Vinyl Gutters vs. Aluminum Gutters

During hurricane season, Venice experiences more rainfall on average than the other three seasons put together. Rainstorms are a daily occurrence, and the threat of tropical strength storms is ever present. If you live on the Florida Gulf Coast, you are accustomed to the frequent deluges during this time of the year.

Because of this reality, Venice roof installation generally includes a system of gutters to direct the flow of water away from the walls and foundation of the home. If you are interested in installing new gutters, you will have a few choices available to you, including aluminum and vinyl gutters.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Vinyl Gutters

Benefits:

• Vinyl gutters are considered to be the most affordable and easy option available to homeowners. These gutters are lightweight and require few tools for assembly and installation, making them a favorite of do-it-yourself handymen and homeowners.
• Vinyl gutters are resistant to both dents and corrosion.
• These gutters are marketed in various colors, the most popular being white, gray, tan and brown. This allows homeowners to aesthetically match their gutters to the color of their home.
• Vinyl gutter systems offer low maintenance to Venice homeowners. The gutters are easily cleaned, and generally will not require painting at any point, although if you change the look of your home, they can be successfully painted.

Drawbacks:

• The brackets of vinyl gutters are typically attached to the fascia via short screws. These screws often do not have the length to fasten to the rafters or trusses behind the external fascia. This means that if rainfall is especially heavy and the gutters are carrying large amounts of water, they may sag or let loose.
• Vinyl gutters come in a wide variety of quality and price ranges, and the cheapest options are often manufactured with thinner plastic. This situation may also cause the gutters to sag if there is extensive water or debris.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Aluminum Gutters

Benefits:

• Aluminum gutter systems are the most common gutters installed on Venice area homes, due to their lightweight material and durable resilience.
• Aluminum gutters are generally available in brown or white, but they can be purchased from some manufacturers in other colors to match your home’s look and design. Aluminum gutters may also be painted if desired.
• Aluminum gutters are attached via straphangers which attach to the roof sheathing, or with exterior or hidden brackets.

Drawbacks:
There is really only one major drawback to installing aluminum gutters on your home. Aluminum gutters cannot be installed on algae-resistant shingles. In coastal areas like Venice, the runoff from salt air is likely to cause corrosion in the gutter system.

Additional Option: Copper Gutters

A third option is utilized less frequently in this area due to their cost, but is worth a mention. Cooper gutters rust resistant by nature. Expansion and contraction is minimal, and these gutters can last have a lifespan of up to 100 years. Copper gutters will eventually develop a greenish patina unless treated to avoid the oxidation; the look is considered both distinct and unique for custom and luxury home owners.

From installing solar panels to considering different roofing materials, the experts at Kingdom Roofing are here to answer any questions you may have. When looking to install new gutters, we can help you to weight the pros and cons, and make the best decision for you. With decades of experience in Venice and North Port area general contracting, we are well qualified to help you with any roofing decisions you may need to make.