Vinyl and aluminum gutters are both affordable, durable gutter options to protect your home– but which is best?
Common Gutter Replacement Mistakes
There are hundreds of gutter options on the market, choosing between vinyl or metal gutters, thousands of color options, and a variety of styles can leave your head spinning. Customers often make these common mistakes:
- Selecting gutter systems with expensive installation costs that you aren’t sure you need.
- Feeling pressured by installers to add on costs like gutter guards.
- Choosing what is popular, not what is best for your area.
- Neglecting to consider your home’s climate, extreme weather, or extreme temperatures and the impact on gutter longevity.
Why Choosing the Right Gutters Protects Your Home
When weighing gutter options, homeowners often overlook how material choice affects long-term performance and costs. Here are the key factors to keep in mind before making a decision:
- Gutters are the first line of defense against water damage from heavy rainfall.
- Choosing the right gutter material can add decades to the life of your home’s exterior.
- Cheap gutters may cost less upfront, but often come with more frequent maintenance.
- Professional help with your decision can help you avoid expensive repairs.
- Different gutter styles have different price tags, and installation costs will depend on what customization options you choose.
What You Need to Know About Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum gutters have excellent rigidity and durability, providing a reliable and long-lasting solution for your home’s exterior.
Aluminum gutters’ benefits range from longevity to functionality to meeting the needs of your home’s climate.
- Pro: Aluminum gutters can be custom-designed and fabricated on-site to fit your home perfectly.
- Pro: They are durable, with a lifespan of 20 years or more.
- Pro: Aluminum is a low-maintenance material that is resistant to corrosion.
- Pro: They increase the curb appeal and resale value of your home.
- Con: Aluminum gutters are not DIYer-friendly.
- Con: They have a higher upfront cost to install.
What You Need to Know About Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl (also known as PVC) is a popular choice for homeowners looking for affordability and a variety of customizations.
- Pro: Vinyl gutters are among the most affordable gutter types, costing just $3-$6 per linear foot.
- Pro: Vinyl comes in a wide range of color options to complement the aesthetic of your home.
- Pro: Vinyl is a lightweight material, making it easier to install for DIYers.
- Con: Vinyl gutters typically only come in a standard gutter size of 4-6 inches, which may not fit the specific needs of harsh weather climates.
- Con: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade the color of the gutters over time.
- Con: Vinyl is less durable than other materials and is prone to cracking, seam and joint issues, and thermal issues.
Is Vinyl or Aluminum Gutters The Better Choice?
Both vinyl and aluminum gutters are popular choices, but one “rains” supreme: Aluminum. There are three main reasons why professional gutter installers recommend aluminum for our clients installing new gutters:
- Aluminum has a lifespan of 20+ years in a wide range of climates. Vinyl lifespan is 10-20 years, but it will become damaged much sooner in extreme weather environments.
- In the long run, aluminum requires less maintenance and is naturally corrosion-resistant. Combined with a custom fit that creates a tight seal? These gutters will keep doing their job for decades.
- Aluminum won’t be impacted by UV rays, heavy rain, or other harsh weather conditions. While the upfront cost is higher, the peace of mind you get with a high-quality gutter is invaluable.
Why Aluminum and Vinyl Can’t Mix
If a portion of your existing gutters is failing and you’re looking at a patch, it’s important to know you absolutely cannot mix two materials in the same gutter system. Why? Science.
Expansion and Contraction Issues
Vinyl and aluminum don’t corrode each other, since vinyl is a non-conductive plastic. The real problem lies in how differently these materials respond to weather. Vinyl expands and contracts much more than aluminum, which causes joints to pull apart and seals to fail. Over time, this mismatch leads to leaks, sagging, and premature system failure—often costing more in repairs than replacing the system outright.
Patches are Not a Long-Term Option
If you’re on a tight budget and are attempting to delay full replacement, it’s important to understand the risk of more complicated repairs and installation costs down the road. Many professionals, including Aerotech, are happy to provide a free consultation to discuss your needs and provide a quote for the work needed, and to help steer you in the right direction.
Boost Your Home’s Value
Your new gutters should be a smart, long-term investment in your home’s value. Consult with the pros at Aerotech to learn from their experience, choose from a wide selection of gutter options, and decide between vinyl vs aluminum gutters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do aluminum gutters last?
With proper maintenance and environmental conditions, Aluminum gutters can last 30+ years. In average conditions, Aluminum gutters still have an impressive 20-year lifespan.
What is the cost to install vinyl vs aluminum gutters?
The average installation cost per linear foot for vinyl gutters ranges from $5-$10. Aluminum gutter installation is slightly higher at $7-15 per linear foot.
What climates benefit from aluminum gutters?
and in hot temperatures, it can get UV damage. Aluminum is durable and resistant to damage from these temperatures as well as heavy snow or rain.
What maintenance is required for aluminum gutters?
All gutters, regardless of material, require regular maintenance. The frequency depends on your home’s environment, tree cover, weather patterns, and other factors. Consult with a gutter professional in your area to determine the best cleaning schedule to prolong the life of your gutters.
What maintenance is required for vinyl gutters?
Vinyl will require regular cleaning and maintenance as well as professional inspections to look out for common issues like cracking, UV damage, and warping. Working with a professional who can keep an eye on these risks is key to making sure you’re protecting your home.
Expert Gutter Advice & Installation
Uncertain of which gutter is right for your home and budget? Contact our team to get a free consultation from professionals with over 35 years in the gutter business. We’ll help you select the best gutter style for your home, budget, and location!
We’re Here to Serve!
Aerotech brings over 34 years of gutter expertise to every job. We’re fully insured, so you will have peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and efficiently every time.
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