Hicksville Roofing: Article About Gutter Materials
Galvanized steel is a type of metal that features a coating of zinc for protection from rust. The steel is dipped into a vat of molten zinc where it gets a healthy coating. Galvanized steel gutters are designed to last at least 15 years.
Hicksville roofer answers a question: Why do stainless steel gutters never rust?Stainless steel gutters for homes are mixed with chrome to give them a long-lasting durability, versatility and strength. This form of steel has chromium in it, which is highly resistant to both rust and tarnish. Stainless steel gutters can maintain their sheen over many decades, but they are costly to purchase and install.
Deciding on the right material for your new gutter system can be easy, provided you carefully research each option. Lots of factors go into making the decision, from the cost to the quality. Allow your Hicksville Roofing professionals to guide you in your decision on new gutters and downspouts that are best for your needs.
One of the most popular gutter materials is aluminum. At about $1.50 to $8 per foot, this option is chosen by many roofers and homeowners for its low cost, rust resistance and wide color availability. You can even get aluminum gutters to resemble the color of copper or zinc, which is aluminum's much pricier counterpart. Aluminum is lightweight, which is great for installation but not so great when it comes to denting and bending under pressure and the elements. You can get heavier weight aluminum that lasts up to 25 years.
Also cost efficient is vinyl, costing between $1 and $8 a foot. Vinyl is the easiest DIY project because it simply snaps together in pieces. Although the color choices aren't as vast as aluminum, vinyl doesn't rust or rot out and lasts about 20 years. This material does have the tendency to bend under heavy snow and rain, and it can become brittle in very cold climates.
Steel is priced at $2 to $8 per foot if you want galvanized.
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If you want stainless, you'll pay a bit more, between $5 and $12. Galvanized steel is coated with zinc, lasting up to 15 years before rusting. Stainless steel is mixed with chrome and never rusts.
If you can afford a bit more, go with zinc for its matte gray finish, strength and rust resistance. While the installation process is more difficult, zinc gutters can last between 30 and 50 years. It will cost you about $9 to $10 per foot. Also known for its durability and long life is copper, which won't rust or require painting. Copper gutters will last a whopping 100 years, but it will cost you between $11 and $18 a foot.
In addition to materials, gutters come in various shapes, ranging from the half round to K style, which is the most common style you see today. The one you choose will depend on the function and aesthetics of your system. Ask your roofer which one is best for the style of your home, and ask how much output and drainage you will need. There are debris stoppers you can purchase separately to keep leaves, acorns, twigs and sticks out of your gutter, such as leaf barriers and gutter guards, However, these screens don't filter out everything. Dirt can still build up so you will need to provide regular maintenance to avoid clogs. Choosing a gutter system is dependent on many factors, from budget to style of your home.
