Gutters, Gutters, Gutters: a Quick Guide to Gutter Selection

Gutters. You never want to think about them until they’re clogged, leaking, or need to be replaced. But with fall coming, it’s important that your home is ready with a functional and aesthetically pleasing gutter system.

To aid you in your project, we’ve put together a quick guide to selecting gutters. Your choice of gutters will depend collectively on your budget, location, decorative tastes, and the nature of your project.

The first variable to consider when choosing gutters is how much to spend? Seamless gutters will always cost more than sectional gutters because they are more difficult to install, are built on-site with a special machine, and are less likely to leak.

Copper and stainless steel gutters run the highest in terms of costs. These high-end materials are strong and will not rust or rot. They can cost up to $20 per linear foot. A faux-copper gutter made of aluminum called “Musket Brown” sells for $9 per linear foot.

Aluminum gutters are by far the most popular because they do not rust, are lightweight, and cost anywhere from $4-$8 per linear foot. However, these gutters are more easily damaged by ladders and branches, which may cost more money in repairs over several years. Of course, investing in Gutter Protection can prevent those extra costs forever.

You also need to consider the nature of your project. Is this a classic upgrade of your dream home, or are you adding a functional necessity to a home you plan to move out of in a few years? For the former, seamless, half-round gutters made of high-end material like copper or stainless steel are a good choice. Half-round gutters are elegant, charming, historical, and they represent a time when gutters were a warm accent to a home.

If you are trying to sell your house, a seamless, half-round aluminum alternative will help distinguish your house from others on the market. Vinyl gutters are a good choice for a quick, functional project. These gutters are inexpensive, impervious to rust and rot, and easy to cut and size.

If you live in a cold climate, vinyl gutters may not be the best decision because they can become brittle in extreme cold. Aluminum gutters maintain their integrity in cold climates. On the other hand, white vinyl gutters would be a smart decision for a warm climate because they hold up well in intense sun.

Lastly, you should consider your decorative tastes. If you need the gutters to match your house color or trim, sectional aluminum and steel gutters are available in dozens of popular colors. Most generic gutters have a K-shape. U-shape or half-round gutters have more character. Copper gutters come in their natural color and have a traditional appeal.

About the Author: Danny Amacher is a Home Improvement writer from Boston.