Gutter manufacturers make galvanized steel gutters from steel sheet metal, formed in the gutter shape and dipped or sprayed in a zinc coating to resist rust.
Galvanized gutters are very strong but utilitarian-looking, so they are commonly used more in industrial settings than residential homes. However, many homeowners prefer galvanized steel gutters because of their durability and choose to have them installed on their homes.
Steel gutters are an excellent option for a resilient gutter solution that will weather impacts well. Large roofs are prone to collecting copious amounts of heavy rain and snow in regions with these impacts. If you have a large home with a sizable roof, these types of gutters might be a good choice for your home.
We’ll describe galvanized steel gutters in more detail and discuss the pros and cons of having them on your home. We’ll compare the cost of galvanized steel gutters with other standard options, like aluminum and copper, and offer a few selection and installation tips to help you make the best decision for your home.
What Are Galvanized Steel Gutters?
Inquiring homeowners often ask, “What is a steel gutter, and why should I have it installed on my home?”
Galvanized steel gutters have a very high strength-to-weight ratio, so the sheet metal used in the production can be quite thin. They are typically used when high durability and repairability are essential.
Steel gutters can have several drain connections, unlike standard copper or aluminum gutters. Galvanized steel gutter manufacturers make special adapters available for connection to not only downspouts but also central drains and scuppers.
This is why steel gutters are more common in commercial and industrial construction. Their adaptability makes galvanized steel gutters appropriate for low-slope roofs with drains and scuppers, as well as slide roofs with downspouts and underground drain pipes. For these reasons and more, steel gutters are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners.
Comparable aluminum gutters usually weigh about the same, but the aluminum must be of a heavier gauge sheet metal to compensate for the lack of strength. This means the steel gutter can often carry as much, or more, weight in a smaller package.
Also, galvanized steel gutters have an Achilles heel when it comes to their finish. If the zinc coating on galvanized steel gutters becomes damaged, the coating can chip away. The exposed underlying steel will rust almost immediately, so regular maintenance is required.
Although uncommon today, a product known as Galvalume was created to address this chipping problem and the resulting rust. The solution was to eliminate the iron component and build the material from approximately 45% zinc and 55% aluminum.
Galvalume steel gutters will often outlast galvanized steel gutters, but they usually cost more as well. Galvalume steel gutters hold their shine, much like stainless steel, but salty coastal climates can shorten the life of the finish.
Explaining the Pros and Cons of Galvanized Steel Gutters
As with all home improvement solutions, steel gutters have advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at them:
Pros:
- Steel gutters are stronger and more durable than any other guttering option. Galvanized steel gutters can withstand high winds, heavy snow, hail, and heat.
- They also provide rigibility and stability, so they will resist twisting, bending, and sagging.
- They won’t bend easily under pressure or weight and are excellent for large roof areas that can create ice dams.
- Steel gutters are more heavy-duty and can handle as much water as the gutter can hold without significant sagging.
Cons:
- Galvanized steel gutters may be more expensive than other types of gutters, like aluminum and vinyl, due to higher material costs.
- Their installation and maintenance are more complex, requiring more time and skill, as well as special tools and care to prevent damage or corrosion. Welded seams tend to rust, so many installers opt for pop rivets instead to avoid damaging the zinc coating with heat.
- Steel gutters are more susceptible to fading and staining and may lose their shine and color over time due to exposure to sun, salt, and water. However, proper maintenance makes these changes mostly avoidable.
Comparing Galvanized Steel Gutters with Other Types of Gutters
Before choosing your gutter material, it’s wise to be more informed about your options. Here’s a look at how steel gutters compare to aluminum, copper, and vinyl.
- Galvanized Steel Gutters vs. Aluminum Gutters: Galvanized steel gutters are stronger than aluminum gutters, but the installation process is much more complex. Materials cost for steel is often higher, but sometimes the strength of steel is required. Aluminum gutters are easier to repair, cost less, and are less expensive to install than steel.
- Steel vs. Copper Gutters: Copper gutters are an upgrade from galvanized steel gutters, except for when it comes to strength. Copper gutters are recyclable and often chosen for their beauty, while galvanized steel gutters are often hidden from view and tend to end up as scrap metal.
- Galvanized Steel vs. Vinyl: Galvanized steel gutters only have one similarity with vinyl gutters, and that is that both resist rust and corrosion. Vinyl is lightweight and flexible, while galvanized steel is heavy and rigid. Vinyl gutters often last ten years or fewer, while galvanized steel gutters can last a lifetime.
Tips for Choosing Galvanized Steel Gutters
Galvanized steel gutters aren’t usually the first choice for a standard home, but they are valuable to structures that require increased durability.
Although fiberglass and concrete gutters have their benefits, no common gutter materials resist impact damage and bending better than galvanized steel.
Here are a few tips for deciding when galvanized steel gutters are the best option for your gutter project:
- If you have a large home or structure that commonly has immense volumes of runoff and heavy-duty applications are warranted, there’s probably no better solution than steel gutters.
- The structure’s fascia can bear a steel gutter system weight without modifications.
- The gutter system will be painted, sealed, or hidden from view.
- Durability and long lifespan are primary concerns.
- Regular maintenance and cleaning is not a concern.
- You plan to keep your home or structure for years, or new guttering will be attractive to a prospective buyer.
Galvanized Steel Gutters: A Strong and Dependable Guttering Solution
Galvanized steel gutters and downspouts offer unparalleled strength when it is required. As long as the zinc coating is maintained, galvanized steel gutters can last for decades.
However, it’s essential to remember that steel gutters are vulnerable to rust if the coating is damaged, and they are complex and expensive to install.
Remember to weigh the pros and cons of galvanized gutters when comparing them to other materials, like aluminum and vinyl. Galvanized steel gutters are strong, resistant to bending, and can control large amounts of water, but design options may be limited.
Galvanized steel gutters will cost a bit more, but if durability and strength are top priorities, they are an excellent choice.
If you want to speak with one of our galvanized steel gutter experts before making your choice, contact us. Our pros have a high degree of experience installing galvanized gutter systems and can advise you of your best options. We also offer free estimates.
