One thing you need to consider when installing gutters is the material used. Aluminum and vinyl are the most common gutter materials that you can install. This article looks at these two materials so you have enough information to make an informed decision.
Aluminum Vs Vinyl Gutters
Aluminum gutters are made of aluminum, a lightweight material that is quite popular for both residential homes and commercial buildings.
On the other hand, vinyl gutters are made of a plastic material that is also quite lightweight. Vinyl gutters are known for their snap-together installation technique, which made them quite famous.
Factors to Consider when Selecting Between Aluminum and Vinyl Gutters
Selecting between aluminum and vinyl gutters means that you have to pay attention to several factors such as the features you value most, the climate around your home, and your own unique demands. This part of the article looks at some factors you have to pay attention to when making the decision.
- Durability
The first thing you may want to consider when choosing between aluminum and vinyl is durability. This is because you want to ensure that you have the best possible gutters that offer value for your money. Aluminum offers amazing durability for the price. Gutters made out of this material will not rust or bend. In fact, aluminum gutters could last for up to 20 years even in the harshest climates. Aluminum has the ability to withstand ice and snow, making it a good material for gutters even in the winter.
On its part, vinyl is able to resist corrosion and rust but not as well as aluminum. Too much exposure to the sun, heat, and cold can cause vinyl to crack and become brittle. Such occurrences can reduce the performance of your vinyl gutter and even cause damage beyond repair. Unlike aluminum gutters, vinyl ones need replacement after every 10 years. However, they can still last for up to 20 years in dry and mild climates.
- Cost
If you are on a tight budget, you may want to look for an affordable gutter system. Aluminum and vinyl are both quite affordable to install compared to other gutter materials like steel. However, vinyl tends to wear a lot faster than aluminum. For this reason, you might end up purchasing more plastic gutters. This cost could balance because aluminum is more expensive than vinyl because it offers better performance for the price.
- Ease of Installation
Vinyl gutters enable DIY installation because they can be snapped together. Despite this, these gutters can be very hard to install compared to aluminum. This is because they contain many seams, meaning the installation takes quite some time even for individuals experienced in DIY. If you decide to go with professional installation, you may have a hard time finding skilled workers. Even when you find them, you will have to pay a hefty amount for labor.
As for aluminum, it is quite lightweight and therefore, easy to install. This is because aluminum has less seams and some are seamless. In fact, experts prefer working with aluminum and you will have an easy time finding someone to do the task for you.
Which is Better Between Aluminum and Vinyl?
Based on the details given in this article, it seems aluminum might be your best material for gutters. This is because unlike vinyl, aluminum gutters can be made in a seamless design. This design helps reduce leakage and looks incredible on the exterior of your house. In addition to this, aluminum gives you many options to consider in terms of color, which you can select to match the overall look of your house. Lastly, aluminum gutters are quite popular. This means they have been tried and tested over the years. These gutters, therefore, give you more purchasing confidence.
Gutters are an important addition to your house because they help prevent damage to the structure of your house. Aluminum and vinyl are two of the most popular gutter materials you can consider going for. Based on the given details, you can now easily make a decision between the two. If you are still stuck, consider reaching out to an expert for advice on the best gutter material for your house.