Expected lifespan
The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) publishes estimated life spans for house components. For gutters:
| Material | Estimated life, years |
|---|---|
| Aluminum gutters, downspouts, soffit and fascia | 20 to 40+ |
| Galvanized steel gutters and downspouts | 20 |
| Vinyl gutters and downspouts | 25+ |
| Copper gutters | 50+ |
| Copper downspouts | 100 |
These are estimates for components in normal service; a gutter that overflows onto rotting fascia or carries a ladder's weight every fall can fail long before them.
The materials
- Aluminum is what most seamless gutters are made of: light, does not rust, comes painted in many colors. Thicker stock dents less under ladders and falling branches; ask the gauge or thickness.
- Galvanized steel is stronger against dents but rusts once the coating wears through, often at seams.
- Copper is soldered rather than sealed, lasts the longest on InterNACHI's chart and is often chosen for older or historic houses.
- Vinyl is sold in sections, mostly for do-it-yourself installation.
Seamless or sectional
Seamless gutters are formed on site to the length of each wall, leaving joints only at corners and ends. Sectional gutters join every few feet, and each joint is a place sealant can give out. See new and seamless gutters.
K-style or half-round
K-style gutters have a flat back that sits against the fascia and a front shaped like crown molding; they are the usual profile on houses built in recent decades. Half-round gutters suit older houses and are common in copper.