Vinyl is one of the most popular choices for rain gutters. One reason why they’re a top choice is that they’re inexpensive. But homeowners like them for a number of other reasons too: They’re lightweight, they’re rust and corrosion resistant, they can be painted to match your siding or roof (but be sure to check if there are manufacturer’s warranty restrictions if you paint them), and most DIYers find them fairly easy to install.
Given all the upsides to installing vinyl gutters, you may be wondering if a relatively inexpensive easy-to-install gutter such as vinyl will stand up to the test of time? The bottom line is that in the world of rain gutters, vinyl gutters typically have the shortest lifespan of any gutter material.
How Long Do Vinyl Gutters Last?
How short is short? If you live in a mild dry climate, vinyl gutters can last up to 20 years. But in a humid, windy, or snowy environment their lifespan averages about 10 years. Repeated exposure to cold and heat causes vinyl to become brittle. When gutters become brittle, they’re susceptible to cracking and leaks. Homeowners in very hot dry climates such as Phoenix report that vinyl gutters don’t hold up because the plastic becomes brittle then warps and twists. But at Spout Gutter Pros we share a few tips that can help make vinyl gutters last longer.
7 Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Vinyl Rain Gutters
Want to get the most life out of your vinyl gutters? Follow these 7 tips:
1. Choose Gutters Made of Heavier Weight, Thicker Vinyl
Although a thicker gauge vinyl will cost a little more, a heavier weight will add to the lifespan of your gutter system. This is because there will be less tendency for the gutter to sag, twist, or bend. A heavier gauge gutter system will be able to withstand the weight loads of snow, ice, and rain.
2. Avoid Leaning Ladders or Other Items Against Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl can bend, dent, or crack if you lean anything against it – especially a ladder with the weight of an adult. When you need to clean your gutters or hang holiday lights or decorations, find places along the fascia where the ladder can securely rest so it’s safe to climb without damaging the vinyl.
3. Keep Gutters Clean
Regular maintenance is probably one of the most important keys to extending the lifespan of vinyl rain gutters.
- Debris: If debris is allowed to build up inside the gutters, rain water will overflow and cause potential damage to your roof, fascia, siding, window, and door frames. Debris doesn’t just consist of dirt, leaves, sticks, twigs, acorns, and pinecones. Unattended rain gutters are an ideal environment for vermin nests and insect infestations. When debris is allowed to build up in gutters it’s a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, wasps, flies, and other insects.
- Seams: When conducting maintenance, also check the gutters for cracks or leaks. Vinyl gutters are constructed in 10- to 20-foot sections. Some manufacturers design a snap-in-place system that connects the sections. Others require connectors that are sealed with plastic cement, silicone, and other materials. The seams are the weakest part of the gutter and are where debris collects. To ensure a longer life for your vinyl gutters, always check that the seams are free of any debris and re-seal the seams when necessary.
4. Properly Space Gutter Hangers
Gutter hangers provide support and structural integrity. Your vinyl gutters will have a longer lifespan if you make sure they’re sufficiently supported, especially in areas where there is heavy rain or snow. Gutters can get exceptionally heavy when they’re full of rainwater, snow, or ice. To prevent sagging and stress on the seams, follow the manufacturer’s directions for hanger spacing. Some manufacturers suggest placing the hangers every 18- to 24-inches. However, if you live in a region of the country with heavy snow or intense downpours, 12- to 16- inches is recommended to keep your gutters stable and prevent damage.
5. Use the Manufacturer’s Suggested Mounting Fasteners
Much like properly spacing gutter hangers, using the appropriate mounting fasteners will add to the life of vinyl gutters. In DIY installations, it can be tempting to use the screws that are just sitting around on your workbench, but using the manufacturer’s specifications will help prevent twisting, bending, and warping. Some vinyl gutter kits come with fasteners while others are sold in separate components, including suggested fasteners.
6. Painting
Painting vinyl rain gutters can help extend their lifespan. The proper primer and paint can add protection against strong UV rays that break down plastic. But before you go out and invest in painting supplies, be sure to check with the manufacturer of your particular vinyl gutters. Some manufacturers will void the gutter’s lifetime warranty if you paint their gutters. If your warranty won’t be affected and you do decide to paint, apply a primer specifically designed for vinyl or plastic that will allow the paint to adhere and increase the life of the paint job.
7. Add Gutter Guards
Installing gutter guards can add to the life of vinyl rain gutters. Any time you can reduce the number of leaves, needles, and collected debris inside the rain gutter, the gutter system will last longer.
Maybe you’ve decided that vinyl gutters are the way to go, or maybe you’d prefer to choose another type of rain gutter. Spout Gutter Pros provides tons of details on various types of gutters so you can make an informed decision. Read more about vinyl gutters and compare the pros and cons to aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized, or copper. And when you’ve decided which type is best for your home, Spout Gutter Pros can quickly connect you with licensed and insured professional vinyl gutter installers who are located close by.
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Ready to find out how much it will cost to have vinyl or other types of rain gutters installed on your home? Spout Gutter Pros is all set to provide you with fast free quotes from expert installers near you. Get your free quote now!
