Considering galvanized steel gutters for your home? As one of the most popular types of gutter systems, the galvanized option offers many attractive qualities. But, as with any other kind of gutter, it’s not without its downsides. In this article, SPOUT Gutter Pros discusses the advantages and disadvantages of galvanized gutters.

In need of gutter installation or repairs? Tired of endless online searches? SPOUT is here to assist! We work with a wide network of fully licensed, insured, and reliable galvanized gutter contractors. All you have to do is request your free estimate, book, and enjoy peace of mind. If you’re looking for gutter help, we’re ready to connect you with the best services in your area!

What are Galvanized Gutters?

Galvanized gutters are composed of steel that’s covered in a zinc coating. The coating helps to protect the metal from rust and the effects of the elements. It’s particularly good when dealing with extreme thermal conditions.

From aluminum to copper, there’s a multitude of choices when it comes to gutter systems. If you’re looking for a system with the right balance of features and cost-effectiveness, galvanized gutters might be the right pick. 

On average, a galvanized steel system lasts 20 years. This can be lower or higher depending on several variables. These include climate, maintenance, and exposure to damage. If you neglect your gutters, you’ll pay the price later with hefty repairs. If you routinely inspect and maintain your gutters, you’ll enjoy many years of proper drainage and curb appeal.

Advantages of Galvanized Gutters

Weighing your decision? New to gutters? Let’s start with the main benefits of having a galvanized steel gutter system installed on your home.

Cost

Though it can be more expensive than other materials like vinyl and aluminum, galvanized gutters still provide the best balance of cost and performance. And if you compare them to copper, well, they are definitely a bargain!

Gutters are priced by the foot. Galvanized steel offers long-lasting use for a reasonable price. On top of that, they can be customized to fit your home perfectly (more on that later).

Durability

When you compare galvanized steel to other materials, particularly aluminum, you’ll find that it provides robust performance. Steel is a strong metal and coupled with zinc coating, it can resist dent damage very well.

If you live in an area where you’re concerned about damage, whether from the climate or falling debris, galvanized gutters give you added protection without breaking the bank. Copper is more durable, but it also comes with a hefty price tag.

Thermal Resistance

Live in an especially hot region of the country? How about an area that experiences four seasons? If you want to avoid cracks and other issues, galvanized steel is a great choice!

The nature of steel allows this material to expand and contract with thermal fluctuations. Of course, if it’s exposed to extreme conditions for extended periods of time, this can lead to faster deterioration. All in all, galvanized gutters resist thermal damage a lot better than aluminum and other gutter materials.

Paintable

Along with zinc coating, galvanized steel can be painted. This adds an extra layer of protection, especially when it comes to rust and dents. If you live in an area with a lot of debris or severe weather, this can be helpful for keeping your gutters damage-free for longer.

The other advantage of paint is its ability to add major curb appeal to your home. Whether you’re looking to boost the aesthetics, match your house’s exterior color palette, or sell your property soon, a nice coat of paint will do wonders!

Multiple Options

Finally, there are the installation options. Unlike some other types of gutters, galvanized systems can be installed in more than one way.

  • Sections: The most common installation method is sectional. As the term implies, the gutters are installed in sections. This is a more affordable option. However, this can increase the likelihood of separation, which can lead to leaking down the road.
  • Seamless: The other option is seamless installation. As this term implies, this kind of install involves the forming of long gutter sections in single pieces. Instead of using pre-cut sections, a gutter specialist can form custom runs on-site.

A seamless option is more expensive, but it provides greater peace of mind since it’s much less likely to leak or pull apart due to inclement weather, heavy flow, or other variables. It also can be formed to perfectly fit your home!

Disadvantages of Galvanized Gutters

Now, let’s consider the downsides of galvanized gutter systems.

Zinc Coating Wear

The zinc coating can provide many years of protection against rust and other issues, but it doesn’t last forever. You’ll definitely need to keep an eye on its condition. But it can be hard to spot deterioration if you don’t routinely inspect it or even know what to look out for.

If you’re unable to catch wear before it becomes a problem, this can lead to major rust damage. Costly repairs can follow, so you need to have a periodic inspection and maintenance plan in place to ensure your investment is properly taken care of.

Heavy Material

Steel offers much better durability than vinyl and aluminum. But it’s a hefty metal. This leads to two issues: installation difficulty and stress on hangers and fasteners.

Since this type of gutter is so heavy, it can require more time and labor to properly install. And if you try to install it yourself, you might (and your back) might be in for a rude awakening.

When it comes to hangers – the parts that connect the actual gutters to your home – these have to be properly installed and maintained. If you see sagging gutters or hangers on the ground, this can be a serious sign of fastener failure.

Leaking and Corrosion Issues

Last but not least, galvanized gutters do have leaking and corrosion issues.

Even with proper coating and care, this type of gutter system can still rust over time. It can be hard to spot rust development, and one day you might find out the hard way.

Also, particularly if you choose to go with a sectional system, you can experience costly leaks. But relative to other options, galvanized systems still offer one of the best combos of performance and affordability on the market.  

So, there you have it! We hope this has made your decision easier. When selecting a gutter system, you want to keep in mind its main purpose – to protect your home. A home is a big investment, and so you want to safeguard it from water damage, mold, and more.

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Whether you’re in need of installation, repairs, or painting, SPOUT Gutter Pros is ready to help! Our network of seasoned professionals is there to provide you with stellar services. No more worrying about going with the wrong company. SPOUT makes it easy!

Ready to book affordable (and trusted) gutter specialists? Request a free quote today!