Most homes need gutters for protection from water damage. It's important to keep your gutters in good repair and to replace them when they get old and worn out. When you shop for new gutters, you'll find they are made from a variety of materials. Here's a look at options for residential gutters and how they compare.

Vinyl Gutters Are Affordable

If you don't have a big budget for new gutters, vinyl might be a good choice. However, they don't usually last as long as metal gutters do. You won't have to worry about problems with rust and corrosion when you get vinyl gutters, but they can crack in extremely cold weather or when hit with an impact, such as hail or flying objects in a storm.

Vinyl might fade a little due to age and sun exposure, but you can paint the gutters if you want to freshen their appearance. Since vinyl is so light, these gutters are a good choice if you want to install them yourself. However, if you want seamless gutters, you'll need to hire a professional for the installation.

Aluminum Gutters Are Popular

Many homeowners opt to install aluminum gutters. They don't rust, and they come in several colors. Aluminum gutters come in different thicknesses, with the thinnest being the most affordable but the easiest to dent. Thicker aluminum gutters are the most durable.

Aluminum residential gutters are lightweight so they're easy to work with during installation, and they're available as sectional or seamless gutters. Aluminum gutters can be painted so they always stay clean and fresh during their long lifespan.

Other Metal Gutters Are More Expensive

You can get metal gutters made of copper, zinc, stainless steel, and galvanized steel. Galvanized steel is the most affordable, while copper, zinc, and stainless steel are the most expensive gutter materials. Copper gives your home an upscale look, and the color of copper changes over time if you let it age naturally.

Zinc gutters last a long time. The joints are welded together so they resist leaking. Stainless steel gutters have an attractive finish and they don't rust. Galvanized steel is treated not to rust, but rust might still develop over time. If you have a luxury or historic home, you might want copper or zinc gutters since they have a classic appearance and are quality materials.

Since you have a few options in residential gutters, talk to a gutter contractor about which choice would be right for the type of home you have and that fits in with your budget. While the types of gutters vary, they all do a good job of protecting your home as long as you keep up with maintenance and repairs.