Rain gutters provide a necessary service. Their purpose is right in the name - they route rainwater from your roof and away from your home. They should also direct the runoff so that the water doesn't enter your basement or soak your siding. However, you may not realize how many choices you have in terms of material and shape of the gutters - yet those choices impact how the gutters look and work.

Vinyl gutters are a budget option. You don't have as many color options - typically you can choose a neutral shade or from a few naturalistic colors such as green and gray. The material can become brittle over time or sag if the gutters are not correctly installed. However, they are exceptionally durable because they're not susceptible to rust and rot. 

Aluminum Gutters

As with window frames, aluminum is a lightweight and budget-friendly option for rain gutters. However, lighter weights of aluminum can dent - it's better to choose heavyweight aluminum. A big benefit of aluminum gutters is that they don't rust. They come in numerous colors and are paintable. Aluminum gutters come as sectionals, or as a continuous unit on-site.

Steel Gutters

Steel is much stronger than aluminum - as Home Advisor points out, they can withstand damage from ladders and falling branches. You can choose between galvanized and stainless steel for gutters.

Galvanized steel is the more economical choice. Manufacturers coat the steel in zinc or a zinc-aluminum alloy. This process makes them resistant to rust, but galvanized steel will rust if pools of water accumulate in the bottom of the gutter.

Stainless steel is a pricier option. Manufacturers blend the steel with chrome. This process makes them rust-proof and means these gutters will keep their shine.

With both types of steel, their joints must solder their joints, though they do come seamlessly.  You should paint galvanized steel. You can also paint stainless steel, though it's not necessary.

Copper Gutters

Copper is the luxury material for gutters. Copper gutters can be expensive, but they develop a beautiful - and unmistakable - patina over time. Indeed, that fact makes copper popular for historical residences, as well as in high-end neighborhoods. Copper gutters never rust. As with steel, you need to solder the joints on copper gutters.

Zinc Gutters

Like copper, zinc gutters will develop a patina over time. They're not susceptible to rust, though the acidic runoff from cedar-shingled roofs can affect them. While you can paint zinc gutters, they weather to a nice gray color. Zinc gutters are pricey and require professional installation, but they are very durable and long-lasting.

Half-Round or U-Shape Gutters

The original shape for gutters is the half-round or U-shape. Half-round gutters resemble a round pipe with its top section removed and a curled front. The smooth, rounded shape makes these gutters easier to clean. Half-round gutters complement traditional and historical style homes, though their geometric profile would look attractive on a modern house.

K-Style or Ogee Gutters

The other common shape for gutters features a flat back and bottom with a front shape that juts out slightly. This front shape often features decorative "trim" that resembles crown molding. Because of the flat bottom, K-style gutters aren't as easy to clean. However, they siphon off more water than their half-round counterparts.

Gutter Size

Whether half-round or K-style, standard gutters come in two sizes - 5-inch or 6-inch. The bigger the gutter, the more water it can siphon off. The size needed for your house depends on the roof pitch and the maximum rainfall for your area. A steeper roof needs more gutter capacity. If necessary, you may custom-order 7-inch or 8-inch gutters to accommodate expected water fall.

Gutters can complement your house while keeping it safe from water. Talk to the experts at Finley Gutter Services, Inc. for help in choosing gutters for your house.