A home’s gutters are an integral part of the drainage system that’s designed to keep water from seeping into the foundation or interior. Gutters can be made from several different materials and homeowners may be wondering which option is the most durable and efficient.
Opting for a durable guttering system means that locals-only have to opt for routine cleaning as well as the occasional gutter repairs Melbourne locals rely on. Aluminium is currently the most popular guttering material. This post explores the top reasons why aluminium is still the preferred go-to option.
A Firm Favourite for Good Reason
Aluminium is a type of material that’s made from bauxite ore which is a clay-like rock that also contains aluminium oxide, iron, silica, iron oxide, and titanium oxide. Its durability, strength and flexibility make it a popular material choice for a wide range of applications, which includes your trusted gutters. Here are the most common reasons why this option is beneficial to your home.
1. There’s no Rusting
When you’re installing a component whose main purpose is to drive water away from the rest of your home, your first instinct may be to opt for the most robust material available. Steel often comes to mind.
The problem with steel is that it has been known to rust when the paint peels off and the gutter becomes exposed to moisture. This usually starts happening after about five years.
Aluminium, on the other hand, doesn’t rust because oxidation on the surface creates a hard, protective layer which makes it rust-proof. Typically, this means that aluminium can have a lifespan of about 50 years.
2. Installation is Quick and Easy
Unlike many other gutter materials, aluminium is lightweight and super easy to handle. This makes installation quick and easy and also means there’s less labour involved. Keep in mind that intricate or large guttering systems may take longer to complete.
3. Durable and Weather Resistant
When you see how lightweight aluminium gutters are, you may wonder how well they’ll hold up in severe weather. Fortunately, this material is robust enough to handle hail, rain, and strong winds, and can even survive being struck by falling branches. They also won’t fall if a ladder is leaned against them. This is in stark contrast to options such as PVC which can easily become sun damaged or severe hail.
4. Can be More Affordable
Another huge benefit of investing in aluminium gutters is their affordability. Despite being the most robust and durable option, they are impressively affordable. When you consider that they will require very little maintenance or replacement for years to come, opting for this material will give you value for money.
5. Highly Customisable
Aluminium gutters are highly customisable and are available in a wide range of colours that will blend in or even complement your existing outdoor décor. This material is easier to paint and can easily be shaped to suit different roof styles. Whether you have a Tuscan-style roof or a flat roof, aluminium gutters can easily be installed.
6. Ideal for Commercial Buildings
A lightweight, robust nature is the number one reason why aluminium is the preferred choice for commercial buildings. No matter the size, shape, or style of your commercial building, adding aluminium gutters is as easy as adding them to a smaller residential home.
7. No Leaking
Some gutters, such as steel, are often constructed in pieces. This is easier to transport and work with since steel is heavier than most materials. The joints where these pieces are attached can become susceptible to leaks which can cause water damage to walls and your home’s foundation.
Aluminium gutters are seamless, meaning they are made into a single, long piece which is attached to the top of the gutter on the roof. There are no joints and no extra pieces that need to be attached. Therefore, no leaking.
8. Low Maintenance
A significantly impressive feature of guttering systems is that they are easy to maintain. Since there’s no rusting, leaking, or peeling paint, there will be minimal repairs needed. Cleaning is the only real maintenance that you’ll need to do.
This involves taking leaves and other organic material out of the gutters and downpipes. You can do this with a pressure washer. Adding gutter guards will reduce the amount of cleaning you need to do.
9. Environmentally Friendly
Many homeowners are using their home upgrades as an opportunity to make their homes more sustainable. This often involves choosing materials or components that are environmentally friendly.
The good news is that aluminium is more environmentally friendly than options such as steel and PVC. This is largely because aluminium is recyclable, and gutters are often made from recycled materials. If you ever take your gutters off, they can easily be recycled again. Aluminium is also nontoxic and doesn’t create harmful byproducts during manufacturing.
Final Thoughts
Aluminium gutters have many benefits that go a long way toward keeping homes dry. Standout features include affordability, customisability, ease of installation, robustness and of course, this material doesn’t rust. If you’re building a new home, or replacing old and worn gutters, opting for aluminium is well worth considering!
