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What You need to Know about Aluminum Gutters

For homeowners looking for new gutter system, aluminum gutters may be the way to go due to their benefits. Here's what you need to know.

May 18, 2020 | Roofing, Spouting

If you are having your rain gutters updated or installed for the first time, you have a variety of materials to choose from. Gutter systems are commonly made of vinyl, steel, aluminum, or sometimes, copper. Aluminum rain gutters are, by far, the most popular systems chosen, making up nearly 80% of all gutters installed in the country. They provide homeowners with an aesthetically pleasing appearance, flexibility, and reliability. Additionally, there are some benefits and facts that you may not already know about aluminum gutters as you add them to your home.

Long Lasting and Durable

Aluminum gutters are known for their durability. They are able to stand up to harsh weather conditions that Texas sometimes experiences including heavy rainfall, hail, high winds, tornadoes, and the ice and occasional snow that the area sees in the winter. In fact, aluminum gutters often have a lifespan of over 22 years.

Aluminum Gutters are Lightweight

Gutters that are lightweight, like those made of aluminum, are an ideal choice for homeowners because they are easier to install than those made from heavier materials, and they sag far less over time.

Won’t Rust

While steel gutters are an option that some homeowners opt for, it is heavier than aluminum and when leaves and other debris begins to fill up steel gutters, it may cause corrosion or rust. While aluminum gutters don’t rust, and for that reason, they may be a better option.

Hold More Water

One of the most effective reasons to choose aluminum gutters is that they are able to hold more water than those made of other materials.

Can Be Customized

Unlike some of the other gutter materials, such as steel or copper, aluminum gutters can be customized to the specifics of your home. They are made in different gauges and thickness, so a unique system can be designed to complement your house. That means that the aluminum gutter you have installed can be fitted to any unique spaces that your home has.

Aluminum gutters also come in a variety of prefinished colors that will allow you to match them to your home.

Aluminum Gutters Can Be Seamless

Nearly three-quarters of homeowners who have rain gutters installed opt for seamless gutters. Aluminum works great for this option. Using seamless gutters ensures that there are no leaks and that water is directed away from your home quickly and safely. This prevents water from running down the side of your home, potentially creating damaging issues like fascia and soffit rot, and mold and mildew.

Aluminum Gutters Prevent Foundation Damage

Water can be very damaging to your home, including the foundation. If water from rainfall is allowed to collect around the base of your home, it can soak down to the foundation. Over time, water can cause cracking and movement of the foundation, making the home a hazardous place to be for you and your family. Adding aluminum gutters can flush rainwater away from your home and foundation keeping them safe and secure from damage.

Need to Be Maintained

While rain gutters are efficient and effective, they do require maintenance to continue to work properly. Many people opt to take care of their gutters during the spring season, after the harsh weather in the winter, but it’s important that you inspect your gutters more than once a year. Some of the key times to make sure that they are in good shape are:

  • When leaves have fallen from trees. It’s often a beautiful time of year when the leaves fall from trees as the hot weather of summer is finally gone for another year. But all those falling leaves can quickly clog up your gutters. When they become clogged, they can no longer effectively keep the water away from your house and foundation.
  • After severe weather. Heavy rain and strong winds can cause damage to your gutters, causing holes, tears, or other types of breakage. Damaged gutters will not protect your home as they should. That means that doing a quick check that they are clean of debris and that there are no visible cracks or tears after storms is a must.

If you are considering having gutters installed on your home, Greenawalt Roofing Company is here to help you determine the right options for you, and your home. Contact us today at 717.898.6000 for a free estimate.

Local guidance and helpful next steps

For homeowners reading about What You need to Know about Aluminum Gutters, the right next step depends on the property’s existing gutter and drainage system, the extent of the concern, and how the surrounding exterior components work together. Central Pennsylvania weather can expose small weaknesses over time, so a recommendation should be based on the actual condition of the property rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.

Explore Greenawalt’s seamless gutter and spouting services, see what to expect during a Full Exterior Exam, or request a free estimate. You can also review the company’s Central Pennsylvania service areas.

Our experience with Greenawalt for our new roof and gutters was absolutely seamless. Brandon Garman did a very thorough assessment of our roof and determined exactly what we needed to fit our needs. We had a lot of questions along the way and he always made himself available to talk through the technical aspects. The price was fair and the job was scheduled quickly. We are very satisfied with the workmanship and quality of our new roof. We felt very taken care of throughout the process thanks to Brandon and Jess!"

-Danielle

5 Star Customer Testimonial

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