Rain gutters can be found in a range of materials – from vinyl, aluminum, and copper to galvanized and stainless steel. Next to copper, steel gutters are some of the most valued because they’re long-lasting, great-looking, strong, and almost indestructible. 

Steel gutters are available in galvanized or stainless – with traditional sectioned seams or seamless. If you’re considering steel gutters, you’re probably curious about their yays and nays. And before you make a final decision, you’ll especially want to know if they’re worth the money you’ll shell out to purchase and install them. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of steel gutters that should help you decide if they’re worth the investment. 

Stainless Steel Gutters

Here Are the Advantages

  • Strong and Durable – Stainless steel is just about the strongest and most indestructible gutter material available. It can hold heavy snow, ice, and water loads without bending.
  • Long-Lasting – The expected lifespan of stainless steel gutters is 50 years or more when properly maintained.
  • Low Maintenance – Many homeowners worry about the bothersome upkeep of their rain gutters. But with stainless steel gutters, the only maintenance required is periodically cleaning out debris and washing the gutters with a mild detergent and water. You won’t have to worry about rust, corrosion, or a finish that needs special attention. That means lower maintenance and repair costs over time. And if you want an added layer of protection against leaves, needles, pinecones, etc. you can install gutter guards for absolute minimal maintenance.
  • Withstands Temperature Extremes – Stainless steel will contract in cold temperatures and expand when it gets hot. But the material can handle rapid temperature fluctuations without weakening like other gutter materials. 
  • Ideal for All Climates – Because stainless steel gutters are strong, durable, and non-corrosive, they’re the ideal choice for all climates – especially for areas of the country that get hurricanes and tornadoes, coastal climates where aluminum corrodes, and four-season climates that get heavy snow, ice, wind, and temperature changes.
  • Anti-Corrosive – Stainless steel has the ability to resist a number of corrosive environments so it won’t corrode, sag, dent, bend, or warp. Depending on the amount of chromium it contains, stainless steel can possibly rust but it’s definitely rust-resistant. If it does develop rust, it’s simple to remove it by brushing on some baking soda and water.
  • Curb Appeal – Stainless steel gutters add tremendous curb appeal to a home. They not only look beautiful and expensive, but they look strong and solid. 
  • Value – Although the upfront cost of installing stainless steel gutters is expensive, it’s one of the longest-lasting gutter types and therefore you won’t have to replace, paint, or repair your gutters as you would with other materials. Over the lifetime of your home, stainless steel gutters are an excellent investment.

Here Are the Disadvantages 

  • Expense – When researching the best gutter system, most homeowners check out several types and compare features like longevity, maintenance, and especially the cost. Stainless steel gutters cost about $18 – $25 per linear foot and are pricey for several reasons:
    • The material itself is costly. Stainless steel is an alloy manufactured from nickel, silicon, iron ore, and chromium.
    • Stainless steel gutters are heavy and they require stainless steel screws and heavier fittings than other gutter materials.
    • Stainless steel gutters require professional installation because they’re more difficult to install. This means they have higher labor costs than other gutter materials
  • Limited Availability – Stainless steel gutters don’t have the market demand that other gutters have, mainly due to their high cost. As a result, you’ll only find them in a limited range of styles and profiles. It can also be difficult to find professionals who make seamless stainless steel gutters – they’re most often available in seamed sections.

Galvanized Steel Gutters

Here Are the Advantages

  • Strong and Durable – Galvanized steel is coated with a layer of zinc that strengthens the steel and makes it rust-resistant. Also, galvanized steel is more durable than aluminum because it resists damage like denting and thermal warping. It resists denting from falling tree limbs and you can lean a ladder against a galvanized steel gutter. But an aluminum gutter will bend and dent if limbs fall on it or you lean a ladder against it.
  • Long-Lasting – Their strength and durability give galvanized steel gutters a long lifespan. If properly maintained, you can expect them to last an average of 20 years.
  • Available in Seamless – It’s far easier to find galvanized metal that’s available in seamless as well as seamed versions. Seamless galvanized steel gutters are manufactured by a special machine on-site and customized to fit your home with precision.
  • Can Be Installed With All Roofing Types – Galvanized steel gutters aren’t limited to specific roofing types like aluminum gutters are.
  • Handles Rapid Thermal Changes – Galvanized steel gutters won’t crack, split, warp, or bend when temperatures fluctuate rapidly. This makes them a great choice for four-season climates.
  • Less Likely to Leak – Because galvanized steel gutters don’t crack or split, they’re less likely to leak. Over time, you’ll have fewer potential repairs.
  • Value – Galvanized steel gutters aren’t much more expensive than aluminum, but because of their strength and durability, they’re a solid investment, especially in coastal and four-season climates.
  • Less Expensive Than Stainless Steel – The material of galvanized steel gutters costs about the same as aluminum gutters, but the installation costs are higher due to their weight. Keep in mind that galvanized steel gutter material and installation costs vary from region to region of the country. On average, galvanized steel gutters cost between $5 – $9 per linear foot. Installation costs run about $3 – $4 per linear foot. 

Here Are the Disadvantages

  • Heavy – The weight of galvanized steel gutters makes them more difficult to install.
  • Zinc Coating Can Wear – If the zinc finish gets scratched or damaged, then the steel underneath will begin to rust. Periodic inspections are important because, from ground level, it can be difficult to see if the zinc has been compromised and if rust has started to develop.
  • Limited Range of Colors and Styles – Unlike vinyl or aluminum, the colors and styles of galvanized steel gutters are more limited. But they can be painted with an exterior latex primer and paint to get the exact color you want.

If your budget allows, steel gutters are far and above the best choice to protect your home from water damage. You may pay more upfront for the material and installation but over the long run, you’ll pay less in maintenance, repairs, and worry. 

Are steel gutters for you?  If so, you’ll save time and worry searching for a gutter installer you can trust when you use Spout Gutter Pros. At SGP, we vet all the gutter contractors in our network to make sure they’re licensed, insured, and reputable.

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If you’re ready to install steel gutters, Spout Gutter Pros will find you the most reliable and professional gutter installers near you. You don’t need to steel yourself for a quote – they’re fast and easy. Get your free quote now!