Rain Gutter Systems

Comparison of Aluminum, Galvanized, & Copper Rain Gutter Systems

There are basically three materials from which rain gutters and downspouts are made; Aluminum,Steel (Bonderized or Galvanized) and Copper.
Though plastic is also used, it generally a pretty poor product and mostly sold to DIYers. We will not discuss plastic here.
Below are the pros and cons to each of the three types of metal.

 

Aluminum
The Thriftist

Generally when people talk about aluminum gutters they are referring to seamless pre-painted
gutters so that is what we will be addressing.

 

Advantages of an Aluminum System

  1. Aluminum gutters and downspouts are pre-painted and come in a variety of colors.
  2. Aluminum systems are generally less expensive.
  3. Aluminum does not rust
  4. Seamless aluminum has no joins.

Disadvantages of an Aluminum System

  1. Seamless aluminum is however not completely seamless, end caps are still needed at the end of a run, and miters are needed when turning a corner. Although all three materials, aluminum, steel and copper require end caps and miters, aluminum cannot support soldering. Therefore aluminum needs to be caulked or sealed with another type of sealant. This is the prime location of the early failure of an aluminum system.
  2. Aluminum is a light and soft metal therefore it is more easily damaged. Large pine cones falling from trees, or a strong wind that blows debris around can dent and ding an aluminum system, making it look old before its time.
  3. Aluminum tends to fall down more often due to the spikes pulling loose. Many times the spikes used to hold up aluminum gutters are not long enough, only penetrating the rafters 2 inches. Often this is not long enough. Due to the softness of aluminum and its tendency to expand and contract more readily than steel or copper,the spikes loosen.
  4. You will probably need to replace or at least make some repairs on an aluminum system within 10 or 12 years.

 

Steel, Galvanized or Bonderized
The Workhorse

Advantages of Steel -Galvanized or Bonderized

(Bonderized is the top choice in steel because it is put through a process specifically to make it
easier to hold paint. Bonderized steel is paint ready.)

  1. Steel can be soldered and if done properly creates a long lasting seal for miters,end caps and other joints. In fact many times a well soldered joint with outlast the metal around it.
  2. Steel is heavier and stronger than aluminum making it less prone to dents and dings.
  3. Here at Morrison Sheet Metal Inc we use an 8 inch spike for a 5 inch gutter giving a much more secure hold, consequently the spikes don’t pull out easily
    and the gutters are less likely to fall down.
  4. Steel does not come pre-painted so you can choose any color you like.
  5. The lifespan of bonderized or galvanized steel’s if properly maintained(don’t forget your yearly cleaning) is 50 or 60 years.

 

Disadvantages of Steel

  1. They don’t come pre-painted.
  2. More expensive than aluminum.

 

Copper
The Beauty Queen

Advantages of Copper

  1. It’s beautiful.
  2. It’s beautiful when new and when older, as the oxidation process turns the copper to a lovely brown or green.
  3. It’s durable. The process of oxidation can be fast or slow depending on your geographical location but this
    process makes copper nearly impervious to decay.
  4. Copper solders well, so the joints are even stronger than on a steel system.
  5. Copper does not need to be painted. Copper shines on its own.
  6. The average life span of a copper system is indefinite.

 

Disadvantages of Copper

  1. As you would expect copper is going to be your most expensive option.
  2. Though not as soft as aluminum, copper being a bit lighter in weight than steel is of course prone
    to more dings and dents than a steel system would be.

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