Rain Gutter Types & Styles
Aluminum, Copper, Vinyl, Stainless Steel
What do they mean? Which one do I choose? Believe it or not, when it comes to gutters, you have many choices to make. Color and style are the easy part, but choosing the material can be daunting. Here is the low-down on the materials, description and a brief explanation of them.
Wood Gutters
This gutter type was once considered a traditional construction system. Now this type is very rare except in restoration work. These can also be expensive running anywhere from $12 per linear foot to $20, depending on the wood type.
Continuous Aluminum Gutters
Considered the most common product used today, this gutter holds more water than traditional wood gutters. Although this type is generally recommended, one disadvantage of this material is that they may deform when a heavy ladder is leaned up against them. This can be easily avoided by careful use of ladders.
When buying any metal gutter, be sure to choose the thickest that you can afford. Insist on primary aluminum, which is the thickest and consistent. Your other choice is secondary aluminum, which is a recycled product and can have inconsistencies in thickness.
Vinyl and Plastic
These materials are commonly used and often sold in do-it-yourself hardware stores. This type of gutter is easy to install yourself. If properly installed, this product is a good product. Vinyl gutters do not rust or rot, are the easiest to cut and can be installed by you, over a weekend. The downside of these materials is that they can become brittle with age or in extreme cold. Even though vinyl or plastic gutters can cost only $3 to $5 per 10 ft. in length, they can end up costing $3 to $5 per linear foot when you factor in couplings, hangers and downspouts.
Integral Gutters
Popular in the 60’s, this type of gutter worked by using the end of the rafters and fascia on a sloped roof to form this system. The advantage of this gutter is that it holds more water than most other gutter types. The disadvantage to this type of gutter is the potential for leaks, which can result in damage to the framing, fascia, soffit and sheathing of the roof. To prevent this damage from happening, these gutters should be inspected every few years. If you have this gutter type and find that the risk and maintenance are too great, it is possible to convert this gutter into a standard configuration at the time of re-roofing.
Steel Gutters
Most homeowners choose these types of gutters. Galvanized steel gutters tend to be the most economical. The price of these gutters range from $4 to $8 per linear foot installed. Although steel gutters prove to be more durable and can withstand ladders and fallen branches, even galvanized steel can eventually rust through. Stainless steel gutters are strong, rust-free and can maintain their high sheen for years. As they say, “you get what you pay for” and for this type of gutter, that is definitely true. The cost of this type is about $20 per linear foot.
Half Round Seamless Gutters
Half round gutters add an elegant and classic look to any home. Our half round gutters are available in Aluminum or Copper and we offer many colors to choose from. Click an image below to enlarge.
 |
 |
OGEE Seamless Gutters
OGEE gutters represent the Standard in seamless rain gutters. Like our half rounds, the OGEE style is available in Aluminum or Copper with many colors to choose from. Click an image below to enlarge.
 |
 |