Gutters play an essential role in protecting your home from water damage. These devices attach to your home’s roof and transport water away from the foundation, siding, and exterior walls. They also help protect your landscaping, especially when you install long spouts that direct rainwater away from flower beds and bushes. Many options are available today for installing gutters in your home. Two popular styles use aluminum or copper materials. Each option has pros and cons that must be carefully considered before adding a gutter system to your home.
The Pros of Aluminum Gutters
There are plenty of benefits associated with aluminum gutters, which is why they are so popular amongst homeowners. Let’s explore a few of these benefits to help you decide if they are the right choice for your home.
Lower Costs
One of the most significant benefits of aluminum gutters is their cost. Aluminum is significantly cheaper than copper, making this style of gutter perfect for someone on a budget.
Lightweight
Aluminum gutters are lightweight and generally easy to install. Because aluminum gutters are easier to handle, this can reduce your installation costs and allow you to add your new gutter system to your home much more quickly. Aluminum gutters are also a better option if you will need to move downspouts on a regular basis. This can occur if a downspout is in the way when you mow your lawn.
Comes in a Variety of Colors
Aluminum gutters can be painted in a wide variety of colors. This makes it extremely easy to match the exterior of your home and maintain strong curb appeal.
Low Maintenance
Aluminum is a durable material and requires very little upkeep compared to other materials. You will be less likely to need frequent repairs to your aluminum gutters, which can free up your time to focus on other home improvement projects.
Corrosion-Resistant
Perhaps the biggest selling point associated with aluminum gutters is that aluminum does not rust. This helps this style of gutter enjoy a longer lifespan than other materials.
The Cons of Aluminum Gutters
While aluminum gutters have a long list of benefits, there are also some negatives. Carefully consider these cons when deciding between aluminum or copper gutters.
Less Durable
While aluminum is corrosion-resistant, it is also softer than copper, making it prone to damage from severe weather, ladders, branches, and heavy snowfall.
Fades Over Time
Even though it is possible to paint aluminum gutters any color you want to match your home, this paint can fade or peel over time. This will require you to install a new set of freshly painted gutters or remove and repaint your existing system. This is especially true if your home sits in an area with harsh sunlight.
Expansion and Contraction
Aluminum is a malleable material and can expand and contract with temperature changes. The changing of the seasons in Lenexa, KS can wreak havoc on aluminum gutters and cause them to loosen or warp over time.
Seam Issues
Seam issues are a common problem that can pop up out of nowhere with aluminum gutters. If the seams of your gutter system do not stay intact, you can find yourself dealing with leaks and water damage issues.
The Pros of Copper Gutters
While copper gutters are not as common as aluminum gutters, they still offer a wide variety of benefits. Consider these pros before you make a final decision about which gutter system to install on your home.
Extremely Durable
Copper is an extremely durable material, especially when compared to aluminum. Copper gutters have been known to last for over 50 years, often outlasting the home itself.
Low Maintenance
Copper is very low maintenance and naturally resists corrosion. You do not need any special paint or coating to enjoy the corrosion-resistant properties of copper.
Aesthetic Appeal
Over time, copper develops a specific patina, which many people find attractive. This can give your home a distinctive look and eye-catching curb appeal.
The Cons of Copper Gutters
Just like aluminum gutters, copper gutters also have some negatives that must be considered. Make sure to add these items to your pros and cons list before weighing your options.
Theft Risk
Copper is a valuable material and often a target of opportunistic thieves. If your home is easily accessible from the road without much to deter criminals from stealing your copper gutters, this material may not be your best option.
Heavier Material
Copper is significantly heavier than aluminum and could require additional structural support. The weight of copper gutters also makes the installation process more difficult and could increase your costs.
Complex Installation
In addition to being a heavier material and making it more difficult to maneuver during installation, copper gutters require more complex work, such as soldering joints. This makes the installation process less straightforward when compared to aluminum gutters and could delay the entire process.
Contact Us for All Your Gutter Needs
If you are still unsure which gutter system is right for your home, let our team at HT Roofing & Construction help you decide. We’ve been in business since 2017 and take great pride in delivering reliable and professional roofing services to the Lenexa, KS community. Our expert roofing team can help answer all of your questions about different gutter materials and repair any roof issues you might have. We also offer top-notch exterior painting, siding replacement and repairs, and storm restoration. Contact us today to finally decide whether to install aluminum or copper gutters.
