Rainwater is one of the major nuisances for homeowners. However, in modern houses, gutters have made things easier. Rain is one of the many natural elements that can affect a house, including the roofs, walls, and often the entire structure itself.
Despite that, there are lower chances of any damage to a house with gutters across the roof and walls of the house exterior. They perform the critical task of driving away excess water and debris off the house exterior and into the drainage.
Without gutters, water may stagnate and cause dampness or sogginess in the roof or walls (under the gutter lines) of the house. This can lead to weak house structures, leakages, cracks, sheds on the roofs, and even molds or mildew growth.
For that reason, gutters are of paramount importance. However, we will discuss the two most sought-after house gutter options in the market – aluminum vs. copper gutters and their pros and cons. So let’s begin.
Aluminum Gutters
Pros
Installation –Many DIY-ers can install aluminum gutters easily. Aluminum is lightweight and rarely calls for any professional help (except for larger projects).
Inexpensive – Aluminum gutters are inexpensive and relatively cheap than copper ones.
Variety – there are multiple options for aluminum gutters since they are made of enamel that prevents rust buildup on the metal.
Cons
Durability – while they may be lightweight and not cause significant strains on the exterior house structure itself, aluminum gutters are vulnerable to dents. Plus, they may experience damage mainly due to plantation (especially during harsh weather).
Temperature Constraint – thermal damage (consistent hot temperature or frequent temperature changes) can cause the aluminum gutters to deteriorate.
Corrosion – despite corrosion resistance, aluminum may rust quicker than certain metals if the enamel becomes subject to significant damage.
Copper Gutters
Pros
Longevity – with proper maintenance, copper gutters are unlikely to rust for more than a couple of years. They are resistant to cracks, wearing out, and even developing rust over time.
Style – copper gutters come in a variety of styles, including decorative to simple pipelines and downspouts.
Durable – copper is resistant to dents and may not easily suffer from impact damage in comparison to aluminum.
Cons
Costly – copper is expensive than aluminum as the accessories, including bolts, fasteners, nails, etc., should also be copper.
Time and Energy Consuming – requires experience installing and adjusting copper gutters mainly because they require extensive soldering.
Require Craftsmanship – copper gutters are not pre-made or in-stock. You have to get them custom-made to avoid potential failures. Therefore, you have to pay more for a custom-fit copper gutter system.
Conclusion
Do you want to install gutters around your house or other property? Reynolds Gutter has you covered. We offer experience, expertise, and valuable resources to help you make your house structure secure with gutters. Call today to learn more about the services we provide, including copper as well as aluminum gutters.