Should you have to install new gutters, you might wonder which is better – vinyl vs. aluminum gutters? If you live in Lubbock, Texas or nearby, you probably want to make sure you choose the best gutters for your home. But where should you start?
Like anything, both aluminum and vinyl gutters have their strengths and weaknesses, but by the end of this article, it will be apparent which option is better (here is a hint: it is Alumnim Gutters). However, do your due diligence and run through these considerations when deciding which gutter replacement material —vinyl vs. aluminum —are right for your home.
Aluminum vs. Vinyl Gutters – Pros, Cons, & 5 Factors to Know:
When purchasing anything new for your home’s exterior – be it windows, gutters, a new roof, or even patios – choosing the right material is essential. From durability to cost, there are several factors you need to keep in mind when you select a product for your home.
Not to be confused with vinyl and aluminum windows, your home’s rain gutters can actually vary in material as well. In fact, there are copper, steel, aluminum, and vinyl gutters, to name a few.
The most popular gutter material is aluminum, with vinyl gutters being the least popular. Unlike vinyl siding and vinyl window frames, vinyl gutters are very rarely used. Here are the quick pros and cons of each!
Quick Pros & Cons of Aluminum Gutters
Pros:
- Durability
- Seamless
- Custom-fit to your home
- Variety of colors
- Easy cost estimation
- Cost-effective
Cons:
- Need a professional installation team
- Maintenance and cleaning required
- Can dent from hail or debris hitting
Quick Pros & Cons of Vinyl Gutters
Pros:
- Cheap to purchase
- Flexible, less rigid
- Can DIY install
Cons:
- Break and leak easily because of sun, branches
- Fall off your home more often
- They are not seamless (hence leaks)
- Cost more in the long run due to constant issues
At this point, you should have enough ammo to make your decision with regard to which gutter you should pick. Just in case you are not sure which is the better option, below are five factors to help you pick the best gutter material for you!
1. Appearance and Aesthetics
When comparing the two gutter types, you won’t notice much different aesthetics when working with your basic colors, such as white or eggshell. The only noticeable appearance difference would be seamless aluminum gutters vs. sectional vinyl gutters, which consist of sections. Additionally, aluminum rain gutters offer a tremendous variety in color selection. The top choice in most cases is going to be aluminum gutters!
2. Durability
The nod on durability goes to aluminum gutters. Unlike vinyl windows, where you can truly make a case, vinyl gutters are cheap. They crack because of the sun and have trouble withstanding heavy rains. When heavy rains occur, they are more inclined to pull away from your home.
Aluminum gutters are seamless and installed with hidden-screw hangers. The “K-style” gutters make them stronger. Thus they can handle heavier rains. Aluminum gutters come in all sizes, with the 5″ and 6″ varieties being the most popular (this includes in West Texas).
3. Installation
Some DIY projects are okay, and some are not. Typically, things like your roof replacement, gutters, deck, and windows should be reserved for professionals. The knock-on seamless aluminum rain gutters need to be installed correctly (duh) but by a professional since they are custom-fit. This shouldn’t be a knock but a significant factor in considering aluminum.
Vinyl gutters might allow someone to “Click and Install” themselves, but in the long term, that leads to more issues than it helps. From leaks to repairs, inevitably, vinyl gutters will not last. Thus, those who use vinyl gutters will install new aluminum gutters with a gutter contractor in a few years.
4. Maintenance and Cleaning
All gutters need cleaning if you don’t have gutter guards. Both vinyl and aluminum gutters need cleaning equally the same (the main factor is whether your home is in a wooded area or not). Most homeowners should check their gutters each fall to determine if they need to be cleaned.
However, vinyl gutters usually only accommodate a few varieties of gutter guards, including vinyl covers and foam gutters. On the other hand, aluminum gutter systems have countless gutter guard options. We don’t recommend installing gutter guards on vinyl gutters since they break so quickly. Keeping your gutters healthy and in tip-top shape is essential to keeping your home dry, and it saves you money in the long run!
5. Gutter Costs
Installation costs are not a huge factor when it comes to gutters. Most gutter companies will charge a price per linear foot that factors in both installation costs but also material costs. Going simply off material, vinyl gutters are less expensive at the point of purchase.
However, aluminum rain gutters should last a very long time when they are well maintained. Over time, aluminum gutters end up being cheaper because of their durability. Outfitting a home with new gutters usually ranges between $1,000 to $2,500 – depending on the linear feet of gutter needed.
To see how much new gutters will cost you, simply use our free gutter calculator tool here:
Use our Gutter Calculator!
Easily estimate the cost of what new gutters will cost for your home!
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Pick Your Gutter Color
Pick Your Gutter Color
Estimate Total Footage
Estimate the linear distance in feet for your gutters and also your downspouts!
- You can use Google Maps to search for your home and use the measuring tool to measure your home, or simply use rough estimates (if the front of your home is 40' across and there is one long gutter, you can estimate that at 40').
- Downspouts are usually 13 feet for a one-story home and 23 feet for a two-story home. Count the number of downspouts you have in your home currently.
Remember, this is just an estimate; the final total will be calculated when our install team measures for materials.
Estimate Total Footage
Estimate the linear distance in feet for your gutters and also your downspouts!
- You can use Google Maps to search for your home and use the measuring tool to measure your home, or simply use rough estimates (if the front of your home is 40' across and there is one long gutter, you can estimate that at 40').
- Downspouts are usually 13 feet for a one-story home and 23 feet for a two-story home. Count the number of downspouts you have in your home currently.
Remember, this is just an estimate; the final total will be calculated when our install team measures for materials.
Would you like to add gutter protection?
You can select from one of two options for gutter protection, affordable OR self-cleaning (no maintenance required).
Estimate the total amount of gutters (do not include the downspouts). Remember, this is just an estimate; the final total will be calculated when our install team measures materials.
Final Cost
The final estimated price is :
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The Final Word –
Ultimately, what you are going to find is that most gutter companies will NOT install vinyl gutters. If they come to your home and you have existing vinyl gutters, reputable contractors recommend replacing them instead of repairs.
Reading this article, you can see that we clearly give the nod to aluminum gutters. That said, there are instances where vinyl gutters can come in handy on things like a small shed or outdoor building.
To learn more about gutters, check out our gutter learning center here!
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