Aluminum gutters are one of the most commonly installed gutters on homes in the eastern United States. Gutters are essential to any home’s exterior because they prevent damaging water from seeping into the foundation. Without gutters, damage to the foundation would result because it is not designed to handle heavy rain and snow loads. This could lead to costly structural failures.
Aluminum Gutters are Low Maintenance
Aluminum gutters offer a very low cost, low maintenance solution for the homes that need them, and this is why aluminum is the most commonly used material used for gutters on homes in the eastern United States. Because aluminum gutters do not rust and have a very long life cycle, they are an excellent practical investment. However, not every homeowner is familiar with the advantages and benefits of aluminum gutters, and many homeowners do not know how to install them properly, either. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of aluminum gutters in terms of longevity, rust resistance, and the aesthetic value they add to a home.
Saving Money
Because aluminum gutters are low maintenance, they will save you money on routine maintenance such as cleaning, painting, or sealing. If you are someone who values appearance so highly that you are willing to put forth the time to ensure that your home looks its best, then you should seriously consider installing aluminum gutters on your home. They are also much less likely to develop leaks than gutters made of other materials. For example, wood can develop leaks from tree sap, leaves, or twigs. With aluminum gutters, less organic matter will enter the gutter, which means less buildup and leaks.
Insulation
Aluminum gutters will also help insulate your home. Since aluminum does not conduct heat well, it will actually help to reduce your heating bill during the winter months. It is not a good idea to paint over plastic rain gutters because the paint will melt and become a breeding ground for mildew if you do not remove the painted area before putting on the aluminum gutter system. For this reason, it is always smart to choose an aluminum gutter system over plastic or wooden ones.
Steel Gutters in Comparison
Although aluminum gutters are easier to maintain and install than their steel counterparts. It may require you to buy stainless steel screws to install the system, but once you do, you will have stainless steel screws all around. You may need to purchase some nylon curtain rods to help support the weight of the aluminum gutters on top of the steel roof. When cleaning the surface, you may need to use mild soap and water as a scrubbing compound to remove any debris that may have built up on the surface. This can prevent future buildups and allow your gutters to last much longer.
If you are considering installing aluminum gutters, then you should definitely take a look at the advantages that they have over steel. The material they are made of is much more durable, and it is also less expensive than the steel system. However, if you do not have the right type of roof for them, they can be quite expensive as well.