Choosing the Right Gutter Gauge for Your House

Gutter gauge refers to the thickness of the metal used to make the gutter. Although different types of metals exist, the most common in residential properties include galvanized steel and aluminum. Thickness is one of the essential considerations when choosing suitable home drainage systems. It determines the level of protection your house gets from excess moisture. It is also important to remember that every home has different requirements. That means you can customize your home improvement projects to suit your exact needs, including selecting appropriate gutter gauges.

For those planning eavestrough repair to enhance home drainage, determine the different gauges available for your preferred gutter metal, among other factors. Remember, the higher the round figure, the thinner the metal. Below is more information about choosing the right gutter gauge for your house.

Gutter gauge types

Steel gauges

Homeowners who do not like aluminum choose galvanized steel. The steel gauge numbers range from 24 to 30. The higher the thickness number, the better the gutter. However, even the 24-gutter-gauge can provide the required sturdiness and resist damage due to pressure by heavy loads. The problem with steel is rust potential. Even the thickest gauge can start to oxidize within a decade, meaning applying rust-resistant paint is mandatory every ten years.

Copper gauges

Copper gutters provide impressive longevity and aesthetic appeal because of their colour. The thickness ranges from 16 gauges to 24. The most popular is 20 gauge, but the 16-gauge gutter can work well if you have a steep roof or live in an area experiencing heavy snowfall. The main disadvantage of copper gutter gauges is their ability to wear off quickly. They tend to lose their original colour regardless of the gauge number. You have to treat the discoloration to maintain the visual aspect. Otherwise, the colour becomes uneven, reducing the visual appeal.

Aluminum gauges

There are four popular options for aluminum gutters: .032 gauges that are heavier and provide the best returns, .027 gauges with medium thickness and average performance capacity, .025 gutter gauges, which are lighter than the others and .019 inch gauges that are the cheapest and thinnest.

The industry standard for aluminum gutters is .027 gauge, but it may not be the right choice for you. That is why you should consider the following factors when shopping for the right gutter gauge for your house.

Climatic conditions in your location

The .027 aluminum gutter gauge can withstand mild to moderate weather without any hitches. As such, if your locality has fluctuating temperatures, heavy snow, rainfall, or wind, the gutter gauge may not be ideal. The .032 gauge is more suitable in such areas. Remember that the higher the gauge number, the stronger and longer-lasting the gutters.

If you are unsure about the climatic conditions, consult a local roofing service provider. Their profession makes them more conversant with the weather adjustments, meaning they are well-suited to advise you on the best gutter gauge.

Affordability

.025 gauges are always the cheapest and most affordable. You are likely to find them in your local store, but they may not provide the reliability you need in a gutter. That is why most roofing contractors do not recommend using them. You may get a few recommendations suggesting the .027 gauges, which provide better functionality and are not as expensive as the .032 gutter gauges. However, they may fail you under intense weather.

Durability

If you want exceptional performance, .032 gauges are better. Their average lifespan is 20 years – a better lifespan than many roofing materials. Their main disadvantage is the price range. Compared to other aluminum gauges, they cost more, but they bring a good return on investment.

Although your budget is one of the factors you should consider when picking the right gutter gauge for your house, it should not prevent you from weighing the potential long-term benefits you may get from an initial high cost. It is better to spend more on quality gutters that will not need a lot of maintenance than to spend less during purchase and end up with multiple costly repairs.

Installation method

Lower-range aluminum gauges are thinner, meaning installing them is more straightforward. You do not need a professional to help you put them in place because they are easier to cut. That feature may work for DIY installers, but it also makes them more vulnerable to damage by heavy wind, falling tree branches, or any other element that can cause impact. That risk can end up being more expensive.

The best alternative is to use thicker aluminum and hire a professional for the installation. This ensures less susceptibility to damage by snow or ice, especially when you add a professional touch.

If you need expert help choosing and installing the ideal gutters, D’Angelo & Sons can assist you. A high level of expertise will ensure you get the best gutter gauge for your home. Call us for the highest quality gutters.