It’s time to put these two gutter materials to the test
Aluminum and vinyl gutters are both lightweight.
Aluminum gutters cost twice as much as vinyl gutters.
Vinyl gutters are harder to install than aluminum gutters.
Vinyl gutters only last around half as long as aluminum ones.
Vinyl is susceptible to high heat and cold, while aluminum is susceptible to rust in coastal climates.
Whether it's time to replace your gutters, or your home doesn't have a gutter system and you’re hoping to install one, gutters are one of the most effective ways to protect your home from rain and water damage. But knowing which type of gutter material is best for your home can be a tough call to make. We’ve done the research to help you decide between vinyl and aluminum gutters.
Vinyl and aluminum gutters may seem similar at a quick glance, but each one has its own unique characteristics and properties that may make it a better fit for your home than the other. Below is a breakdown of each gutter material to help you get a feel for which one may be best for you.
| Type of Difference | Vinyl Gutters | Aluminum Gutters |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White | Silver |
| Life Span | 10–15 years | 25 years |
| Durability | Lower durability | High durability |
| Cost | $3 to $6/ linear foot | $4 to $14/ linear foot |
| Installation | Slower to install | Easy to install |
| Maintenance | Low-maintenance | Very low-maintenance |
Vinyl typically has a white appearance, while aluminum has a shiny silver appearance. Keep in mind both vinyl and aluminum gutters can be painted. Vinyl is easier to paint, whereas aluminum tends to be a little trickier to paint unless you scuff up the surface to give the paint more adherence.
Both vinyl and aluminum have different life spans that could make one more economical in the long run than the other. Here’s how long gutters last by type:
Vinyl gutters can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years on average. How long your vinyl gutters last will depend on your climate. Vinyl is susceptible to heat and extreme cold. Sub-Zero temperatures can cause vinyl gutters to turn brittle, while high heat can cause the material to warp or sag, preventing rainwater from flowing down the gutter system.
If you live in a dry and moderate climate zone, then you could see your vinyl gutters lasting the longest. But if you live somewhere with high heat and average rainfall, then you might need to replace your vinyl gutter system in just 10 years.
Aluminum gutters last around 25 years. The climate isn't as much of a factor in determining the life span of your aluminum gutters, as they are not susceptible to cold or hot climates. However, aluminum is susceptible to moisture and salt damage in coastal regions. It can rust if exposed to coastal climates. It can also become more easily damaged by hail.
Durability can make all the difference when it comes to choosing a material for your gutter system. You'll want gutters that are cost-friendly and won't break down on you before you get your money's worth.
Because vinyl gutters are so susceptible to extreme temperatures, they are less durable than aluminum gutters. Vinyl is made from PVC plastic, making it one of the weakest materials for gutters. This material contains more seams as well, due to its clickable installation method. Such a design leads to a poor weight load full of potential weak points.
Aluminum gutters, on the other hand, are fairly durable. Many aluminum gutter systems utilize a seamless installation method, meaning that there are fewer weak points and opportunities for your gutters to leak, separate, or come out of place. Aluminum is a resilient material that can be bent back into place in the case of a hail storm.
Cost differences can set vinyl and aluminum apart when it comes to finding the right gutters for your budget. Gutters cost anywhere from $4 to $30 per linear foot. Here's how vinyl and aluminum gutters stack up against each other in terms of cost.
On average, vinyl gutters cost between $3 and $6 per linear foot. Vinyl gutters are the most affordable gutter type upfront. In the long term, however, this material needs to be replaced far more frequently than other material types, making it a costlier investment.
The average cost of installing aluminum gutters is anywhere from $4 to $14 per linear foot. Since aluminum lasts for twice as long, it comes out slightly less expensive than vinyl gutters on the lower end and slightly more expensive than vinyl gutters on the higher end.
While aluminum and vinyl gutters are both very lightweight materials and make for an easier installation for that reason, these two gutter materials do have different installation methods overall. Below is how they both compare in terms of their ease of installation.
Many vinyl gutter systems have a snap system, making it easy to install—in theory. In reality, the many seams that make up vinyl gutters can add to the installation time, turning what looks to be a quick DIY project into a time-consuming one. Many gutter installers near you may prefer not to install vinyl gutters for this reason.
Because aluminum gutters have fewer seams—if any—they are easier to install than vinyl gutters. If you choose a seamless gutter system, you can save on your aluminum gutter installation time even more. At the same time, seamless gutters cost up to $40 per linear foot—significantly more than your typical gutter system.
Compared to copper, wood, or steel gutters, you’ll find that vinyl and aluminum gutters are low-maintenance options. However, one of these two requires less maintenance. Here’s what you need to know.
Vinyl is a low-maintenance gutter material, but because it’s susceptible to UV rays, extreme cold and hot temperatures, and temperature fluctuations, vinyl gutters are more likely to need more frequent inspections and maintenance. Your vinyl gutters may also be more prone to fading and may need to be repainted over time. Since vinyl has a life span that’s five to 10 years shorter than aluminum, you’ll need to replace your gutters more frequently, as well.
Aluminum gutters require the least amount of maintenance. This material’s durability allows you to simply inspect twice a year and clean your gutters as needed. Gutter cleaning costs between $120 and $230 on average.
Aluminum gutters may require the least maintenance, but you still need to be mindful of the fact that aluminum gutters can fade over time due to oxidation. If you don’t like the look of oxidized aluminum, you can apply a sealant or use white vinegar and an exterior brush to clean your gutters, which will increase your level of maintenance.
The best gutter material for your home depends on your budget, climate, aesthetics, and how much effort you want to put into installing your gutters. If you're looking for the most affordable gutter system and you live in a coastal climate, then you might prefer choosing vinyl gutters. If you're willing to spend a little extra and live in a region that has extreme heat or cold, then aluminum gutters may be best for your home.
Aluminum and vinyl gutters aren’t the only gutter materials on the market. You have options when it comes to customizing your gutters. In some cases, you can even skip the traditional gutter system entirely and choose a gutter alternative. Let’s take a look at your options to help you determine the best gutter setup for your home.
Vinyl and aluminum aside, there are four other materials you can choose for your gutters if you’re after a specific style that aluminum or vinyl just don’t bring to the table. Here are the most common gutter materials to consider for your home:
Copper: Copper gutters typically cost more than vinyl and aluminum, falling between $15 and $25 per linear foot. You also need copper fittings like gutter hangers and gutter guards. But this material offers a rich, penny-colored aesthetic that transforms into a stunning, Statue of Liberty-colored green over time.
Steel: Most homeowners opt out of galvanized steel due to its heavy weight and rust-prone qualities, but stainless steel is another type of steel that comes with a long life span. This material costs between $16 and $20 per linear foot.
Zinc: This material is less common than most gutter materials on our list—likely due to its high price tag of $15 to $40 per linear foot, but zinc gutters can last for over 50 years and come with a unique, metallic sheen.
Wood: Even less common, wood gutters cost between $20 and $30 per linear foot and offer homes a rustic appearance. However, they tend to have the shortest life span and require more maintenance because of their susceptibility to water damage.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not gutters are the right decision for your home, you also have alternatives that function differently than traditional gutter systems. Check out these nine gutter alternatives for some inspiration:
Rain chains: Attractive chains that hang vertically to allow rainwater to flow down
Drip edges: Required in modern building codes for preventing water from flowing under your shingles
Drip path: Stylish hardscape for redirecting water away from your home’s foundation
French drain: Functions like a ground gutter to collect water runoff from around your foundation and redirect it toward a trench or drainage area
Box gutters: A concealed gutter system fixed to your home’s structure that’s best for regions needing a high rainwater drainage system
Land grading: Helps prevent rainwater from flowing toward your home and is often used in combination with other water management solutions
Rain dispersal system: Uses curved louvers to catch and sprinkle rainwater to the ground rather than through downspouts
Hidden gutters: Built-in gutters hidden into the eaves of your roof for a discreet gutter system
Underground rain chains: Drainage system combined with a rain chain for redirecting water away from the home
Choosing new gutters for your home is an investment that can make or break your home’s rainwater management system. The wrong installation or material can cause costly repairs to your home’s siding, fascia, roof, foundation, landscaping, and even the interior of your home. Not only that, but installing gutters can be challenging for even the most avid DIYer due to the height, slope, and installation itself.
We recommend that you contact a gutter installation company near you to install your gutters. Your pro knows what size gutters and downspouts to install and can help you choose the best material and style for your home while ensuring a professional installation.
