What Are Rain Gutters?
Rain gutters protect your home from foundation issues, interior flooding, and more. Read our guide to learn why they’re important for safeguarding your home’s integrity.
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Rain gutters direct water away from your home, preventing pooling water and safeguarding against long-term damage to your roofline and other home structures. If you live in a dry climate or have a roof with a long overhang, gutters may not be necessary. However, most homeowners need a rain gutter system or gutter alternatives as part of their home’s infrastructure. Our guide will discuss the importance of gutters and what types are best for your home.
How Important Are Rain Gutters?
One of the most important functions of rain gutters is to prevent foundation issues. A properly installed gutter system channels water away from your home during rainstorms, preventing water from pooling around the base of your home and eroding the foundation. If your home doesn’t have gutters, water can cause erosion, leading to structural damage and serious foundation issues, which are extremely expensive to fix.
Rain gutters also help prevent interior flooding by redirecting water away from your home’s exterior siding. Flooding is one of the most costly problems a homeowner can deal with, and water that collects in your home can be unsanitary and cause long-term damage.
Additionally, landscape erosion occurs when rainwater washes away your flowers, shrubs, and bushes, destroying your plants and causing dips in the landscape. Gutters and downspouts redirect water away from your home, so pools of water don’t wash away all your hard work.
If you live in an area that receives rain, consider installing gutters. Having gutters and downspouts can keep your home safe and secure, protecting the value of your investment and safeguarding against major structural repairs.
Rain Gutter Types
Many types of rain gutters are available, from aluminum and copper to vinyl and zinc. The type of gutter you choose depends on your budget for your gutter installation project and your long-term goals for your home. Here’s what you need to know about the most common rain gutter types.
Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum gutters are the most popular type of rain gutter. They come in three standard thicknesses: .025 inches, .027 inches, and .032 inches. These gutters are lightweight, easy to install, and weatherproof. Other benefits of aluminum gutters are that they last for decades and won’t rust. Unfortunately, some aluminum gutters, especially thinner models, can dent or bend when they encounter extreme force, such as heavy winds or hail.
Copper Gutters
Copper gutters are extremely durable and beautiful. In addition to their high-shine appearance, they won’t rust or warp. Copper is often used in high-end homes or for custom properties that demand a unique appearance. These gutters may be more aesthetically pleasing, but they’re very expensive. They’re also not the easiest to install, making them a tough pick for a do-it-yourself (DIY) project.
Steel Gutters
Steel gutters are another popular type of gutter. They’re durable, rust-resistant, and can withstand all types of weather, including extreme winds. They can also be painted to match the aesthetic of any home. Steel gutters may be durable but they’re expensive and quite heavy, so they aren’t ideal for DIY installation.
Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl gutters are extremely versatile, come in various colors, and are easy to paint. They’re lightweight, making them ideal for homeowners who want to install their own gutters. Vinyl gutters won’t corrode or rust, and they aren’t damaged by salt air, making them a good option for those who live in tropical climates. However, vinyl gutters can become brittle in high-heat climates and can experience fading with prolonged sun exposure.
Zinc Gutters
Zinc gutters are highly durable, stylish, resistant to water damage, and offer a high-quality look and feel to your home’s exterior. However, they can be complicated to install, so we recommend hiring a professional. Zinc gutters are also expensive and aren’t ideal for tropical climates since they’re somewhat intolerant to salty air.
Rain Gutters Cost
Some types of gutters can be inexpensive and suitable for any budget or type of home, but others can cost thousands of dollars. Here’s what you need to know about the cost of rain gutters by type:
| Types of Rain Gutters | General Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $4–$9 per linear foot on average |
| Copper | $20–$25 per linear foot on average |
| Steel | $9–$20 per linear foot on average |
| Vinyl | $3–$5 per linear foot on average |
| Zinc | $30–$50 per linear foot on average |
*Cost data via Fixr and Thumbtack.
DIY vs. Professional Gutter Installation
If you’re wondering whether it’s better to install gutters yourself or hire a professional contractor, consider your level of experience with DIY and home improvement projects. Installing gutters on your own offers a way to save money and become familiar with your home’s layout and build. Some gutter materials, such as vinyl and thin aluminum, are especially easy to install.
However, if you are uncomfortable climbing a ladder for rain gutter installation, consider hiring a professional to complete the project. Hiring a professional for this task can be more expensive, but they can handle all types of materials and offer you advice and insight into how best to care for your gutter system. Many gutter installation companies also offer a warranty on gutter systems, protecting your investment in case of damage.
Rain Gutters Life Span
Every type of rain gutter material has its own life span. Some can last several decades, while others, such as vinyl, typically last around 15–20 years. If you live in an area that experiences frequent torrential downpours or tropical storms, expect your gutters to see a lot of wear. They might require replacement quicker than gutters in an area that doesn’t receive a lot of rain.
Proper maintenance also plays a role in how long your gutters last. Cleaning your gutter system once a year can help extend its life span. If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning your gutters on your own, hire a roofing company or general contractor to come out and perform routine maintenance. The contractor will check for areas of concern and alert you if anything needs to be repaired or replaced.
Rain Gutter Maintenance
Cleaning your gutters is a vital part of gutter system maintenance. This task can help extend the life of your rain gutters and keep the rest of your home’s exterior in prime shape, safeguarding against expensive repairs and protecting against pest infestations. Schedule gutter cleaning at least once a year, and consider cleaning more frequently if you experience heavy storms or live in an area with many trees and overhanging branches. Debris can build up in your gutters, causing clogs that can lead to a whole-system collapse.
You should remove any debris when cleaning your gutters. Don’t forget to clean other gutter system components, such as the fascia, splash guards, gutter guards, gutter downspout, end caps, and hangers.
You can clean gutters on your own or hire a professional. If you decide to perform this task on your own, you’ll need a ladder, safety gloves, and a gutter scoop. Position your ladder in a flat, dry spot and remove debris from the gutters with the scoop. Inspect the gutters by looking for cracks or low gapping. Consider having a spotter in place to help stabilize the ladder, and don’t attempt to clean the gutters if it’s raining or muddy outside.
Our Conclusion
If you live in an area that experiences frequent rain, consider installing rain gutters as part of your home’s infrastructure. There are many types of rain gutters, from versatile and inexpensive aluminum gutters to high-quality copper gutters. Some gutters can last for many decades, while others last around 25 years. If you don’t have time for installation or aren’t comfortable installing gutters, hire a professional company to handle the installation.
FAQ About Rain Gutters
What are the best gutters for rain?
The best gutters for rain are galvanized steel gutters, as these are more resistant to rust and water than aluminum gutters. They’re also decently dent-proof and withstand heavy winds, hail, and severe storms. Talk to a roofing or gutter installation specialist about your budget, curb appeal goals, and what type of gutters might be a good fit for your property.
Can you install gutters yourself?
You can install gutters yourself, especially if you have previous experience with roofing or DIY home improvement projects. However, some types of gutters are easier to install than others. If you’re considering gutters made from heavier materials, such as copper or steel gutters, consider hiring a professional for the installation.
How often should rain gutters be replaced?
You should replace rain gutters when they stop performing as they should or if they develop cracks or sagging. Many types of seamless gutters last up to three or more decades with proper care and maintenance, while others last between 15 and 25 years.
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