GALVANIZED Gutter Services
GALVANIZED STEEL GUTTERS
Are Galvanized Gutters Worth It?
Steel gutters can either be stainless or galvanized. Stainless steel gutters are very uncommon, mostly due to their high costs. While they never rust and can maintain their sheen for years, the associated cost makes them off-limits for many homeowners. Galvanized steel is coated with a thin layer of zinc, which strengthens the metal and makes it resistant to rust. Galvanized steel gutters are more popular than those fashioned from stainless steel plus they have an average life expectancy of 15-20 years.
Galvanized Gutter ‘Pros’:
Durable, hard to dent. Does not crack in heat. Can be installed with any shingles. Available in seamless installation. Less likely to leak. Can be painted. Lasts roughly 20 years.
Galvanized Gutter ‘Cons’:
Expands and contracts with heat. Higher maintenance. More expensive. Smaller range of colors and styles. Less resistant to rust. More difficult and expensive to install. Less availability. Both aluminum and steel gutters will have some degree of maintenance and should last at least 20 years before needing major repairs or replacement.
Aluminum gutters resist rust better and last longer than steel. However, they still need to be repainted about every 10 years. Aluminum also dents more easily if hit by tree limbs or hail or if a ladder is leaned against it. These dents do not necessarily impede the function of the gutter but may detract from its appearance.
Steel gutters should be inspected regularly for missing zinc and rust. To help them last longer, they should be repainted or sealed every few years. Steel gutters tend to get chalky over time, which may mean that you need to paint them more frequently.
What Are Galvanized Steel Gutters?
Galvanized steel is an incredibly popular building component, and itās also very popular for industrial and commercial gutter systems. Essentially, it is steel that has been hot-dipped into zinc oxide, which creates a barrier designed to prevent corrosion, oxidation, and rust. Though galvanization does improve steelās resistance to the elements, it is not a permanent solution. There are several unique pros and cons associated with choosing galvanized steel gutters.
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This kind of gutter has been used in drainage systems for more than 150 years thanks to properties like their corrosion resistance, low cost and structural ‘straightness’. Galvanized gutters have an extra layer of coating that adds protection against rainwater, weather and other physical damages. These features place galvanized gutters among the most long-lasting guttering systems in the marketplace.
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We at Expressway provide all types of galvanized gutter installations and repairs. With our years of experience you can rest easy knowing that the job will be finished on time the first time and within budget! We work on both residential and commercial gutter systems. So, whatever you gutter needs are we have you covered!
Galvanized Gutter Options
Galvanized metal maintains its appearance very well for the first several years. It is more resistant to the elements than non-galvanized metals, and because it is heavier and more durable than aluminum, it will last longer. It holds up better to wind and freeze/thaw cycles than many other types of gutter materials, as well.
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Even galvanized metals will eventually begin to corrode. For gutter systems, this corrosion typically begins around the edges of the metal, such as at the bottom of downspouts. If not immediately treated and maintained, the zinc will continue to corrode and spread across the entire span of the gutter system.
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Comparing aluminum and galvanized gutters can be a hard task as they have similar features, however, there are some differences that can make you lean the scale and pick the most suitable material for your property. All you need to do is investing some of your time on a research or seeking for professional advice to get help on this concern.
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Installing a rain gutter system in your home, no matter the material you choose, must be at the top of your improvements list for two main reasons. First, the safety of your family since without gutters you can face structural damages in your house, such as a damp ceiling, stained walls, floods in your garden or even foundation instability; this represents a risk for all the members of your family. Second, having a rain gutter system is a plus to your property’s value, whether it is residential or commercial, so you should see it as an investment instead of an expense.
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Other considerations and costs:Ā These prices are for service in the immediate area of the provider.Ā Taxes and permit fees are not included.Ā Galvanized-steel requires no painting, its bright-finish burnishes with time.Ā A two-story home will require additional downspout sections listed above, and may add safety rigging cost and 10% more man-hours.Ā Gutter cleaning service costs around $75, some regions demand 3 services per year.Ā Vinyl gutter guards that snap in place cost from $1 to $3 per foot.Ā Gutter heating-tape material is available to prevent gutter freezing situations.Ā
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Gutters are installed at the roof edge in order to collect rainwater and direct it to the ground via downspouts.Ā You will find that the cost to install average galvanized-steel gutter depends upon material and finish grade, length, width, fittings, preparation and special needs and the labor rate.
More About Galvanized Steel Gutters
If you are looking for a gutter system that is stronger than the aluminum option, then you will want to choose steel gutters; they are the strongest option available. The color choices are the same as the aluminum ones; mostly white or brown, but there is also the option to get them painted in a custom color to match the homeās current exterior.
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Steel gutters have increased durability features from aluminum ones. They are capable of withstanding far more extreme weather conditions from ice, snow, hail, and rain, as well as other external factors, like tree branches and ladders. Like aluminum gutters, you can use hidden brackets, exterior brackets, or straphangers to securely and safely fastened to the house. You also have the choice to use expansion joints, however, it may not be necessary depending on where you live as steel does not expand and contract nearly as much as aluminum.
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While you are less likely to have to deal with damage because of expansion and contraction in steel gutters, you will be much more likely to deal with rust as an issue. Steel gutters do not offer the feature of being rust-proof like other gutter systems.
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The pros of the strength to withstand extreme weather conditions or falling objects may not outweigh the cons of the durability of them and how expensive it will be to replace them every 5-10 years. Currently, both steel and aluminum gutter systems are popular with homeowners. When deciding which material would be better suited for your needs, keep in mind the unique traits that highlight the gutterās strengths.
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Other factors you will want to consider before purchasing are what is the climate like where you live, what is your decoration style, and whether you have a personal preference for one over the other. Either system will be a great option for a house.
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We provide galvanized steel gutter cleaning and polishing for any home and business.Ā If you need a steel gutter installation, cleaning or anything else gutter related –Ā then we at Expressway have you covered! Feel free to give us a call at 631.772.6363Ā and someone will be in touch shortly!
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