Gutters: Plastic vs Aluminum vs Galvanized
Which type of eave trough or gutter is right for your home? Should you purchase Plastic and install it yourself, or aluminum and have it installed by a professional? What about Galvanized gutters? Are there any health concerns you should be aware of? We will explore each of these areas.
Regardless of the type of gutter or eave trough you use, ensure that it drains completely to avoid standing water. Standing water will cause gutter problems such as rust, corrosion, extra weight, which can cause unsightly sagging over time, and provides an excellent breading ground for mosquitoes. In many areas there is a significant concern about mosquito born diseases, such as the West Nile Virus, being transferred to humans and animals; so we should not provide them with an environment to lay eggs.
Aluminum gutters are the most common type of gutter used today, they can be painted, do not rust, and when installed properly will last for the life time of your home. One disadvantage of aluminum gutters is that they are relatively soft. Falling branches and ladders braced against aluminum gutters may cause them to deform. You can easily avoid this problem by placing a cushion between the ladder and the gutter, usually a towel or rags wrapped around the ladder.
Plastic or vinyl gutters are sold in many do-it-yourself stores and are easy to install; generally, a hack saw, ladder, hammer, and glue are the only tools needed. Vinyl gutters are susceptible to ultra-violet radiation and over time may discolor slightly. Ladders may damage plastic gutters. Vinyl and plastic gutters are susceptible to cracking in cold climates. They both come in a variety of colors, so matching your home should be no problem.
Galvanized steel gutters are generally the most sturdy of all gutter products and will stand up to ladders, fallen branches, and will not crack in cold climates. Over time, stainless steel gutters will rust, but will last for years without rust or deterioration. While stainless steel gutters are readily available, they are generally the most expensive.
We mentioned that proper gutter installation is very important to ensure proper drainage and avoid standing water in your gutter, which can cause sagging over time and provice a breeding ground for mosquitoes. A companion product that you may want to consider, especially if there are trees near your home, are gutter protectors. Gutter protectors will prevent or reduce the amount of leaves that will settle in your gutter and clog the drainage. If you decide to forgo a gutter protector, it is strongly recommend that you clean your gutters every fall to prevent clogging, sagging, and premature rusting, If you're in an area prone to mosquitoes, consider cleaning your gutters in the spring as well to ensure that they are draining properly.
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