Drainage gutters isolated on white

It’s also a good time to take a look at your gutters. Most people don’t think of them beyond the dreaded chore of cleaning them out twice a year, which is a terrible mistake to make. Your gutters are important for the protection of your roof. Without a good gutter system, rain water can get beneath the shingles, causing rot and other forms of damage.

It’s also important to have high-quality gutters installed.

Lately, a lot of folks have been turning to vinyl gutters for various reasons. They’re cheaper to make, they’re cheaper in cost, and they won’t rust or corrode. However, what most people don’t realize is that there are some down sides to installing vinyl gutters.

Limited Colors

Unless you like white or brown for your gutter colors, you’ll need to look elsewhere than vinyl for your needs. These are the two typical colors that are available for these types of gutters, which obviously doesn’t work for a lot of houses. Aluminum, on the other hand, comes in a whole host of colors.

Sagging and Brittleness

The old adage of, “You get what you pay for,” definitely holds true with your gutters. You might buy some vinyl gutters for about five dollars per linear yard, but… In a few years, after repeated exposure to intense sunlight, heat and rain, the plastic is likely to grow old and very brittle. Vinyl gutters also have a tendency to sag under a lot of weight, and while we might not get a lot of snow like northern locations do, it can still become a problem later on down the line.

Slapdash Installation

Vinyl gutters are easy to install, making it tempting for novice DIYers to give it a try and save some money. Unfortunately, you have to know what you’re doing. Gutters need to be installed properly, with careful attention paid to the hanging and sloping, otherwise they won’t function the way they should. While this might not apply to the more seasoned homeowner who has some experience in construction or home improvement, most people haven’t been taught the basics. It’s best to contact a professional to prevent any potential damage.

Environmentally Questionable

Vinyl gutters are actually made from PVC, which is polyvinyl chloride. With the addition of chlorine to the vinyl, the plastic is far more durable, but it’s also environmentally damaging. PVC is not biodegradable, and some scientists believe that it may actually leach harmful chemicals into the water.

Given the climate of Florida and our incredible diversity of wildlife, this could actually have an impact on our environment.

Given all the pitfalls that lie in wait for the average homeowner, it could seem overwhelming, trying to find the right gutters for your house. Rain Control Gutters is happy to help you get the job done right. Give us a call, and our experienced, professional installers will walk you through the process step by step.