As your gutters live through long exposure to harsh weather, they sustain holes, cracks, and even separate at the seams. Sometimes, these slits start off small and are hard to spot on a dry, sunny day. But you can easily spot them during a downpour as they let water gather on your landscape, basement, deck, and interior. A simple repair might suffice if you’re experiencing a few occasions of a leaking gutter system. However, your gutter system might be due for an update if the situation is extensive.

Moisture collecting at your home’s foundation or basement causes mildew growth. This happens if your home has a faulty gutter system. Normally, gutter systems transport water to the disposal points several feet away from your home. This prevents water from finding its way to your foundation. If you stumble on mildew growth, your first line of action is to locate the faulty system and have it repaired. However, you might need a complete gutter replacement if the incident keeps occurring.

When your wall is exposed to moisture, it can cause your painting to bubble or chip off. Faulty gutters are often culprits of exterior paint peeling. So, you should check your nearest gutter and repair it if needed. Over time, if the issues persist, consider installing your new gutter system.

Aluminum is one of the most common gutter types, and for good reason. It’s rustproof, lightweight, durable under harsh weather, and DIY-friendly. Aluminum gutter systems come in different colors and can function adequately for 20-30 years when properly maintained. However, it is likely to bend, dent, and split under continuous exposure to harsh conditions. For these gutters, you might have to pay between $8.30 to $15 per linear foot.

Vinyl is another coveted gutter material because it’s extremely affordable, attractive, and easy to install. Vinyl systems are impervious to rust with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. However, vinyl can become fragile under extreme temperatures, leading to cracks or splits. Also, due to its lightweight and flexible nature, vinyl gutters could bend or sustain dents from heavy snow or rain. Price is between $4 – $9 per linear foot.

For a more quality, low-maintenance, and durable gutter material option, consider copper. It’s immune to corrosion, mold, mildew, cracks, and splits. With proper maintenance, this gutter system lasts between 50 to 100 years. However, installing it costs a lot and requires a professional. You might pay between $18.-$30 per linear foot.

Zinc is another strong gutter material that can last between 80 – 100 years when properly maintained. It is a low-maintenance material impervious to rust, corrosion, mildew, cracks, splits, and molds. Zinc also has a self-healing coating to conceal scrapes and scratches. Zinc gutters only improve  as they grow older, elevating the aesthetics of your home. This gutter option costs between $20-$40 per linear foot.

There are three types of steel gutters – galvanized steel, galvalume, and stainless steel. They’re stronger than aluminum, withstanding heavier rainfall, snowfall, and more. They also come in different attractive colors and cost between $5-$12 per linear foot. However, they’re heavy, prone to rust, and require a professional to weld and install them. When properly maintained, these gutters can function for up to 50 years.