The Different Types and Materials of Rain Gutters

Rain gutters are not simply an accessory in construction, they protect from the roof to the foundations of a house, or building, from the damage that rainwater can cause.

These systems redirect the water to the correct drainage areas, avoiding the aforementioned damage, and the costly repairs that may result from this.

It is important to choose the appropriate type of gutter when building a house. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Below is a list of the different types and materials of gutters by All About Gutters Inc that exist on the market.

Types of gutters

K-Style Gutter

This design appeared in the construction world since the 1970s, which makes them relatively new, and they have become quite popular in modern construction. These gutter systems adapt to the architecture of the house , are highly durable, support the weight of large amounts of water, and are also easy to maintain.

Semicircular Gutters

As their name suggests, they have the classic semicircular shape, they are quite common in historic buildings and old houses. They are made of metal, which can look a bit strange in modern constructions. However, they are quite efficient, and can be taken care of with regular maintenance.

Different materials of the Gutters

Aluminum

Aluminum is a very accessible and versatile material, this makes it quite popular in professional construction. Aluminum gutters are rust resistant and easy to handle. This material can be molded into different shapes, including K-style and half rounds, and can also be painted however you like.

seamless aluminum

Continuous aluminum gutters have the same properties as regular aluminum, however, this model is manufactured at the same installation site. Instead of transporting the gutter to the place where it is to be installed, the jointless model is manufactured on the construction site itself with a special portable machine. Most builders prefer the seamless gutter model as it is less likely to leak over time.

Cast iron

This model of gutter is frequently found in old buildings. They can last a long time, they have a life expectancy of about 40 years or more. The biggest drawback they may have is their high installation cost and the manageability of the material. They are difficult and expensive to manufacture, and if they do break down, they can be difficult and expensive to repair.

Copper

Copper channels are long-lasting and rust-proof. These types of gutters are quite heavy and do not offer much versatility. They need to be welded to the construction to ensure they hold up, which can take a lot of time and effort.

They cannot be painted, and over time their reddish-brown color will change to a grayish-green. They are usually used in historic buildings, or old constructions, but are still available in the construction market, and can be used in any type of house or building.

Plastic/Vinyl

Vinyl or plastic ones are your best option if budget is an issue. Plastic is a fairly accessible material, and so light that it can be handled without difficulty. Plastic channels do not rust and can be easily assembled.

The only problem is their resistance and durability, they can break in the intense cold, and they also discolor in the sun. They do not support the weight of a ladder, in case you need to work on them. You must take all these precautions into account if you intend to install them in your home.

Steel

Steel rain gutters have proven to have good resistance to the ravages of time. Galvanized steel offers resistance to rust, although it can always develop a little rust. Homeowners will need to install new ones every five years or so.

These can be painted, have the strength of copper or cast iron, and can be customized just like aluminum. They are a little more expensive than the previous ones, but the price can justify the results depending on the needs of the buyer.

Zinc

If you want a drainage system that will really stand the test of time, go for zinc gutters. This model is similar to steel, copper, and cast iron. They can even last twice as long as aluminum ones. The problem is that they are even more expensive and more difficult to handle than steel or copper gutters.