Steel Gutters—Pros and Cons

For years, builders have generally used steel gutters for homes and business. If you are thinking of replacing your existing gutters or have a new home or business built there are both pros and cons for having steel gutters. The most popular style of steel gutters is galvanized steel gutters. You can also get stainless steel gutters, but these are on the high end of prices for steel gutters. You should always hire professional gutter contracts to put up your new gutters.

Pros

• Price—they can be one of the least expensive gutters that are available on today’s market. When comparing the price of steel gutters to vinyl or aluminum gutters they are approximately fifty percent less. There are different types of coating materials that can be put on to add durability and inhibit rust. Unfortunately, adding a protective coating will add to the overall cost of steel gutters. Galvanized steel gutters range from four to eight dollars per linear foot. If you choose stainless steel gutters, they can cost twenty dollars per linear foot.
• Durability—steel gutters are manufactured with some type of zinc coating. They can hold up well in almost any environment. They will usually able to sustain less damage from falling debris. These would be best to have on your home if you live in a climate that is hurricane or tornado prone. They are more resistant to damage from ice, snow, and hail.
• Environmentally friendly—some manufactures are now offering steel gutters make from recycle steel for no additional cost.

Cons

• Can sag—overtime due to lose connections with the home. If this happens, the homeowner will have to make appropriate repairs to correct it before it starts to get worse. If you let the steel gutters continue to sag it could damage your home and you will need to replace the gutters. Periodically inspect your entire gutter system to avoid costly repairs.
• Can rust—if you do not put a rust proof coating on your gutters they tend to rust and within five years they will need to be replaced but it depends on the climate. In areas that receive above average amounts of rain or snow can have more issues with rusting gutters. To save you time, money, and effort in the future have a protective coating put on before installation.
• Difficult to install—they are lightweight but offer little flexibility during installation. This can make it time-consuming to install them. It also takes more than one person to do the job.

When choosing a contractor to put up your steel gutters make sure that they are experienced and are bonded and licensed to do the job.