If you want to protect your real estate investment, then spending the time and money to install the right gutters & downspouts is an important task. Installing gutters and downspouts will increase the protection of your property since these assemblies are essential in barring the potential water damage that can occur without their installation. Downspouts and gutters help by safeguarding eaves, walls, overhangs, vinyl siding, doors and windows. In addition, rain gutters and downspouts keep the foundation or basement in homes and buildings dry so they are less likely to succumb to the resulting mold, mildew and rot that can occur if the runoff of water is not stopped.
The landscape also benefits from the installation of gutters and downspouts as good drainage will prevent water from puddling which can hurt plants, flowers and the soil.
If you’re in the market for new downspouts and gutters, make a choice that will coordinate nicely with your property. Consider the property’s architectural design. You want to choose guttering and downspouts that can be nicely incorporated into the design as well as enhance its appearance.
Some guttering and downspouts are rounded while others are square shaped. You can purchase gutters and the necessary piping in a variety of materials as well. For more expensive homes, copper gutters and downspouts are a nice accompaniment. Many aluminum gutters and downspouts are seamless which is advantageous as far as avoiding leaks.
Let’s look at the various kinds of gutters & downspouts available today.
Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl gutters often come in white but can also be sold in bronze, copper, green, black, gray, charcoal and brown. One of the advantages associated with vinyl gutters is the fact they don’t rust. They also don’t cost you an arm and a leg. However, if you live in an area where there are extreme weather conditions, they may not be your best bet as far as durability and strength are concerned. Don’t give them a lot of consideration if your area has winters that are filled with gale force winds, ice and voluminous amounts of snow. Vinyl will not be able to withstand these types of extremes for very long. Plus, vinyl really isn’t considered a “green” material in today’s economy as they are often associated with a host of environmental concerns. The product used to produce vinyl or poly vinyl chloride (PVC) manufactures dioxins when it’s made that have been proven to be carcinogenic and equally dangerous environmentally.
Aluminum Gutters and Downspouts
Aluminum gutters are probably the most liked by most consumers. Not only is aluminum lightweight, it comes with a reasonable price tag. Normally, it ranges about $7 per square foot on average to install. It must be treated with protective coatings in order to withstand the abuse associated with the elements. Normally, your guttering made of this material will last around 25 years. You have to be careful with aluminum as it can be damaged easily by limbs or ladders. Although it doesn’t have the same durability of copper or steel, it is still a quality product if it is carefully inspected and maintained.
Galvanized Steel Gutters
Gutters made of steel are resistant to damage caused by branches or the like but can still rust despite being treated with corrosion protection. Depending on the humidity and the type of weather, this type of gutter can last, on average, anywhere from eight to 20 years. Normally, this type of guttering comes in a variety of colors and should be inspected regularly for punctures and corrosion.
Galvalume Gutters
Made of part aluminum with zinc and a steel coating, galvalume has the durability of galvanized steel and the rust resistance of aluminum. The guttering has a gray metallic appearance and gradually fades over time to gunmetal gray. If you choose not to paint it in any colors, galvalume is a very good eco friendly choice. Also, it has longevity, frequently lasting longer than aluminum.
Stainless Steel Rain Gutters and Downspouts
If you want guttering that is strong and enduring, stainless steel is definitely the choice to make. It’s rustproof and typically lasts over fifty years. Although it costs about $20 per foot for installing gutters and downspouts made of stainless steel, the dependability and reliability of the product outweigh its higher cost. Its ability to withstand the elements as well as its absence of paints and coatings makes stainless steel a “green” choice as too.
Copper Gutters and Downspouts
These types of gutters and related piping are the premium product to choose when it comes to any type of gutter installation. Not only are they appealing to the eye, they also are dependably strong and long-lasting. A copper gutter installation can last as long as ninety years. This product is well suited to coastal areas or industrial environments. Copper guttering rarely, if ever, has a problem with any types of leaks, due in large part to the soldering used in its construction. Although copper guttering and downspouts can cost around $20 per foot to install, copper’s recyclability and long life, as well as its lack of need for any maintenance, make it a superior product to install. In addition, copper isn’t treated or painted and retains most of its value thereby making it one of the most eco friendly products around.
Wood Gutters
Several decades ago gutters were incorporated into the eaves of houses and were called integrated or wood gutters. Wood normally has to be treated and waterproofed and there usually is quite a bit of upkeep involved to avoid leaks as well as rotting. Wood guttering is often not installed outside any remodeling or restoration projects. Many gutters of this type are lined with copper. The gutters are not cheap by any means and can run as much as $24 per foot. These gutters need continual maintenance to prevent surrounding structural damage to the fascia, roof and walls.
The type of materials you use for your gutters & downspouts should be founded on the architectural design of the building where you want to make the installation, the allotment of your budget as well as the environmental friendliness of the product. Give the foregoing information your consideration so you can best meet your goals for a gutter and downspout assembly that will meet your overall satisfaction with regards to looks and economy.