Gutter Matters: 4 Common Gutter Materials

Gutters safely direct rainwater from your roof into the downspouts to avoid water damage to your home, especially its foundation. Do you know that the performance of your gutters depends on what materials they’re made of? Gutters come in several styles and materials.

We at Up and Above Contractors, your reliable roofing contractors in Byram Township NJ, want to help you pick the gutters that will best suit your home’s unique needs. Most gutters are made of aluminum. Here is a list of other common gutter materials:

• Vinyl. This material is the easiest to cut, so you can even install it yourself. It is also the most inexpensive and can often be found in hardware stores. Vinyl is resistant to rusting, corroding, and rotting. Further, it has good color-retention properties and can be painted if preferred. However, vinyl gutters can get brittle with age or in extremely cold weather. They will also bow and bend with heavy rainfall. On the other hand, excessive heat will cause them to crack and break apart.

• Steel. This is stronger than aluminum and can withstand fallen tree branches better. Galvanized steel is also inexpensive, but even the thickest kind will rust and need its interior and exterior repainted down the line. Stainless steel, however, is stronger and rust-resistant. But it is also more expensive, like copper.

• Copper. The beauty of this material is really exceptional. Its natural patina does not need painting or finishing. It won’t rust either, so it’ll last you many years. Because it is a bit pricey, copper is commonly used in classic restorations and high-end properties. Despite being costly, they add great value to any home and don’t require as much maintenance as aluminum and other materials. But over time, gutters made from this material will oxidize if they are not treated.

• Wood. This material is rarely used nowadays because it is very heavy, expensive, and high-maintenance. It requires periodic repainting because of the moisture causing it to crack and peel.

As you can see, how your gutters perform relies a great deal on the material. But the right material alone isn’t enough—you also need proper installation. Poorly installed gutters can lead to all kinds of damage, from siding discoloration to roof leaks. The proper installation of your gutters, downspouts, and roof is critical for the entire system to perform efficiently and avoid further damage.

Still unsure which gutter material works best for your home? Seek the help of professional roofing contractors in Byram Township NJ, like us at Up and Above Contractors. We are industry experts who can help you choose and install the gutters most suitable for your house. We offer five-inch, six-inch, and half-round gutters. To learn more about our gutter products and other services, call us today.