how much to pay for new aluminum gutters & gutter guards for your home! Yet another advantage of aluminum gutters is that, unlike plastic ones, which are installed section by section, aluminum gutters are seamless, making them less prone to … They are both inexpensive, relatively easy to install and resist rust. In contrast, aluminum gutters both yesterday and today come in a great array of colors. They become even more expensive when you consider the value of your home. The reasoning behind this is to make them blend in with both lighter and darker houses. The cost of installing aluminum gutters is around $5.00-$9.00 per linear square foot. Unlike vinyl, metal gutters do not crack or become brittle as a result of freezing temperatures in the winter followed by thawing in the spring. Vinyl vs. Aluminum Gutters Brief History of Gutters and Their Materials. Vinyl gutters are incredibly durable in that they can withstand heavy water use and will not bend or dent if you smack it accidentally with your ladder. Vinyl is one of the least-expensive gutter options on the market, and is also very easy to cut and work with, making these gutters suitable for DIY installations. Homeowners can readily buy seamed or seamless gutters in any area. You can expect a well-built aluminum gutter system to last up to 20 years, no matter the climate. In this latest blog, it's all about aluminum vs vinyl gutters: which one is better? Read below for a comprehensive comparison of regular and seamless gutters. Steel and aluminum gutters are the types most homeowners choose. There are many advantages to using vinyl gutters. Vinyl Gutters vs. Aluminum Gutters. When you put copper gutters on your home, you are going to add value to your property. This is because vinyl, as with many plastics, will expand when it’s hot and contract when it’s cold. In this process, a professional gutter installation group will come to your home and use a rolling machine to cut perfect seamless sections of aluminum gutter to fit your home. The only time vinyl gutters make sense is when someone is looking to do a DIY gutter job on perhaps something like a shed – we never recommend DIY gutters either by the way. Temperature Damage: Aluminum is susceptible to thermal damage if it’s kept in a hot environment. They are easy to install and come in a wide variety of colors and styles, making a selection that fits your home’s style a breeze. Similar to putting a bandaid on a wound that needs stitches, taking shortcuts when it comes to gutters isn’t a great idea. It is also more resistant to the high winds that we consistently experience in Florida. Two of the most popular materials for gutter systems are vinyl and aluminum. Since aluminum gutters can withstand all weather conditions, they make a better option than vinyl – unless you live in a mild or dry climate. It is completely viable for homeowners to look for cost-effective gutter materials for their homes. If you want to order any other color you will have to pay an additional tax. Copper Gutter Cons. Vinyl Gutters- Pros. Aluminum is a much more sensible option than vinyl. It holds up to most weather conditions and any dents that appear can be hammered out easily. At first glance, the big difference might simply seem like material – aluminum or vinyl – and that as a gutter they both do the same thing. Any opinions on vinyl gutters vs. aluminum? Aluminum gutters, on the other hand, last for decades, and some even come backed by lifetime warranties, so they may very well be the last gutters you ever need to have installed on your home. At first, they might not seem too different, so what are the real facts? Copper gutters are going to be more durable, and they will give your home an appeal that is hard to match. Why Aluminum Is Cost-Effective. Vinyl gutters – those plastic things – they only allow for cheap gutter guards (cheap gutters, cheap guards). Two of the most popular types of residential gutter systems are steel and aluminum gutters. Before deciding which size gutters to get installed, it is important to know the differences between each type of gutter. However, you can find this gutter usually is made from copper, vinyl, steel, or aluminum. If you consider the longevity of the product however, vinyl is much more expensive. Get It Fast. Gutters matter. Are you looking for an instant gutter price? My favorite gutters are half round copper, but that is expensive. Lastly, you can’t make aluminum gutters yourself, that requires a gutter machine. Regular Gutters. The average lifespan of vinyl gutters is only 10 to 20 years. For this reason, galvanized-steel, aluminum or vinyl gutters are the predominant varieties. In fact, most any contractor will tell you that of all the problems a home might have, a roof leak is the worst and should be at the highest priority. However, there is evidence of craftsmen creating customized aluminum gutters as early as the 1500s. However, you pay for what you get and the longevity of vinyl gutters are … The last difference is the fact that vinyl gutters are installed in sections, but aluminum gutters … Aluminum will not rust like galvanized metals, can be roll formed on the job resulting in seamless applications, and is reasonably priced. Don’t worry, we will save you time, money, energy, and headache because we are about to explain why you need to go with aluminum gutters. Learn more about the pros and cons of vinyl gutters to make the best decision for your home. Furthermore, both can easily be found in the most common gutter shapes, including K-Style and Square (or Box). Aluminum, vinyl, steel, and copper. Please slide to equal total footage needed for gutters. Both quality vinyl and aluminum gutters that are professionally installed will have a working lifespan of up to 20 years. More durable than vinyl yet easier to install than steel, aluminum gutters offer a good balance between cost and longevity. The only thing we ask is that homeowners maintain their gutters annually or install gutter guards! Metal gutters are durable enough to withstand most weather conditions, including hail and heavy rain or snow. Vinyl gutters are slightly cheaper up front than aluminum gutters. Before deciding which size gutters to get installed, it is important to know the differences between each type of gutter. So you want to throw some new gutters on your house, and you want to know which is better, aluminum gutters or vinyl gutters? As with vinyl, aluminum … Consider the Cost of Materials Used. Aluminum. Vinyl has some advantages that are difficult to deny. Gutters are kind of like baseboard heaters. Vinyl gutters are slightly cheaper up front than aluminum gutters. If you were some vinyl gutter fan, sorry we just crushed your love for vinyl. Vinyl vs. Aluminum . Please slide to equal total footage needed for gutter guards on your home. It can be difficult to contrast vinyl and aluminum rain gutters because they seem very similar at times. Aluminum is also a sturdier material than vinyl, so it is highly resistant to damage from the elements. Aluminum gutters offer great durability for the price. There are many types and styles of gutters on the market today, with the primary materials being aluminum, copper, steel, galvanized steel, zinc, and vinyl. Aluminum comes in over 25 different colors. Today’s modern ones likewise won’t rust, rot, or decay and so homeowners can rest assured that when they install or have installed aluminum gutters, they are doing so for a very, very long time. Where they used burnt clay to divert water, we now use a myriad of materials including vinyl and aluminum. So as far as durability goes, aluminum wins again over vinyl gutters. Material Cost Difference. Name. Vinyl. It comes in more colors and textures than metal, and … If you need new gutters, you’re likely deciding between seamless gutters vs regular or sectional gutters. It is also more resistant to the high winds that we consistently experience in Florida. Aluminum. 5" gutters come with 2"x3" downspouts, 6" gutters come with 3"x4" downspouts and drain 400% faster than 5" gutters. Vinyl gutters are just a tad bit cheaper than their aluminum counterparts and they can technically be installed by a homeowner, however here is the catch: Vinyl gutters leak, break easier and are sectional. However, in this article we will cover the following: So you’re considering replacing your existing gutters or perhaps you need new gutters on an addition. Hey, I am Leafie. Aluminum gutters and gutter downspouts will not rust or rot and it won’t thin either. When it comes time to replacing old ones, it’s nice to have options. Click here to find out. Moreover, vinyl gutters have sections that have already been pre-cut. In fact, it can actually cause more issues in the long run! In addition, when using copper gutters, all the fittings, nails, and fasteners must be copper as well. However, vinyl gutters were available only as seamed sections until very recently. With all the various materials available for gutters, including steel, aluminum, and copper, people still choose vinyl relatively often. Top Sellers Most Popular Price Low to High Price High to Low Top Rated Products. Not to mention, vinyl gutters are not strong, thus they require CONSTANT gutter cleaning and upkeep. K-style gutters also come in 5 and 6-inch sizes, making them suitable for residential buildings. At most, maybe a few dollars per linear foot. But for a final heads up, here is another point to consider: Here at Gutter Gurus of Virginia, we offer a lifetime labor and product warranty (that you can read more about here) that guarantees our gutters. Custom Craftsmanship Required: Copper gutters are usually made to order for your home. Read our expert side by side comparison of vinyl and aluminum gutters and find out which is the best choice for you. In order to fix this issue, metal gutter manufacturers created a process to create seamless aluminum and other metal gutter systems. Steel. Aluminum gutters will last longer and remain durable, but they are also more expensive. In fact, installing gutters is at a minimum a two-man job, and getting the right angles, pitches, and downspout placement is half the battle. Aluminum. Current prices of vinyl gutters are between $5 and $10 per section, which leads to an average home installation price of $1,220 to $1,615. Dealing with ladders is the other. In other words, aluminum gutters may easily be dinged or dented. So, it is clear that the performance of aluminum gutters is better than vinyl gutters. They are easy to install and come in a wide variety of colors and styles, making a selection that fits your home’s style a breeze. Aluminum gutters are readily available is numerous colors, while vinyl gutters typically only come in brown and white. It can hold up for over 20 years in any climate and is very durable. Plastic doesn't rust or corrode like other materials and can’t be dented or dinged like aluminium. Department. While aluminum gutters are going to do the job, they are not going to last as long as copper gutters. We guarantee that your information will not be divulged to the third party. Vinyl Read More » The earliest evidence of gutters being used is 3000 BC by the Harappan civilization in what is now Pakistan. Pros: Highly resistant to rust, aluminum gutters are hardy and the metal doesn’t thin with time; Lighter in weight, aluminum gutters are easy to install At the same time, vinyl gutters can be functionally damaged due to heavy rains. Current prices of aluminum gutters are between $9 and $14 per section, which leads to an average home installation price of $1,930 and $2,545. Aluminum gutters are always better than vinyl. When it comes to cost, vinyl gutters are the cheaper option both upfront and over the long run so long as you don’t live in a northern climate (because remember, their tendency to crack makes for more frequent replacement). Vinyl vs. Galvanized . We already said vinyl isn’t the way to go, so aluminum is your best bet. High or quickly changing temperatures can be harmful to aluminum gutters. Vinyl and galvanized steel rain gutters are two completely different materials that offer distinct advantages and benefits. They aren’t for everyone, however, and some people still feel that metal gutters are the answer. But sometimes having a number of different choices can make the decision a little more difficult. Aluminum, vinyl, steel, and copper. Aluminum gutters are also better able to hold more water than vinyl gutters. While the expanding and contracting are minor, it’s enough that over time, vinyl gutters may become brittle and eventually crack. But would the aluminum last significantly longer? Vinyl, Aluminum, Copper, and More… What’s the Difference Between These Gutter Types What’s the Difference Between These Gutter Types All Purpose Clean up Like vinyl gutters, aluminum house gutters also have the advantages of being lightweight, rust … Vinyl gutters typically have seams every 10 feet. aluminum vs vinyl gutters . Like vinyl gutters, aluminum gutters will not rust, is lighter in weight (than steel gutters), and are relatively affordable. Next on the list of cost efficiency are aluminum rain gutters. When it comes to installation, vinyl gutters are the easiest of all types, since their light weight makes them easy to handle. Vinyl vs. Galvanized . * Vinyl is a very low-maintenance material, and will never rust or get dinged and dented. During hurricane season, Venice experiences more rainfall on average than the other three seasons put together. Vinyl Gutters: Pros and Cons Vinyl gutters have been steadily gaining in popularity amongst DIY homeowners for some time now. Like vinyl gutters, aluminum gutters will not rust, is lighter in weight (than steel gutters), and are relatively affordable. Comparing to aluminum gutters vinyl gutters are only good for dry and mild climates while aluminum ones can hold harsh weather. This is a good feature in that aluminum will hold up in extreme weather conditions and should it ever be dented, careful work can bang such dents right out. If you consider the longevity of the product however, vinyl is much more expensive. Another difference is that the vinyl gutters are installed by parts, while the aluminum gutters are seamless. The earliest evidence of gutters being used is 3000 BC by the Harappan civilization in what is now Pakistan. Check brand warranties before purchasing as some of the leading brands will offer reimbursement for premature paint chipping. However, while vinyl gutters hold up great in milder climates and in daily use, they do not fare so well in very cold regions. Vinyl does not look professional. Properly installed Aluminum gutters will not sag or bend under heavy rain showers and also will not void any existing warranty’s you have on the house. They are also much more readily paint-able and so homeowners can opt to get the color they want upon installation and should they ever have their home repainted, the gutters can easily be painted to match as well. Copper Gutters vs. Aluminum Gutters. Household Aluminum Foil . * The biggest reason to choose vinyl over aluminum is the cost, which, is easily the most affordable of all the systems on the market today. But when it comes to installing aluminum gutters, even when you opt for the hardware store seamed version, can be tough to do it yourself. Aluminum Foil 8011 . Many homeowners are drawn to vinyl gutters because gutter installation is easy and can be very cheap too. 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