Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Vinyl vs. Aluminum Gutters

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Roofing
Date: 25 Jul 2000
Time: 20:32:17
Remote Name: 207.82.209.199

Comments

As with any trade, it always looks easy from the ground...but even installing raingutters requires proper installation knowledge. Knowing the proper installation techniques makes the difference between a problem-free installation and one predisposed to early failure.

Since vinyl is easy to cut and handle and can be sealed with special bonding agents, it's relatively straight-forward for a do-it-yourselfer, so long as you carefully follow all manufacturer's instructions. This includes attention to spans, supports, slope, outlets, seams, and expansion joints.

Aluminum, on the other hand, represents the lion's share of raingutters in the US today. However, this usually involves special equipment that produces exact lengths right at the job site. This is also known as roll-formed aluminum gutters. Aluminum is susceptible to damage from ladders, so be careful about what you lean against it. Since aluminum generally involves more complex installation equipment, the vinyl is probably easiest.

More important, however, is to consider the merits and tradeoffs of all the different materials. Briefly, these include:

Vinyl: Low cost, no painting required, easy to assemble, variety of shapes, corrosion-proof. Issues to consider include thermal expansion, UV deterioration (particularly on darker colors), and overall appearance.

Aluminum: Can be roll formed into exact lengths, lightweight, rust-proof, generally pre-painted with durable factory applied finish, such as Kynar-500. Issues include susceptibility to denting or damage from ice, heavy hail, ladders. Recommend .032" thickness for snowy areas, .027" thickness for other areas.

Treated Steel: The strongest of all materials, can be roll-formed, can be painted at job site, available in a variety of shapes. Issues include long-term rust-through.

Copper: The premium long-life raingutter. Can be soldered, painted or left to naturally oxidize, roll-formed on job site to exact lengths, no rust-through, available in heavy-duty 20 ounce copper, decorative accessories and flexible shapes. Issues: highest installed cost per lineal foot but low long-term costs since replacement is unlikely during the life of the structure.

Wood: "Old World Charm," but very expensive and rare in new construction. Prone to rot, termite damage.

Also, check out http://www.raingutter.com for additional information, including the Plastmo vinyl system.

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