Copper gutters have the longest lifespan, reaching more than 100 years. Most of the gutters installed today are made of aluminum. The seamless options offer superior advantages over other types of gutters, such as fewer leaks, greater durability and less maintenance. Aluminum gutters have a life expectancy of 20 years.
Because downspouts suffer less wear than gutters, aluminum downspouts can last 30 years. Copper gutters are the ones that last the longest, 50 years or even longer. Stainless steel is the way to go, regardless of the price. It will last a long, long time.
Gutter protectors are an important first step in ensuring that you can reduce gutter maintenance requirements and, ultimately, increase the longevity of gutters. On average, gutters will need to be replaced every 20 years, depending on the material of the gutters and whether the gutters are properly maintained. These gutters work two to four times longer than those made with fewer materials, so be prepared to shell out for a few more peanuts if you follow this route. This means you'll get attractive gutters for longer; zinc gutters have a lifespan of up to 80 years.
In terms of materials, vinyl gutters are at the lower end of the price spectrum, while more durable copper gutters cost more upfront. To prevent clogging and minimize gutter maintenance, gutter protectors are popular accessories during installation. However, wooden rain gutters made of cedar, redwood and fir are still available, and are most often used in renovations of old and historic homes, where staying true to original building materials takes precedence over longevity. Aluminum gutters are also resistant to corrosion, but are more susceptible to cracking than other metal gutters because they are lightweight.
Rain gutters have the important purpose of collecting these gallons and keeping them away from your home or business. Nothing lasts forever, and while rain gutters can serve you for many years, they eventually need to be replaced. Not all gutters are created equal, so doing your homework to determine the best gutter system for your home can save you headaches down the road. Roof gutters are available in several materials with a variety of prices, but not all gutter materials show the same longevity.
Galvanized steel rain gutters are by far the most popular, as they are very competitive in terms of costs and are stronger than their aluminum counterparts when it comes to damage caused by falling branches and ladders. Cleaning gutters also helps you prevent damage to your garden caused by excessive spills, mold and corrosion on gutters and roof. Wooden gutters used to be the norm a hundred years ago, although with the advent of cheaper, mass-produced materials that are more weather resistant, this household gutter material has mostly fallen into disrepair.
