Maybe it’s time to replace the gutters on your home, or maybe you have a newly built home and are selecting gutters for the very first time, Either way, there are several things that you want to consider. Gutters are an exterior feature of your home, and from time to time, they will need to be replaced. The spring months are a great time to inspect your existing gutters to see if there has been any damage over the winter from snow and ice buildup. However, checking your gutters and performing regular cleaning and maintenance throughout the year will help to prevent early replacement.

Gutter Options and Choices

When you are noticing wear or damage on your gutters, it may be time to have new gutters installed on your home. It’s important to understand that you have options when it comes to this investment! When selecting gutters for your home, there are several factors that you want to consider, including color, style, materials, cost, performance, and quality.

Color and Style of Gutter

Color and style are two important decisions when choosing gutters for your home. You should ideally match the color of your gutters to other features on your home, such as your home’s trim. You can also choose to match the siding of your home which will help them blend into the overall look of your home. If your home’s siding is a more bold color, you may want to consider matching your gutters to your trim. There are also different styles to choose from when it comes to selecting new gutters. Choosing the right style is important for not only curb-appeal and aesthetic of your home but for capacity and drainage purposes as well. K-style gutters, which may also be called “ogee gutters”, resemble the letter “K” and curve out at the bottom and the top. More traditional gutters, like the half round gutters, do not feature many curves and are a simple look. These two styles create a different aesthetic for your home’s exterior, but they also vary in draining capacity. The K-style gutter can drain a roof that is double the square footage compared to the same length half round gutter on a home that could only manage draining a roof half the size. When it comes to color and style of the gutters you are selecting for your home, looks are important, but the style can also affect functionality, too.

Metal Type of Gutters

Next you should consider the material your gutters are made from. Aluminum, vinyl, and metal gutters are all options that are out on the market today. Metal (i.e. copper or stainless steel) gutters tend to be the highest priced, but they do have benefits of rust resistance and giving your home a high end look. Aluminum gutters are more affordable and are the most widely used material for gutters. Aluminum gutters also will not rust. Vinyl gutters are the most inexpensive option. While they are lightweight, there are not many colors to choose from, the color may fade in the sun, and may be easily damaged including cracking in freezing temperatures.

Material Choices of Gutters

Material and style can factor into the cost you are going to pay for your gutters. Like we mentioned, in the short-term vinyl is going to be the least expensive option and metal gutters are going to end up being the most-expensive option. With the higher price point comes durability and longevity of the gutters’ functionality for your home. Living in colder climates (like where we our roofing company is located in southeastern Wisconsin), you may end up with cracks in your vinyl gutters if you have issues with ice dams, hanging icicles, and/or snow buildup.

When you look at materials and styles of gutters, you are going to learn more about the performance and quality of the investment you are making in your home. You want your gutters to do the job they are meant to do which is draining water away from your home’s foundation. While some gutter manufacturers claim their product can be installed on your own, it is best to reach out to the professionals to ensure they are installed properly and safely. Feel free to contact us or give us a call any time regarding a free roof inspection and to get an estimate on new gutters.