Technical Jargon: Galvanized vs. Aluminum Gutters

The home inspector's report says your gutters are galvanized and rusting and need replacement.  So why aren't your neighbors gutters rusted when their house was built the same time as yours?  Or, maybe you're thinking there must be a gutter material I can purchase that doesn't rust?

The answer is simple. Think aluminum.

Gutters made from aluminum won't rust, have a longer life expectancy, but are not as strong as galvanized.  Galvanized gutters tend to be stronger but more expensive.

Painting and maintaining are common to both types to extend useful life.  Also, use care when mounting a ladder against the aluminum types because they tend to bend more easily than galvanized steel.

How do you know if you have aluminum or steel?  Use a magnet.  The magnet will stick to the galvanized, not the aluminum.

There are many choices when it comes to gutters. Galvanized or aluminum, in addition to plastic or vinyl, copper, and wood are also material choices. Seam or seamless, length short or long, K or U shaped are all decisions you will need to make. Talk it over with your contractor.  It's time well spent.