You probably haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about gutters. They’re just one of those features on homes that are seen so often, you never consider them. But there are many different types of rain gutters. The material and the design makes a big difference when it comes to choosing the right rain gutters for your home. So figure out how to choose and find out what makes different types of rain gutters different from each other.

Different Types of Rain Gutters

Gutter maintenance and gutter cleaning are two of those necessary aspects of homeownership that no one likes but everyone has to manage. But the types of rain gutters you have make all the difference when it comes to maintaining your gutters and keeping them clean. Did you know that clogged gutters are the number one cause of basement water problems? Gutters are absolutely essential because they protect the basement and foundation of your home from rain. Even if you haven’t got a basement, you don’t want the ground around the base of your home to be too wet. This can create sinkholes and cause damage to the foundation of your home, which is a really big deal.

So you know you need gutters. But do you know which types of rain gutters you should have based on your home and your environment? There are lots of different types of gutter systems for a home.

Half round gutters are very common. That’s because there are many advantages to half round gutters. The simple design doesn’t detract from the beauty of your home and it works well to capture rainwater and route it away from your home. But because of the open design, leaves and sticks can easily clog these gutters. Installing leaf guards can solve this problem.

K-style rain gutters are named because they look something like the letter K when you view them from the side. Because these types of rain gutters are made with a flat back they can be installed without brackets. They also have a very attractive, decorative look to them that can actually add to the beauty of your home.

Custom gutters are also available. Usually, custom gutters are made out of aluminum because this material is very easy to work with and it’s commonly used in all types of rain gutters.

Most types of rain gutters are made with lightweight metal such as aluminum, zinc, steel, and coppers. Some gutters are also made from vinyl. Aluminum is an extremely popular choice because it doesn’t rust, it’s lightweight, and it can be painted any color. Aluminum types of rain gutters typically last for about 25 years. The problem with aluminum gutters is that they can be dented or bent due to storm damage and other trauma. Vinyl is very easy to work with and it can also be painted. Vinyl is an excellent choice for homes near bodies of water because it’s not damaged by salt air. However, vinyl is not very temperature-tolerant. It can become brittle and crack in extreme heat and crack in very old weather.

Zinc is resistant to weather, corrosion, and warping. The zinc types of rain gutters can last about 50 years. However, these gutters are more expensive than some of your other options. Steel is very strong and weather-resistant, but it’s heavy and it can rust. Steel types of rain gutters last about 10 to 15 years.

Copper roof gutters don’t rust and don’t ever need to be painted because they’re beautiful just the way they are. In any climate, you can expect copper gutters to last for 100 years. They’re arguably the best types of rain gutters when it comes to longevity.

Choosing Gutter Systems for a Home or Business

When you’re choosing the types of rain gutters you want for your home or your business, consider material and style. Think about the material you want to use for your gutters. Weigh your options and know the differences in types of rain gutters so you can make a much better decision for your home or business property.