Are you ready to replace your home's gutters? This gives you the opportunity to pick a brand new material for them, which can really change the look of your home. However, the material you pick also serves different functions as well. Here are a few of the key differences between aluminum, copper, and steel gutters.
Aluminum Gutters
Many homeowners decide to use aluminum for their gutter material, and there are good reasons for it. Aluminum is a lightweight, affordable, and simple-to-install material. Aluminum gutters also do not require much maintenance over the years, since they do not typically rust or corrode. There is also a wide variety of colors that aluminum gutters come in, and if you can't find your color, you can always paint the aluminum to match your home.
The main issue with aluminum gutters is that they can dent easily since aluminum is not a strong material. If climbing onto a roof, you will need to be extra careful with how you place a ladder against aluminum gutters to not damage them.
Copper Gutters
Copper is considered a premium material for residential gutters. They are capable of providing a high-end look and lasting a very long time, which makes them a long-term solution for any home. Much like aluminum, copper will resist corrosion and rust while being exposed to the weather. However, copper will change color as it gets older, which is known as a patina effect. Some people pick copper specifically because they like the look of aged copper.
Be aware that copper is an expensive material, and the installation can be costly as well. You should also be prepared to clean copper gutters so that debris does not build up on them throughout the year.
Steel Gutters
Steel is a very durable and strong option for gutters, which ensures they will last a very long time. Steel sits somewhere between aluminum and copper in terms of the material's longevity. While steel comes in several colors, you can paint steel whatever color you want it to be.
The drawback of steel gutters is that they corrode and rust over time. That is why steel needs a protective layer applied to it when it is installed, and that protective layer must be reapplied over time. The heavy weight of steel gutters will require more work to install since additional support will be needed for the added weight.
To get started, contact a gutter company in your area such as Austin Company.
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