In 2020, it was reported that the global rain gutter market size was estimated to be $7 billion. This goes to show that gutters are still as popular as ever, but one question many homeowners have is how long do gutters last?
There are lots of unexpected maintenance costs that can come up in homes, and they can be stressful. One of these costs is whenever a gutter breaks or needs replacing from wear and tear.
However, many people aren’t sure how long they can expect their gutters to last and when they may need replacing.
If you would like like to know how long home gutters last, then keep reading.
How Long Do Gutters Last?
Before we get into all of the different ways that you can take care of your gutters, let’s cover how long gutters last. In general, gutters can last roughly anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
However, this depends on a few different factors. For example, if a gutter has been taken care of properly.
Another factor that can decide how long gutters will last is what kind of gutters are used. There are lots of different gutters out there, and some of them will last longer than others.
Of course, if your gutters take some sort of damage, then this can cause them to crack or break. In this case, the gutters may not last 20 years; however, it’s important to avoid problems like this if you can.
The last thing you want is to be surprised by some unexpected costs because your gutters are damaged. This is why it’s a good idea to check how long you can expect your gutters to last so that you will know when you need to buy new ones.
Different Types of Gutters
When choosing residential gutters, it’s important to consider the type of materials that are being used and also how they are built. We have covered some of the most common gutters below.
Seamed Gutters
Seamed gutters are a traditional type of gutter, and they come in ten-foot lengths and attach directly to your home’s fascia board. These gutters can be fitted by DIY installation; however, zinc-seamed gutters need to be installed by a professional.
Also, if they are damaged, then you only need to replace another 10-foot gutter which is easier than replacing a custom gutter.
Seamless Gutters
Seamless gutters are made in one piece, so they are created as a custom fit that is tailored to your home. The custom fit is generally more expensive than other types of gutters because they are made of aluminum.
These gutters can be more prone to water leakages which means they require more maintenance, and this may shorten their lifespan.
Half-Style Gutters vs K-Style Gutters
Half-style gutters are wider than K-style gutters; however, they cannot hold as much water as K-style gutters. This can mean that K-style gutters are more prone to breaking as the water weight can cause leaks.
However, half-style gutters are heavy, and this can mean that they are more likely to break under pressure and need replacing.
Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl gutters not only look great but they are highly durable and if they get a dent, it is likely to pop back into place themselves. This makes these gutters more durable over time however, they are expensive.
Gutter Materials
There are lots of gutter materials out there; however, some are better than others. Typically aluminum gutters are most popular because they are lightweight and less likely to break, with some having a lifespan of 25 years.
Steel gutters are also very durable, and they are seen as stronger than aluminum gutters. They have a lifespan of 20-30 years; however, they can rust if they aren’t taken care of properly.
Perhaps the strongest and most durable gutter of all is a copper gutter. These gutters have the longest lifespan, and they can last up to 100 years. They are also low maintenance and aren’t likely to break; however, they are expensive.
Gutter Maintenance
One of the best things that you can do for gutter maintenance is to ensure that it is cleaned regularly. Depending on the type of weather you have and the time of year, you can clean your gutters out at least twice a year.
When gutter cleaning it’s important to remove any debris and try to make them as clean as possible.
Another thing that you can do for gutter maintenance is to install gutter guards. While buying gutter guards does mean that you have to spend more money on your gutters; it can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Gutter guards can help to keep out a significant amount of debris that could damage your gutters.
In addition to gutter guards, you should inspect your gutter for any clogs. These clogs can initially seem innocent; however, they can become big problems.
The gutter can overflow because of clogs, and also it can create a split or a breakage in the gutter, which can be expensive to fix and it may even need replacing.
It’s important to regularly check for clogs at least every couple of weeks.
Get Gutter Guards for Your Home
Are you in need of some guttering for your home? If you are, then Freeman Exteriors is here to help.
We ensure that all of our gutter guards are high-quality and they have long life spans so that you don’t need to worry about how long do gutters last.
If you would like to learn more about our gutter guards or how we can help you, then get a free estimate today.
