Anyone who owns a home knows how important it is for it to fulfil all of its most important functions, which include protection from changing weather. The exterior of the house, such as the facade, the roof or the gutters, are fully responsible for this function. However, it is definitely worth noting how important gutters are in this context, without which no roof can exist. 

In today’s article we will focus on gutter replacement, and more specifically on what material gutters should be made of. We will present the most popular solutions that are currently available on the market and consider what their advantages and disadvantages are. Therefore, if you are not sure which material to choose for gutter replacement, be sure to read the rest of this post. 

Best materials for gutter replacement

Before we present the most popular and best gutter materials, it is worth emphasising how important it is to be aware of when it is necessary to opt for gutter replacement. When our gutters are leaking, misshapen or poorly installed, it is important to act quickly and opt for gutter replacement. However, once we have made this decision, which gutter material is best to choose? 

According to the experts at gutter replacement Chicago, the choice of guttering materials is wide and each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is hard to pinpoint one best. However, the most common gutters are those made of aluminium, stainless steel, composite material and copper, and it is these that we will look at in today’s article. 

Composite gutters

The first gutter material we will look at is simply plastic. It is worth pointing out that this gutter material is available in a great many versions and colours, which differ slightly but noticeably in their parameters and properties, but all gutters made of synthetic materials have certain advantages in common. First and foremost, the most important thing is that composite gutters are lightweight and easy to install. Furthermore, when describing this gutter material, it is also worth noting that it is by far the cheapest choice available on the market, so it is a good choice especially for those on a tight budget. 

Aluminium gutters

The next gutter material is aluminium. Like composite gutters, aluminium gutters are lightweight and easy to install, but are slightly more expensive. Their main advantage is their relatively good durability; when installed correctly, they can last up to 30 years. In addition, it is worth noting that this is the most frequently chosen gutter material of those we are describing today, not surprisingly after all it is by far the most versatile. Aluminium gutters are also often coated with special coatings such as Kynar500, which significantly extends their service life.

Stainless steel gutters 

Another gutter material is stainless steel, which, contrary to general opinion, is not at all 100% corrosion resistant. Compared to the previously described materials, stainless steel is definitely heavier, however, it is also much more durable; a well-installed stainless gutter can even last more than 50 years. It is a reasonably priced gutter material and has the added advantage of being environmentally friendly. Both manufacture and disposal can be done in a relatively environmentally neutral way, as 100% of their weight is recyclable. Finally, it is worth noting that stainless steel gutters are a good compromise between price and durability, but are not as aesthetically pleasing.

Copper gutters 

The last gutter material is copper, a reliable material that has been used for many years, but which is by far the most expensive of all the materials described in today’s article. However, the price goes hand in hand with a great look and very good durability – copper gutters can last up to 100 years. In addition, the most significant advantage of this material is that it is the only one that is 100% corrosion-resistant. Therefore, if you have a large budget, it is worth opting for copper gutters.