When it comes to gutters, homeowners have a variety of materials to choose from. Vinyl and aluminum are two of the most popular options, but which one lasts longer? Aluminum is the clear winner when it comes to durability. It is much more resistant to extreme weather events such as hailstorms, and it is also much easier to install due to its fewer joints and lack of seams. Most gutter installation professionals prefer to work with aluminum, so you can easily find someone to handle the project for you.
Aluminum gutters are lightweight, but they don't sink and they don't rust or deteriorate under the heavy stress of the weather. They will generally last more than 20 years before needing another replacement, making them an excellent value for your investment. Vinyl gutters are also popular because they are affordable and lighter than other materials used for gutters. However, vinyl steel gutters have several drawbacks, the most important being that they require more maintenance than other types of gutters.
In addition, vinyl is not as durable as aluminum and can easily sink in areas with heavy snowfall or hail. In northern climates, where fallen gutters can be a common problem, vinyl tends not to be the best option. To solve this problem, metal gutter manufacturers created a process for creating aluminum gutter systems and other seamless metal gutter systems. Many people choose aluminum gutters because they have many of the positive attributes of vinyl gutters without the negative ones.
The metal itself can rust, but thick gutters can last a long time without wearing out, and you can paint aluminum gutters to make them last even longer. In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between vinyl and aluminum gutters, aluminum is the clear winner in terms of durability and longevity. They will generally last more than 20 years before needing another replacement, making them an excellent value for your investment.