Gutters

Written by: Eisla Sebastian

Vinyl gutters are manufactured by forming vinyl sheets into specific gutter shapes using heat and molds. Vinyl gutters have many advantages, including being inexpensive and easy to install, which have made them very popular for commercial and rental property applications. However, while vinyl is a versatile and durable product, vinyl gutters are not appropriate for all applications.

Pros of vinyl gutters

Vinyl rain gutters offer many advantages beyond being inexpensive. They are also resistant to many of the problems that aluminum and steel gutters are prone to such as rusting and rotting. They also don't have problems associated with painted wooden gutters such as warping, flaking, and chipping. Because the color goes all the way through the vinyl, minor damage is not as noticeable. Finally, vinyl gutters are easy to install because they are lightweight, easy to cut and easy to attach to buildings using hangers and connectors.

Cons of vinyl gutters

While vinyl gutters are attractive and get the job done for less money, there are a few drawbacks and limitations. First, vinyl can become brittle over time and exposure to low temperatures. When vinyl becomes brittle, it is prone to breakage and leaks. This means that vinyl is not a practical choice for buildings that are exposed to extremely low temperatures or for projects that are intended to hold up longer than 10-15 years.

Secondly, vinyl gutters tend to come in fewer color choices than metal gutters. This can make it more difficult to complement a home's exterior colors with vinyl gutters.

In addition, like any gutter, vinyl gutters are susceptible to clogs from leaves and other debris. If your goal is saving money on your gutter system, it's smart to consider the long-term maintenance costs in addition to the purchase price. While a basic vinyl gutter may be the most economical choice to start with, that will also mean hiring someone to clean out the gutters several times a year. Spending a little extra on a leaf-proof gutter system up front can save hundreds or thousands of dollars in the long run.

Buying vinyl gutters

Buying vinyl gutters is like buying any other building product. You need to do your homework. The first step is to figure out what options you have for vinyl gutters including color, shape and style. Next, get an estimate from qualified gutter installers for materials and installation costs. Get your free estimates on clog-proof gutter installations here.