Hard Work & Innovation: The Job of a Roofer

Rain gutters play a critical role in protecting your home against water damage. Unfortunately, homeowners have a tendency to overlook their gutters until something goes wrong.

If your rain gutters have malfunctioned and it's time to invest in a new gutter system, your options could be overwhelming.

Here are four factors that you will need to take into consideration when selecting your rain gutters to ensure you end up with a gutter system that is capable of protecting your home over time.

1. Durability

Because rain gutters are so important, you want to select a gutter system made from materials that can withstand the test of time.

Aluminum and vinyl are popular options for modern homeowners. Both are naturally resistant to corrosion and rust, which allows them to retain their structural integrity over a long period of time. Copper rain gutters are also known for their durability.

You will need to consider the climate where you live to determine which type of rain gutters would be the most durable for your home.

2. Performance

You want the new rain gutters that you install on your home to perform as efficiently as possible. Any weaknesses in rain gutters can create leaks that have the potential to damage your home's exterior.

One of the biggest factors that will determine how well your gutters perform is whether or not they have seams. Both vinyl and aluminum gutters can be ordered in small sections that are joined together during installation. These seams must fit together tightly in order to prevent leaks.

Aluminum gutters do come in a seamless variety, so you can opt to eliminate seams if you are worried about maximizing the performance of your new rain gutters in the future.

3. Architectural Design

The architectural design of your home's exterior will play a role in determining which rain gutter system will work best.

If your home has a very simple and clean exterior, then seamless rain gutters are a great option. If your home has intricate details and multiple angle changes in the roofline, then seamless gutters may not be a viable option.

An experienced contractor will be able to help you evaluate your home's architectural design to determine which gutter system will be the easiest and most affordable to install.

4. Cost

Rain gutters vary significantly in cost.

Vinyl gutters tend to be the most affordable, but they also have the shortest life expectancy when compared with other gutter options. Homeowners who aren't planning to live in their current residence for a lengthy period of time or those who are operating with a very limited budget can benefit from the installation of new vinyl gutters.

If you are able to spend a bit more on your rain gutters and you are planning to remain in your current home indefinitely, copper gutters are a great option.

Copper rain gutters have one of the longest lifespans of any gutter material. A copper rain gutter system can enhance the beauty of your home's exterior. As the copper gutters age, they will take on a patina that can significantly boost your home's curb appeal.

When it comes to installing new rain gutters, you want to strike the right balance between affordability and performance. You should take the time to carefully consider which type of rain gutters will meet all of your needs.

By factoring in things like durability, performance, installation method, and cost, you can effectively narrow your options to the rain gutter systems that are best equipped to protect your home.

An experienced contractor will be able to help you evaluate your options and provide recommendations for your next set of rain gutters. Contact a company like Gutter Shutter SE WI to learn more.