Materials used for gutters and downpipes: Top 5 Materials for a Residential Gutter Installation
Understanding the Different Materials Gutters Are Made From
Traditionally, gutters are made from a handful of materials designed to be lightweight and strong at the same time. Today, there are well over a dozen different gutter materials from which to choose. By taking the time to understand the basic pros and cons of the most popular gutter materials – aluminum, copper, galvanized steel, zinc, and vinyl – you can make better choices about your own purchases.
Aluminum
Aluminum gutters are the most popular options among American homeowners. They are extremely lightweight so as not to cause damage to homes, and they come in a wide variety of colors. The biggest benefit of aluminum gutters is their rust resistance, and this makes them perfect for climates where rainfall is common. However, it should be noted that aluminum isn’t as durable as other materials, which means hailstones and even heavy snowfall can cause significant damage.
Copper
Copper is a beautiful gutter material that transforms from its iconic brilliant orange-gold to a greenish patina with time, and that makes it one of the most popular materials for historical renovations. The number one benefit of copper is its ability to last for decades without much maintenance at all, but it is not without its downfalls. Copper is very heavy, which means it isn’t ideal for all homes. It is also very expensive, so if you are on a budget, copper gutters may not be the best choice for your needs.
Galvanized Steel
Hot-dipped (galvanized) steel gutters have been in use for 150 years, and they remain some of the most popular options among homeowners today. The steel’s zinc coating protects it from corrosion, and because it is heavier than aluminum (but not nearly as heavy as copper), it can stand up to more snowfall or hail. However, it can only resist the effects of rust for about 20 years. Though galvanized steel costs significantly more than either aluminum or vinyl, it still costs less than copper.
Preweathered Zinc
Though zinc is not as popular as the other materials on this list, it is one of the best options in terms of durability.
Like galvanized steel, zinc is corrosion-resistant and strong. It comes in numerous colors, and though it does not cost quite as much as copper, it does cost more than steel, aluminum, or vinyl. Other considerations include zinc’s antifungal nature, which will prevent the growth of fungus, mold, and bacteria, and the fact that you can completely recycle zinc gutters at the end of their exceptionally long lifecycle.
Vinyl
If you want something that is both affordable and rust- and corrosion-resistant, there’s nothing quite like vinyl to fit that need. Vinyl is lightweight, available in numerous colors and patterns, and easy to install. In extreme cold temperatures, though, vinyl can become brittle and crack, and many types of vinyl will fade in direct sunlight over a period of months. Keep this in mind before deciding on vinyl gutters for your home.
Other gutter materials include options like Galvalume and different types of aluminum, copper, and steel that bring various other benefits.
If you need help choosing the best material for your gutter projects, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts with your questions.
What is the Best Material for Gutters?
Gutters are made in different kinds of materials such as PVC plastic, Aluminium, Cast Iron and Steel. However, there are several reasons why some materials are more popular than others. Let’s drill into why some gutter types are more popular and also which type is more cost-effective and which gutter lasts longest?
Here are the 4 types of Gutters:
- PVC Plastic Gutters: Readily available, this low-cost option has may save costs initially, but Plastic Gutters tend to discolour, become brittle and leak. The common colours are black, white, brown and grey, but after 3 years they can look very faded, which can devalue the property value and overall look.
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Aluminium Gutters: An increasingly popular option, Aluminium Gutters are now becoming the most common solution/ Readily available in black and grey colours, plus with the added advantage of being available in any bespoke RAL colour, Aluminium Gutters are the most robust and long-lasting gutter solution, as they don’t rust, fade or become brittle, and last around 4 times as long as other Gutter options.
- Cast Iron Gutters: This original type of gutter system, is used on many heritage properties, however, Cast Iron Guttering often has problems with rust, and flaking paint, making it unsightly within a few years.
- Steel Gutters: These Gutters are generally used for commercial applications where bespoke styles and adaptions are required. Steel gutters often look very commercial with exposed rivet fixings and box-style finishes, but are ideal for high-capacity commercial or industrial environments where aesthetically pleasing finishes are not a high priority.
Why some gutter types are more popular?
Aluminium is the most popular type of gutter today, but it hasn’t always been. In the early days of gutters, they were usually made from Cast Iron as that was the only raw material that was readily available. However, issues with high costs, maintenance and rusting meant people were looking for a better solution.
With modern manufacturing methods, plastic gutters made from PVC were created which created a lower-cost option. Due to the cost savings plastic gutters became increasingly popular, however, issues with PVC Gutter have continued, so a new solution was needed.
What are the Problems with PVC Gutter and Downpipes?
- Fading or Discolouration
- Cracking of Gutter
- Brittle Gutter Joints & Brackets
- Leaking Gutter Connectors
- Creaking noises from the Gutter during natural expansion and contraction
Today, aluminium gutters are becoming by far the most popular gutter due to the huge benefits of relatively low cost, super lightweight, excellent finish and amazing lifespan.
Are Aluminium Gutters Better than Plastic Gutters?
Aluminium Gutters are so much better than PVC Gutters because they don’t break and last so much longer, which saves so much time and money avoiding expensive repairs and replacements.
PVC Gutters also fade and go brittle, whereas powder coated Aluminium Gutters will stay looking great for many years, and are very unlikely to break, as aluminium doesn’t go brittle.
Aluminium Gutters and Downpipes do not rust like cast iron gutters or steel gutters, and are much lighter weight, meaning they are a lot easier to install. Aluminium Gutters can be powder coated to any RAL Colour to match any choice of colour scheme.
Top 8 Advantages of Aluminium Gutters & Downpipes
- Aluminium Gutters are 45% lower in cost over the lifetime of the property
- PVC Gutters can easily Crack or Break, whereas Aluminium Gutters remain strong
- Aluminium Gutters don’t Rust
- Most Aluminium Gutters are strong enough to lean Ladders against for Access & Cleaning
- No issues with Fading on Aluminium Gutters
- Aluminium Gutters don’t creak as PVC do
- Compared to PVC Gutter Aluminium Gutters have a much greater strength against Snow load
- Powder Coatings we can manufacture Aluminium Gutter in any colour
What Colours do Aluminium Gutters come in?
Black or Anthracite Grey colours are the most popular colours for Aluminium Gutters.
Both of these colours are usually available for immediate delivery. However, you can also get Aluminium Gutters and Downpipes in any RAL Colour to suit your specific project. Simply choose a RAL Colour from a RAL Colour chart and choose a RAL Coloured option when ordering and just not the RAL colour on the order.
How long do PVC Gutters last?
Plastic Gutters and Downpipes are made from PVC and last around 5 years maximum. Often PVC Gutters will discolour and become brittle within around 3 years. As well as the disappointment of faded gutters which is not ideal for the look of the property, the brittle joints and brackets become weak and tend to break and leak, which is a bigger problem.
How long do Aluminium Gutters Last?
Aluminium Gutter Systems last for around 20 years minimum. Aluminium is the ideal material to manufacture Rainwater Gutter Systems from as it doesn’t rust, rot, or become brittle like Plastic Gutter Systems.
Aluminium Gutters are lightweight and robust, making them the perfect solution.
Is Aluminium Gutter Expensive?
No, Aluminium Guttering is relatively inexpensive and will outlast any other type of Gutter in longevity. However, what is also important is looking at the cost of the product and labour over the life of the project. You can see below that in this typical example of pricing, Aluminium Guttering is only 75.00 extra but lasts 15 years more than PVC Guttering – that’s 4 times longer-lasting, making the project lifespan so much more cost-effective with Aluminium guttering than PVC Gutters.
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Material Cost |
Labour Cost |
TOTAL COST |
Est. Lifespan |
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Typical Cost of Plastic Guttering: |
250.00 |
150.00 |
400. |
5 Years |
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Typical Cost of Aluminium Guttering: |
325.00 |
150.00 |
475.00 |
30 Years |
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Typical Cost of Cast Iron Guttering: |
420.00 |
150.00 |
570.00 |
10 Years |
00
Can Aluminium Gutter Rust?
No, Aluminium will not normally rust – it’s extremely rare to see any rust occur even after 20 years. This is because Aluminium Gutter is made from aluminium alloys which have the naturally perfect protection against rust as a raw material. Even if the product became was to become scratched for some reason, the scratched area itself would not rust as the aluminium have an inherent oxidising process preventing any further corrosion.
Do Aluminium Gutters Get Hot?
No, Aluminium is a great thermal conductor so any heat that is gained through solar energy would normally be quickly dispersed which keeps the aluminium Gutter and Downpipes cool.
In some rare situations where air becomes trapped inside a profile for example then the temperature could rise slightly, however, we have often been surprised how incredibly cool Aluminium Gutters stay even with a dark colour on a hot day in direct sunlight.
What Styles of Gutter Are There?
- Half Round Gutter Style: This was the first style of gutter to be made, but it lacked capacity due to its shallow depth
- Square Gutter Style: made to create a more modern look, this gutter style is becoming less popular as the square shape cause increased dirt build-up, issues with leaks, and reduced flow rates.
- Deep Flow Style (Most Popular): This no-brainer style took the benefits of the original half-round gutter and increased the flow and capacity with the same great look. Over the years Deepflow Style Gutter has become the most popular option combining simplicity with high capacity.
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Classic Gutter Style: New fancier styles have been created; however, the only advantages are for where a more shaped style is preferred, and this has to be balanced with increased cost and also increased possibility of leaks occurring.
Need further Advice on Your Guttering Project?
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Elements and drawings of gutter systems Grand Line 150×100
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| Elements of the Grand Line gutter system | download (pdf) | |
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Half round gutter, 3 m Designed to collect rainwater from the roof. |
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Gutter connector Foamed rubber seal provides a tight connection between gutters or gutters with corners, filling the expansion gap between the connected elements. The sealant has a wide operating temperature range – from -180 to +105°C, improved resistance to aggressive media (gasoline, cleaners, oils, etc.). The presence of a ring in the design of the gutter connector ensures geometric accuracy and the possibility of multiple closing and opening of the lock. |
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Gutter plug Mounted on the ends of the gutter. The design provides permanent fixation, tightness and rigidity of the gutter. It can be additionally fixed with sealant or rivets. The plug is universal – it can be used both from the right and from the left edge of the gutter. |
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Gutter angle, inner and outer, 90° Used to change the direction of water flow, mounted on the outer and inner corners of the roof. Made in a seamless way (deep drawing of metal), which ensures rigidity, aesthetics, tightness and excellent hydrodynamics. |
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Gutter angle, inner and outer, 135° Used to change the direction of water flow, mounted on the outer and inner corners of the roof in conditions where a 90° angle is not applicable: complex roofs, bay windows, etc. |
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Funnel chute Transition element that organizes the drainage of water from the gutter into the downpipe. |
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Drainage funnel Designed to collect water in the case when the runoff is not organized by means of a gutter, but is carried out along valleys (complex roof shapes). |
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Long hook Serves for hanging the gutter on the rafters, it is installed before the installation of the roofing material. The updated long hook has additional holes closer to the gutter attachment point. This provides a more convenient installation of the hook with a large number of options for attachment points. |
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Long hook (strip) Serves for hanging the gutter on the rafters, it is installed before the installation of the roofing material. The updated long hook has additional holes closer to the gutter attachment point. This provides a more convenient installation of the hook with a large number of options for attachment points. |
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Short hook (150×100) Serves for hanging the gutter on the front board. It is installed both before and after the installation of the roofing material. Made of galvanized steel (thickness 1 mm) with polyurethane coating. |
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Pipe tee Designed to connect two downpipes into one. |
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Round tube, 3 m Organizes a vertical runoff of rainwater. The external folded seam provides a smooth inner surface of the pipe, which prevents debris and blockages. |
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Round connecting pipe, 1m Organizes a vertical runoff of rainwater. |
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Pipe elbow, 60° Designed to change the direction of the flow through the pipe. It does not have transverse seams, folds and corrugations that reduce reliability and durability. Provides a tight connection and easy installation. |
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Drain elbow Provides drainage from the facade, including into the storm sewer system. Protects the facade, plinth and blind area from damage due to moisture. |
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Pipe bracket (for wood) Designed for fixing the pipe to wooden and other light walls using self-tapping screws. When mounting, the latch of the pipe bracket must be positioned with the wide side down. Thus, the impact of climatic factors (thermal expansion of the metal) will be leveled. |
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Pipe bracket (for stone) Designed to fix the pipe to a brick, concrete or stone wall. Supplied complete with a 160 mm wrench/T25 Torx bit, dowel and decorative trim. When mounting, the latch of the pipe bracket must be positioned with the wide side down. Thus, the impact of climatic factors (thermal expansion of the metal) will be leveled. |
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Clamp Clamp – an alternative solution to the bracket for fixing the pipe. |
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Pipe connector Used to connect the pipes of the drainage system. |
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Spider net “Spider” (funnel mesh) is designed to protect the gutter riser from construction debris, needles and leaves getting into it, thereby preventing pipe clogging, possible freezing of the pipe and, as a result, its rupture. Size: 90/125 | 100/150 |
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Coupling sleeve Used for connecting gutters to each other, gutters with corners of the gutter in drainage systems 125*90 and 150*100. |
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The gutter is fixed on hooks installed at intervals of 500-900 mm and providing a slope of 3 mm per linear meter. 
After welding, the corners are painted on an automatic powder coating line using weather-resistant polyester paints 
The external folded seam provides a smooth inner surface of the pipe, which prevents debris and blockages. A 1 m pipe is used as a connecting element of the drainage system between the pipe elbows and as an additional element of the downpipe if it is not rational to use a 3 m pipe in the system. It is compressed on both sides, which allows the use of pipes of 0.5 meters each. 
Smooth molding prevents buildup of debris and ensures durability. 
Gutters and pipes. Water drainage methods
2015
20 January
The task of the roof of a residential building is not only to insulate the house, but also to collect rain and melt water from a large surface. In addition, the larger the roof area, the more it is able to discharge water per unit of time. It is very important that water is drained from the roof in such a way that it does not fall on the walls of the building, does not wet the soil on which the foundation is built, and also does not form puddles on the site.
What will be the method of draining water from the roof depends on its design, personal preferences of the owner and his financial capabilities.
Drainage systems consisting of gutters and pipes
One of the most popular methods of draining water from the roof surface are gutter systems, the main elements of which are suspended gutters and used downpipes.
Such a drainage system also consists of corner elements, protective nets, brackets, clamps, etc.
If we talk about the maximum size of the gutter in cross section, then, as a rule, it fits in the region of 120-150 mm, the downspout is about 70-100 mm. Elements such as gutters can be made in different shapes: semi-circular, semi-oval, rectangular, etc. It is important that the shape of the downpipes matches the shape of the gutter. Regarding the shape of the gutter, it can be chosen based on the personal considerations of the owner of the house. All elements that the system includes are very easily interconnected. If they are installed correctly, they will properly drain the water accumulated on the roof.
Gutter parts are made of plastic, aluminium, galvanized steel, titanium and zinc alloy. As a rule, gutters made of plastic or steel are used for economy class buildings. The rest of the materials are expensive.
The plastic used to make the elements of the gutter system is weather resistant.
Moreover, it is dyed, which means that all sorts of defects in the form of scratches will not be noticeable on its surface. The elements of the system are connected using sealing gaskets. A gluing option is also possible.
Gutter elements made of galvanized steel often have a polymer coating of various colors, so you can easily choose the color of the drains, which will be in harmony with the facade or roof. Such parts are connected with locks or brackets.
As you know, the winter in Russia is quite severe, therefore, as a result of snow on the roof overhangs, in the gutters and in the laid downpipes, ice can form. As a result, the flow of water from the roof will be limited, since the gutters and pipes will be clogged with ice. Under the weight of ice, these elements begin to deform and become unusable.
In order to protect gutters from ice and improve their performance, heated electrical cables are laid on the roof overhang, in gutters and installed pipes. Such a system costs a lot, in addition, you will have to include the cost of electricity.
Installing roof drains
You can install hanging gutters and downspouts on the roof yourself.
In order to carry out a quality installation of gutters, you need:
1. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the gutter system and follow all the recommendations.
2. Pipe holders and gutter brackets must be installed at a distance no greater than indicated in the enclosed manual.
3. It is important to ensure the slope of the gutters towards the downpipe (5-20 mm for every 1 m of the length of the gutter taken). This slope will allow the gutters to self-clean with the flow of rainwater.
4. The edge of the gutter must be positioned so that it is 3 cm below the roof plane. Otherwise, snow coming off the roof will damage the gutter.
5. To ensure that water always enters the gutter, its outer edge must be placed from the roof overhang at a distance of 2/3 of the width of the gutter.
6. The last two rules will not work on steep roof slopes.