Got 5 Minutes? Learn About all the Different Types of Gutters and Why They’re Important!
Getting new gutters can be an exciting process, but it can also be very frustrating. Often times, people don’t know a whole lot about gutters. They’re something that are always sort of, well there. Thankfully, we at GutterPros know more than enough and are happy to help!
Let’s start with the styles. There are two basic styles: K-style and half-round gutters. These are pretty easy to picture because they are incredible self-explanatory. Here’s a picture to help:
As you can see, the K-style gutters look sort-of similar to the letter DzK.dz There’s a flat base, the bottom, and then two offshoots that look a little different from each other. This picture is just an example of one K-style gutter. They come in a variety of different options that have that same general look to them, and can be customized to look exactly how you want it. The K-style gutters are the more common of the two styles.
Half-round gutters are usually found on older or historic homes. Again, they look exactly like you imagine: a half circle. While they are typically smaller than their counterparts, they are less expensive and half a classier look to them. Many of our clients prefer them because it gives their home a more authentic, homey.
Next, let’s take a look at materials. The four most common materials are aluminum, copper, vinyl, and steel. Aluminum is probably the most common, and for good reason. It’s simple to use, requires less maintenance, and is durable and strong. Plus, it’s inexpensive. It can also be easily painted. Copper is similar to half-round gutters. In fact, you’ll often see half-round copper gutters. It is a little more expensive and has an air of prestige to it.
Copper gutters simply look fantastic. Plus, there’s no need to worry about rust or paint, as they develop a natural patina look over time that has a very classic look to it. Copper gutters are trickier to work with, however, and will probably require a professional installation service, which GutterPros offers.
Vinyl is probably the easiest option to use. It’s incredibly light and very cheap. However, it is also pretty flimsy. It will crack in cold weather, won’t hold up against ladders or strong wind for very long, and tends to fade from the sunlight. If you’re looking for cheap, vinyl is your answer.
Steel is a very durable material that will certainly last you for a while, but not quite as long as aluminum or copper. Steel tends to rust around 7-8 years, which means a costly replacement, as it doesn’t come very cheap. Still, it looks great and is a strong material that holds up fairly well.
Now that you know a bit more about the different types of gutters and what they can be made from, you probably have a better idea of what would be right for your home. If you have some more questions, or are already sure about what gutter system you want, gives GutterPros a call today and we’ll get working right away!