Vinyl gutters are popular with homeowners for several reasons: they are relatively inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to maintain. A vinyl gutter system won’t rust, be easily damaged or need painting. While affordability makes them very attractive, if you’re considering installing vinyl gutters on your home, here are some tips to keep in mind.
DIY: Vinyl as a gutter material is ideal for the person who enjoys do-it-yourself projects. Most gutter installation companies don’t install vinyl gutters. But do your homework – while vinyl gutters are generally the least expensive per linear foot, be aware of the total cost of your DIY project after adding in the price of brackets, end caps, hangers, downspouts, etc.
Fire resistance: Of all of the gutter materials on the market, vinyl is the least fire resistant.
Not seamless: Vinyl gutters are only available in 10-foot sections; there are no seamless options. If you would like to achieve a smooth, professional appearance for your home exterior with seamless aluminum gutters, they will need to be installed by a licensed gutter contractor.
More joints: Because a vinyl gutter system is assembled from sections, there will be joints or seams every 10 feet. The more seams, the more places there are for leaks to form.
Not standard sizes: While some manufacturers do offer a standard 5-inch profile, many don’t. Since typical vinyl gutters and downspouts are smaller in size, they channel less water. In a region like the Lower Mainland that receives high volumes of rain, regular residential size aluminum gutters (either 5-inch or 6-inch) might be a better choice.
Ancillary buildings: For ancillary buildings on your property such as a garden shed, detached garage or greenhouse, vinyl gutters could be the ideal solution. Since a vinyl gutter system can be slightly smaller than standard gutters, sections can be easily customized to fit the eaves of an outbuilding.
