Gutters are an essential protection layout of any home and how they protect your home is solely based on the type of material they are made of and the workmanship.

Let’s talk about what makes a good material for gutters. A good rain gutter should be able to stand against the elements while still complementing your home’s architectural appeal.

And so, when choosing a rain gutter material, it’s essential to keep in mind the type of weather in your area; if the weather is harsh, you’ll need a sturdier material.

Here are some of the most common materials for gutters and their qualities:

Copper
This is one of the most durable materials for gutters; they are impervious to extreme weather conditions, and with a proper maintenance plan, it will serve you for a very long time.
In addition, copper has an elegant finish; it doesn’t need to be painted, and it has a rust-resistant aspect to it, which is simply a green patina that forms instead of rust, and some people do find this effect appealing.
The downside to copper gutters is that they are very expensive and are quite complex to install.

Galvanized steel
This is another durable option. It is made of high-end steel that is heavy, long-lasting, and can withstand different kinds of weather without denting unless the zinc coating wears off.
The downside to galvanized steel is, it needs to be repainted and refinished more often since it comes unpolished. Though a downside, this attribute makes it very much customizable.
Another downside is that the heaviness of galvanized steel makes it difficult to work with, and it may be a danger if it falls on someone.

Aluminum
This is a go-to option for most people because it’s affordable, lightweight, and rustproof. Aluminum gutters are primarily available in sectional gutters, but they also come in seamless gutter models.
The seamless gutter options are not cheap, but it’s a pretty straightforward material to work with.

Vinyl
Vinyl is another lightweight gutter material; it is also affordable and found in various color options.
However, it doesn’t have great perks for durability; in case of too much weight, vinyl will come crumbling.

Zinc
Zinc gutters can serve you for a good 50 years; their durability and sturdiness are what makes them an excellent gutter option.
They also have great resistance to damage and the elements, and their appearance takes on with time, plus they don’t need to be repainted.
However, zinc gutters have lower resistance to salt. So, if you stay next to the ocean, zinc is a no. They can also be pretty expensive.

So, what’s your pick?