Stainless Steel Vs Aluminum Gutters

Steel gutters may require more frequent painting as they tend to get chalky over time.

Stainless steel vs aluminum gutters.

Durability galvanized steel gutters can withstand heavy winds and the weight of a ladder flying debris and fallen branches. Aluminum can suffer from thermal damage but stainless steel can be used in even the harshest environments. As the strongest of gutter systems steel gutters can withstand damage from a variety of weather and wind strewn debris including falling branches ice snow hail and leaning ladders. On average you should paint aluminum gutters every 10 years and steel gutters every three or four years.

They re ideal if you live in a heavily wooded area. Aluminum however can be created with seamless joints for easy installation and can be easily undertaken by a homeowner with an basic level of diy experience. Stainless steel gutters won t warp or crack from heat. One thing to keep in mind is that if ladder standoffs are used by the homeowner or contractors when they perform work on the house gutter damage due to impacts from ladders will not happen they steel gutters.

Galvanized steel gutters cost around 4 00 8 00 per linear square foot making this lower on the price spectrum. Steel gutters vs aluminum which is better. Steel gutters even galvanized steel should ideally be installed by professionals because they require soldering and are harder to work with. Stainless steel s ability to ward off rust and corrosion make it more durable but it also makes stainless steel gutters around twice as expensive as galvanized steel models.

Like aluminum gutters steel gutters can be painted any color a homeowner desires although they most often appear white or brown to blend in with the home s existing color. The steel stands up against ladder dings fallen branches hail and harsh weather conditions that crack and warp softer metals like aluminum. By scott allmon jan 29 2012. Steel gutters will not resist any hard impact either.

Aluminum is fairly resistant to rust but stainless steel s unique chemical composition makes it even more resistant. Stainless steel gutters are also incredibly strong with an expected lifespan of 50 years or more. Because their weight makes them hard to handle and their joints require soldering installation costs are higher than for vinyl or aluminum gutters. For the ultimate in debris blocking gutter coverage the raptor stainless steel micro mesh 5 gutter cover boasts tiny holes that keep even the smallest wind blown seeds out of your gutters.

The material is suitable for all gutter types including k style box and half round. Steel gutter systems are the strongest type of roofing gutters. Stainless steel gutters are pricey at about 20 per linear square foot.