When choosing new gutters for your home’s exterior you need to consider functionality, budget, and curb appeal. Unless a home has a hidden gutter system, gutters are noticeable whether you want them to be or not. A gutter system can make your home stylish – here’s how to make gutters visually appealing.
Select a different gutter profile.
In North America, K-style aluminum gutters are the most popular type of gutter system. Select a different gutter profile to make your home get noticed. Profiles such as half-round gutters and box or square gutters can lend a home’s exterior a traditional or modern curb appeal, depending on the look you’re trying to achieve.
Half-Round
The half-round gutter profile resembles a circular pipe that has been cut lengthwise in half. The gentle curves of half-round gutters soften the more linear aspects of the home exterior. While a half-round gutter system is a popular choice for traditional style houses, the half-round profile also beautifully complements modern and contemporary homes as well.
Box or Square
Box gutters are typically installed on commercial buildings. However, in recent years they have gained popularity with the construction industry for residential applications. Exactly as they sound box gutters have a simple square shape that gives a home exterior a clean, modern look regardless of its architectural style.
Custom
A custom gutter profile is typically designed specifically for you, making it unique to your house, Home improvements such as gutters with a custom gutter profile add even more curb appeal to your home’ exterior.
Install seamless gutters.
Because seamless gutters have fewer seams, the gutter run is not interrupted by visual disruptions like seams and brackets (hardware). Consider installing seamless aluminum gutters for a neat and bright appearance.
Use high-end gutter materials.
Since aluminum gutter systems are the most common type of gutters, use a high-end gutter material to make your home more appealing. While these gutter materials tend to be more expensive they have additional benefits such as a longer lifespan, aesthetics, and minimal response to temperature changes.
Copper
Copper gutters have a classic, timeless appearance. As a gutter material, copper is valued for its patina. Copper reacts to the carbon dioxide and water in the air, turning the metal shades ranging from grey-green to silver to green to blue-green, depending on the degree and amount of time of exposure.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is another high-end gutter material. If homeowners like the idea of steel gutters they will typically select galvanized steel because it is significantly less expensive than stainless steel. However, it will eventually rust over time. On the other hand, stainless steel gutters never rust and maintain their bright shine for most of their life span.
Zinc
Zinc gutters are appealing to some homeowners as a gutter material because it is less expensive than copper gutters and stainless steel gutters. A zinc gutter system also develops a patina over time. The variegated colour that results will be unique to your home exterior even if someone else on the block happens to have zinc gutters too.
Add decorative elements to your downspouts.
Most people want downspout to blend in and not stick out or be too noticeable. But downspouts can be used as decorative elements that boost curb appeal in a fun or whimsical way.
Custom Downpipes
Custom downpipes can be as visually interesting as an elephant head (the trunk connects to the gutters) to patterned or textured downpipes.
Decorative Downspouts
Replace the bottom downspout elbow with a decorative downspout. Decorative downspouts are available in a variety of themes (animals, butterflies, frogs), sizes, and colours that will provide a focal point in your garden.
Rain Chains
A rain chain is often used to replace a downspout in a gutter system. Rain chains are comprised of thick links to form chains that are attached to the gutters, allowing rainwater to run down them from the gutter channel to the ground. To enhance their functionality and aesthetic appeal, they can include decorative accents like cups, miniature watering cans, and wire sculptures (hearts, lady bugs).
If you live in an area where a rain chain wouldn’t be the best option for your gutters, instead of replacing a downspout with one, add the rain chain to the gutter system as a decorative accent.
