Gutters aren’t just something that’s nice to have on your home. They are vital to your home’s structural integrity. Your home’s gutters direct water away from the structure to prevent costly water damage. Whether you’ve just had them installed or you have a home with existing gutters, you may be wondering how gutters last on homes.
How Long Do Gutters Last on Homes?
If your gutters are leaking, cracked, or sagging, it may be time to replace them. The best way to know for sure is to have a professional take a look. Climbing up on a ladder is dangerous, and not everyone knows the telltale signs of serious issues.
If you’ve wondered how long your home’s gutters will last, the answer is, it depends. Gutters can last anywhere from 20 years up to 50 or longer. In fact, some gutters can last up to a century under the right conditions. The longevity of your gutters will depend on a variety of factors.
Type of Material
The type of material your gutters are made of can play a significant role in their durability. Gutters are available in many different materials, including vinyl, steel, copper, and others. The National Association of Home Builders states that how long a home’s gutters will last depends on the material they’re made from:
- Galvanized Steel — 20 years
- Aluminum — 20 years
- Vinyl — 25 years
- Copper — 50+ years
Few people will invest in copper gutters. In fact, they’re somewhat rare anymore except on high-end homes. However, many people are using vinyl gutters on their homes, which are affordable and last 25 years or more. Aluminum gutters are even stronger than vinyl, and unlike steel, they aren’t susceptible to rust. When you choose aluminum gutters, the lifespan of the product may be even longer due to their durability.
Professional Installation
Homeowners love to take on DIY projects to improve their home’s value and protect it from various risks, like severe weather. You may be able to tackle certain projects, like painting and landscaping as a DIYer, but gutter installation should be left to the professionals.
When not installed correctly, gutters can separate from the structure or crack prematurely. This makes them ineffective, and they will require replacement sooner than necessary. Bottom line — working with an experienced gutter installer can save you money and time long-term.
Regular Maintenance
Proper maintenance is another factor that ensures a home’s gutters last as long as possible. Many roofing experts recommend that gutters get cleaned several times per year, depending on where you live and the number of trees located next to the home. Fortunately, some types of gutters, like seamless ones, are easier to clean and maintain than others.
Seamless Gutter Systems from Excel Metal Roofing
The style and type of gutter system is a major factor in its longevity. At Excel Meal Roofing L.L.C., we specialize in aluminum seamless gutter systems that provide lasting and trusted protection against leading and sagging, protecting your home for years to come.
We customize each one of our seamless gutters on-site so they fit your home exactly. You can choose from a wide range of colors, and they come with an industry-leading warranty. Contact us today for more information.
