Galvanized gutters are a great alternative to aluminum gutters. While these gutters are generally less expensive, you should still know what are the advantages and disadvantages to using galvanized steel guttering. First of all, what are the advantages of using galvanized steel guttering? To answer this question, we need to look at what are the disadvantages?

Disadvantages

Galvanized gutters are more expensive than typical aluminum gutters. Using galvanized steel gutters alone, in some areas can be three times as much as an aluminum gutter, depending on the area of the country. The extra money is paid back quickly, however; galvanized steel gutters last about twice as long as aluminum gutters once they have been properly maintained.

Maintenance

Galvanized steel gutters require higher maintenance than typical aluminum gutters. Once the zinc has been applied, the gutters need to be painted, re-roofed, and re-sealed. This is because you cannot remove the galvanized zinc coating without also removing the paint or roofing cement. If you have poured your own roofing cement, then this is easy. However, if you purchased the cement yourself or have it delivered, this can be a very labor-intensive project.

Galvanized Gutter Lifespan

The main benefit to choosing this type of roofing is the extended lifespan and resistance to rust. Once you install these gutters, you will not have to worry about them rusting or needing to be replaced for several years. However, if you live in an area where the winters are extremely cold, and the sun is extremely hot, you might still want to consider opting for aluminum gutters instead. These gutters do not get hot enough to cause any problems, but they do tend to discolor quite quickly when exposed to inclement weather.

Galvanized Gutters Look Good

The other major advantage of installing galvanized steel instead of aluminum is the aesthetic appeal. Without a doubt, the appearance of galvanized steel will add value to your home, and this can help to make it more desirable than traditional aluminum gutters. The problem is that these gutters require much more maintenance than their aluminum counterparts. They need to be painted, and eventually repainted, every few years, and they do not enjoy the life span of aluminum gutters. In fact, many homeowners mistakenly believe that the life of these gutters is four to five years, and actually it is not longer than that. This means that they must be replaced much sooner, and this can become quite costly.