Apart from enhancing the look of your house, gutters serve an essential role in protecting the building from damage caused by rainwater. The system’s design allows it to drain the water that falls off the roof to an area away from the walls. If it were not for gutters, rainwater would seep into the house. Moreover, moisture on the wall creates a conducive atmosphere for the growth of mold that can eventually weaken your foundation. As a homeowner, you have the sole responsibility of ensuring that you choose the right material to keep your structure dry.
Below are different materials that building contractors highly recommend:
Copper
As one of the most sought-after metals, copper is durable. It does not rot hence suitable for exterior surfaces. Copper gutters can withstand water and other conditions that cause metallic objects to corrode and weaken. Besides, copper has an elegant look that gives your roof a beautiful appearance. On the flipside, copper is expensive and can shoot up your building and maintenance costs.
Aluminum
Materials used for rain gutters should be affordable, durable and light in weight. Stainless steel embodies all these features. Moreover, just like copper, the metal is also rust-proof. Another benefit of choosing aluminum is that the gutters are seamless, an aspect that prevents leakage. Since it is a light material, the roof drainage system will not fall loose when screwed on a building’s fascia board. However, aluminum has a downside; it gets dented easily.
Stainless steel
Gutters made from stainless steel can withstand the vagaries of severe weather. They also remain intact against temperature fluctuations. These two features make the material highly durable. It does not rust, and this is another plus for a homeowner who seeks to keep repair work to a minimum. If properly maintained, stainless steel gutters remain shiny and look new for many years. Concerning cost, you will find it more expensive than other alternatives.
Plastic
Plastic or PVC is one of the best choices for rain gutters. The material is adaptable, durable, flexible, robust and inexpensive. Regarding installation, it is the easiest to handle since it does not get dents. At the same time, plastic does not corrode. You also do not need to weld the seams or paint the gutters and downspouts. Unlike metal, plastic is highly flexible. Metal gutters bend, twist and get their shape permanently distorted. Plastic bounces back owing to its flexibility. The material is reasonably priced plus you can install it without much expertise.
The choice of gutter material depends on many factors. Key among them include durability, the strength of material and cost. Copper, aluminum and plastic are the best choices when it comes to longevity. Stainless steel is also a sturdy material but can corrode and weaken with time. Before installing gutters, consult a professional roofing contractor. They have the expertise in calculating the size and roof slope which are crucial factors in the determination of the right material. Experts are also in an excellent position to provide you with a structure that befits your budget.
