Aluminum gutters are the standard gutters and are widely used throughout the United States. There are many advantages to using aluminum gutters, which include deflecting rain away from the walls, foundation, garage or other buildings. Nonetheless, protection always comes with a price. See the full cost guide for aluminum gutters below.
The average minimum cost per linear foot for aluminum gutters is $4.13.
The average maximum cost per linear foot for aluminum gutters is $5.47.
In addition to the primary material, there will be additional costs associated with the installation of aluminum gutters. Labor costs for aluminum gutter installation average $51.25 per hour for work performed by a gutter specialist or roofing company. The average hourly labor cost for a handyman to install aluminum gutters is $44.56. Additional supplies such as end caps, elbows and corner pieces add an average of $30.50 per every 100 linear feet of aluminum gutters.
There are 12 primary styles of aluminum gutters, which are denoted by letter names. The most commonly used style of aluminum gutter is sub-type K. This style has decorative molding. The most common depth of gutters is 5 inches and the most common width is 5 inches. Less commonly, fascia gutters are used. These are installed onto homes and buildings that do not already have fascia board attached to the roof. They function both as the fascia and as the gutter. They're most common in the dry areas of the western United States. Half-round gutters are shaped like semi-circles and are only about 2 to 3 inches deep. The thickness of aluminum gutters varies but is most often around 0.027 inches thick. In areas that receive heavy snowfall, gutters with a thickness of 0.032 inches are typically used. Aluminum gutters are available in seamless and sectional subtypes. Seamless gutters are built to length at the job site using a portable machine. These are considered to be higher-end materials and cost more than sectional gutters.
They can be hung on a wall outdoors and used to create a vertical garden. They can also be placed into the soil to contain plants that would otherwise spread into undesirable areas. A section of gutter can be used to corral cables and cords in a home or a business. Aluminum gutters can also be recycled into art. Aluminum is recyclable as well.
Customization: Aluminum gutters can be customized to fit any length.
A wide range of colors: Aluminum gutters are made in many colors that coordinate with the exterior of a home or building.
Painting: Aluminum gutters can be painted to highlight the architecture of the structure or for other aesthetic reasons. Outdoor paints for use on metal come in nearly every color.
Resistance to rust: Aluminum gutters will not rust despite regular exposure to moisture.
Low cost: Aluminum gutters are an inexpensive option for gutter systems.
Accessorization: Aluminum gutters can be outfitted with gutter protection systems and coverings to aid in keeping debris and animals out of the gutters and downspouts.
Multifunctionality: Aluminum gutters can be used on fascia boards constructed of any type of material, including plastic, wood, brick and stone.
Minimal maintenance: Aluminum gutters can be, but do not have to be, painted. Cleaning out the gutters every few months is all that is needed in regards to routine maintenance.
Durability: Aluminum gutters will typically outlast a roof so long as the gutters were properly installed and receive regular clean-outs.
Low weight: No special support brackets or other structures are needed to hang aluminum gutters.
Weather resistance: Aluminum gutters can withstand temperature extremes and harsh climates.
Denting: Due to the light weight of aluminum gutters, they are prone to denting even from a minimal impact such as being hit with small hail pellets.
Clogs: Aluminum gutters are quickly clogged with falling leaves and other airborne debris. A gutter clog can result in water spilling over the gutters and down the walls and foundation of the building, possibly resulting in costly and extensive damage.
Cracks: During rapid temperature changes the aluminum may expand and contract quickly, resulting in cracks in the gutters. The cracks must be caulked or sealed; otherwise, leaks will develop.
Corrosion: This is not the same as rust. Aluminum gutters may corrode if they come into contact with another type of metal such as steel, tin and copper. They may also corrode if they make contact with mortar, stucco, treated lumber or concrete.
Ice dams: Ice dams may develop in aluminum gutters more often than other types of gutters. This is due to the cold temperature of the aluminum when the air temperature is also cold. Ice dams can cause water to back up into the roof and walls of the structure, leading to leaks, rotted wood and costly repairs.
Complex installation: Seamless aluminum gutters require a professional installation. Even the installation of sectional aluminum gutters must be done carefully so that water is directed away at an angle from the structure.
Before arranging to have aluminum gutters installed onto a home or a building, there are a few issues to take into consideration. The local weather conditions are the most important factor in deciding the material type, thickness and style of gutter system. Areas prone to heavy rainfall and snow need thicker and more durable gutters than areas with infrequent or light rains. Cost is another issue to consider as seamless aluminum gutters are more costly than sectional but are also less prone to leaks. Finally, home and building owners should consider whether they will want to have a gutter protection system installed along with the gutters or at a later time. Gutter protection systems can reduce wear and tear on the structure's gutters.