Vinyl Vs. Aluminum Gutters: A Comparison and Cost Analysis
Gutters are kind of a big deal for your home, and there are so many choices to make about them that it can be overwhelming. Two primary options are vinyl and aluminum gutters. Here is a breakdown to help you make the best decision.
Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum gutters can be purchased in sections at a home improvement store, but most homeowners these days opt for seamless gutters, which are created and installed on-site. The gutters are created from heavy-gauge aluminum, they perform quite well, and they have a really long life span.
Cost Analysis
The average cost for aluminum seamless gutters for installation and materials is between $6 and $15 per foot. A 2,000 square-foot home would likely mean the gutter project would cost somewhere between $1,650 and $2,475. Traditional aluminum gutters that you buy already fabricated at the store can be cheaper, which can be expected.
Pros and Cons
The advantage of aluminum gutters is quite obvious; these gutters have the potential to last a lot of years without needing to be replaced. The only downside is the cost, as aluminum gutters can be more expensive than vinyl. Additionally, aluminum gutters can take longer to install when you opt for the seamless versions.
Vinyl Gutters
For a lot of years, aluminum gutters reigned as the go-to choice in home gutter systems. However, when vinyl came onto the market, many homeowners did make the switch, and vinyl gutters also went in place on a lot of new constructions. These gutters are lightweight, easy to install, and relatively durable for the purpose. Vinyl gutters can be seamless just the same as aluminum, but it is far less common to find gutter installers with the equipment to create seamless gutters on-site.
Cost Analysis
Seamless vinyl gutters tend to cost between $5 and $10 per foot for the materials and installation with an overall cost of $1,050 and $1,575 for a standard, 2,000 square-foot home. Of course, you can buy prefabricated vinyl gutter sections as well, and these can be less expensive just as it is with aluminum.
Pros and Cons
Vinyl gutters come along with the advantage of being less expensive, which is often a deciding factor for homeowners with a smaller budget and a need for a new gutter system. While vinyl is definitely resilient, it does not tend to outlast aluminum. The vinyl can get brittle with age and can even take on mold and mildew that can generate issues.
Talk to a gutter company for more information.
