Types of Gutters to consider for your home

Gutters, also known as eavestroughs, are vital to protecting your home or building. Yet when it comes to shopping for gutters, there is much to consider about the types of gutters available for gutter installation.

Whether you need a simple gutter repair or a complete replacement, this handy guide will help your decision-making a little easier. By the end, you will have a better understanding of the purpose of eavestroughs, and which types of gutter are best suited for your home.

Why We Need Gutters

Gutters, or eavestroughs, are the metal “trough” attached to the edge of your roof’s eaves that redirect water and debris away from the perimeter of your house. Gutters protect your home or building’s foundation from moisture saturation that could lead to basement flooding. In addition, they prevent soil erosion and guard your landscaping against water damage. 

It also doesn’t hurt that eavestroughs stop waterfalls along the entire roof edge, of which you would have to fight through to enter and exit the door wherever it rains!

Heavy Gauge Aluminum Gutters

Different types of gutters range in price and durability, including heavy gauge aluminum gutters. They are a popular choice for their cost-effective and efficient features while they are lightweight and easy to work with for contractors. 

Gauge thickness ranges between 0.025, 0.027, and 0.032, with heavier weights lasting longer with excellent rust resistance. If you live in an area prone to hail, heavier gauge aluminum gutters are preferable as they are harder to dent. The average lifespan of aluminum gutters is around 20 years, making them a solid choice.

Copper Gutters

Copper gutter installation is more than just a beautiful architectural feature for your home; they also have incredible benefits. 

While copper eavestroughs add undeniable appeal and property value, they act as an algaecide and fungicide, preventing moss and other organic growth from building up and blocking your gutters. They maintain their gorgeous metallic finish unless left unfinished, where they then oxidize and eventually turn into a lovely patina coloration.

In addition to their visual appeal, copper gutters also outlast aluminum as they don’t rust, crack, or wear out as quickly, making them an ideal choice for coastal areas. However, their 60-year lifespan makes the price tag significantly higher than other types of gutters.

Steel Gutters

Galvanized steel gutters are another option for your home or business with exceptional durability in hot and frigid climates. In harsh temperatures, a molten zinc coating prevents rusting and corrosion, especially where snow and ice accumulate. 

While steel gutters hold up better to debris strikes, ladders, and hail, they can rust sooner than other gutters, such as aluminum. Therefore, you may need gutter repairs less often with steel as it is the strongest of your options; however, it is more likely to rust. The average lifespan of steel gutters is 20 years. 

Choosing the Right Gutter for You

Choosing the best type of gutter or eavestroughs for your home will depend on the budget and what suits your home’s overall appearance. Some choices are more aesthetically appealing, while others are budget-friendly and provide adequate functionality. 

When you weigh the pros and cons of each gutter type, the ease of gutter installation, and the likelihood of needing a gutter repair sooner rather than later, you can average the costs and benefits to find the perfect solution.

Trust Your Gutter Installation to Experienced Professionals

Selecting the best type of gutter is the first step, then hiring the professionals at Limestone Construction & Excavating is the next. Located in Whitby, Ontario, we provide exceptional service with a wealth of knowledge to ensure our customers' property is protected and receive the right advice for good value.

Contact us online or by calling 905-431-9924 to schedule your free consultation today!