Learn about all the different types of gutters you can choose for your home. Gutters are a very important home feature that helps protect your home from water damage. The gutters and features you choose can help protect your home from water damage.
Building a house requires a lot of decisions including what types of gutters to install. When replacing gutters, you also need to consider your options. While not something most people think about regarding their home, gutters serve a very important purpose. If for instance you’re noticing a lot of leaks around your roof guttering, you might want to consider services for seamless gutter cleaning and repair in your area to get your gutters back in peak condition. You might otherwise wish to switch them out completely, in which case being knowledgeable on the options available can make the process more straightforward.
This article sets out the many types of gutters you can choose from for your house. We break down the classifications by shape, material, construction, size, colors and features. We also have a detailed article setting out several charts and diagrams of gutter systems and parts here.
Table of Contents
I. Shape
A. K-Style Gutters
B. Victorian Ogee
C. Fascia Gutters
D. Half-Round Gutters
E. European Gutters
II. Material
A. Aluminum
B.Copper
C. Galvanized Steel
D. Galvalume
E. Zinc
F. Vinyl
III. Construction
A. Sectional
B. Seamless
IV. Sizes
A. 5-inch
B. 6-inch
V. Colors
A. Neutrals
B. Bold
VI. Guards
A. Screens
B. Fine Mesh
C. Surface Tension
D. Foam Wedges
VII. Frequently Asked Questions
Who, When, and Where Was the Gutter Invented?
Water channeling technology has been in use for thousands of years. Romans brought the earliest rain gutters to Britan around 50 AD. The technology was re-introduced by the Normans after an invasion in 1066; wooden gutters were featured on famous structures like the Tower of London.
The first gutters were made of clay and stone. Later rain gutters were made of wood and lined with lead. The modern iron gutter was developed by Joseph Bazalgette in 1849 as part of a greater sewer system for the city of London. This system kept moisture away from houses, directed sewage away from the river, and greatly increased the health of the local population.
How Long Do Gutters Last?
Steel and aluminum gutters last around 20 years. If treated well, copper gutters can last up to 50 years. These are expected lifespans, but you should replace your gutters whenever they show obvious signs of wear and damage.
Old gutters start to display signs of rust and structural weakness. You might notice warped metal, chipped paint, holes, leaky joints, sagging, and splits along the ridges. On a rainy day, inspect your gutters to see if the water is flowing smoothly through the channels and away from your home.
Can Gutters Be Repaired?
Gutters can be repaired in many circumstances. Small holes can be patched with a material similar to the original gutter. Joints can be reconnected to prevent leaks. Sagging gutters can be supported to better hold the weight of rainwater.
Whether a gutter can be repaired depends on the amount of rust damage and the structural integrity of the metal. A professional repairman will be able to inspect your gutters and determine if they should be fixed or replaced. Small leaks can be fixed, but if there is extensive damage, it’s usually cheaper to install a new gutter.
Can Gutters Be Recycled and/or Reused?
Most recycling centers will readily accept steel, aluminum, or copper gutters; you may even get a scrap metal price if you bring them to the correct location. Vinyl and plastic gutters are recyclable, but some centers may not accept them.
Old gutters in good condition can be reused for a variety of household projects. You can use them to make shelves, edge landscaping, or create interesting art pieces. Don’t use rusty gutters for these projects, and make sure that you clean the gutters thoroughly before bringing them into your home.
If you order a new set of gutters, the installation company will usually dispose of the old gutters free of charge. This is a good choice if there is no recycling center in your area.
Can Used Gutters Be Sold? If so, Where?
You can usually sell metal gutters to a scrap metal recycling center. Actual prices vary, but used aluminum can sell anywhere from 20 to 70 cents per pound. Contact the recycling center first; you may need to clean or prepare the gutters for scrapping.
Can Gutters Overflow? If so, How Is This Prevented or Fixed?
Gutters can overflow if they are not properly maintained. You can usually fix this with simple cleaning and repair. Never try to fix an overflowing gutter during a storm; wait until the area is dry to perform your maintenance.
A debris clog is the most common reason that gutters overflow. Clean your gutters frequently to remove leaves, dirt, and trash. Clogs often occur in downspouts; you can get rid of a clog by using a leaf blower, a hose, or another type of forced pressure.
Gutters can also overflow if they are improperly positioned. Your gutters should be level with your house and tilted slightly towards the downspout. To fix this, repair any support structures. You may also want to install a gutter guard.
If your gutters always overflow in heavy rain, they might not be big enough for your local weather conditions. Installing larger gutters is a quick solution to this problem.
Can Gutters Be Painted?
Gutters are often painted to improve their appearance; in fact, many aluminum gutters are manufactured with a coat of white paint. The right paint will keep your gutters from rusting and significantly increase their lifespan.
If you want to repaint your gutters, start by washing them, stripping any old paint, and sanding the surface to achieve an even coating. Remember to use a rust-proof primer, and choose a paint that is appropriate for an outdoor environment.
Always remove gutters before you paint them. The part of the gutter that sits against the house needs to be painted to prevent rust damage.
