There may come a time when you realize that your gutter system is in need of replacement. If this is the case, then you may be wondering if there is anything you need to consider when buying new gutters. According to the folks at Global Gutter Systems, there is certainly a lot to think about when replacing a drainage gutter system. For starters, there are a few different styles and materials to choose from, and you will want to make sure you are choosing the best system for your home. They also recommend checking with your local zoning department because if you have an older style home, you may be restricted in the type of gutter system you can install.
Which is the Best Material to Choose?
When it comes to rain gutter installation, you can choose to install yourself or let the professionals do the job for you. If there are no restrictions in place regarding the type of gutter system you can use, you will find that there are many materials to choose from.
If you are thinking of installing the new gutters yourself, then vinyl is a good choice because it is inexpensive.Moreover, because it is lightweight, it is easier to handle. Vinyl guttering is easy to cut, which is ideal for the novice DIYer, and it can be snapped together with ease. However, it is worth bearing in mind that vinyl can become quite delicate if it is exposed to high heat or extreme cold,and this can lead to cracking.
Aluminum gutters are also popular with DIYers because of it being lightweight and fairly easy to install. It is a soft metal available in a variety of thicknesses. As you might imagine, the thinner the aluminum, the cheaper the price. Nevertheless, because it is soft, the thinner aluminum is much more prone to denting and bending. Careful handling is required during installation, and it is not recommended in parts of the country that experiences heavy snowfall.
A popular choice for those getting a professional installation is metal such as steel, zinc, or copper. These heavier metals are much more expensive than aluminum or vinyl and are difficult to install. However, they do provide a stunning finish and can last for a very long time. Copper and zinc, for example, do not require any painting and will not warp or rust. Steel is very strong and can be painted in a color to suit individual preferences, but it can be prone to rusting.
What to Consider
When choosing a gutter system for your home, there are many things to consider. You should think about whether you have the skills to install the system yourself,or if this is even something you want to do. If you are confident installing a system yourself, then the best choice would be vinyl or aluminum.
You will need to have the right tools for the job, and you will also need someone to help you. Installing a guttering system is a two-man job, at least.
If you would prefer to let the professionals take care of the installation, your options are not as limited in terms of the material used. Nonetheless, your budget will be a factor. The cost for a vinyl gutter is typically between $3 and $6 per linear foot. If you are thinking about a copper gutter system, you can expect to pay upwards of $40 per linear foot. One last thing to consider is that a vinyl gutter drainage system might last for around ten years, whereas a copper system could last more than a hundred years.