Gutters drain water away from your roof, but you don’t have to break the bank to protect your home from water damage. Vinyl and aluminum are popular gutter materials due to their affordability. Vinyl gutters are cheaper and lower maintenance than aluminum gutters, but they aren’t as durable and long-lasting.
When choosing between vinyl and aluminum gutters, you’ll also need to consider their ease of installation and repair, appearance, suitability to your climate, and sustainability. In this article, we’ll compare vinyl and aluminum gutters using these criteria, so you can find the right one for your home.
| Best Choice | |
| Cost | Vinyl Gutters |
| Durability | Aluminum Gutters |
| Longevity | Aluminum Gutters |
| Ease of Installation | Vinyl Gutters |
| Aesthetics | Aluminum Gutters |
| Climate Suitability | Aluminum Gutters |
| Maintenance | Vinyl Gutters |
| Ease of Repair | Vinyl Gutters |
| Sustainability | Aluminum Gutters |
Cost
Vinyl gutters have cheaper upfront costs compared to aluminum. They are perfect for homeowners who need to install gutters but have budget constraints.
Aluminum gutters typically cost between $8.10 and $19.20 per linear foot, including materials and labor. Meanwhile, vinyl gutters have a lower initial cost of around $6 to $12 per linear foot.
Cory Peterson, who has over two decades of experience in the gutter industry and is the president of Gutter Tune-Up, explains how cheaper upfront costs may affect its long-term performance:
“Vinyl is cheaper upfront, making it attractive for tight budgets or DIY projects. Aluminum is more expensive, but it offers better long-term value due to its longevity and performance.”
According to the Freedonia Group’s study on the US gutter market, “Most rainware products are specified due to their durability and functionality, not for aesthetics; therefore, consumers generally choose gutters and downspouts based on price.”
However, keep in mind that the cheaper price may come with increased maintenance and a shorter lifespan. For affordability, vinyl gutters take the win.
Lower installation cost: Vinyl Gutters
Durability
Aluminum and vinyl are lightweight materials, but aluminum gutters outshine vinyl in terms of durability. Aluminum gutters are the most popular gutter material in the U.S. today. They have an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, which enables them to support the weight of rainwater and snow without sagging.
John Mahland, the president and founder of Spotless Gutter Cleaning & Repair, shares his insights on the durability of aluminum gutters:
“Aluminum is a durable, lightweight, and rust-resistant material, making these gutters a long-lasting and low-maintenance option that performs exceptionally well in various weather conditions.”
Despite their affordability, vinyl gutters aren’t as durable as metal gutters, like aluminum. The Freedonia Group’s research states: “Use of plastic is limited by its low durability compared to metal.”
When exposed to sunlight and extreme temperatures, vinyl becomes brittle and cracks or warps over time. Additionally, vinyl can’t hold the same amount of rainwater and snow that aluminum can due to its structural weakness. They are more prone to sagging than aluminum gutters.
Vinyl, which is made of plastic, is naturally resistant to corrosion. Meanwhile, properly maintained aluminum gutters are less prone to rust than other metal gutters, like galvanized steel.
On the other hand, aluminum and vinyl gutters expand and contract under extreme temperature fluctuations, which can weaken their joints and seams, causing leaks. You can add a protective coating to protect aluminum gutters from damage, or opt for seamless aluminum gutters instead.
Additionally, aluminum gutters are prone to dents from impact from heavy objects, so be careful not to lean your ladder against them. Despite their limitations, aluminum gutters are the more durable option because they can hold more weight and won’t crack or warp over time.
More durable: Aluminum Gutters
Longevity
With proper maintenance, vinyl gutters typically last for about 10 to 25 years, which is relatively shorter compared to aluminum gutters. On the other hand, aluminum gutters have a lifespan of 20 years or more.
Longer lifespan: Aluminum Gutters
Read More: How Long Do Gutters Last?
Ease of Installation
Vinyl’s lightweight material and easy assembly give it an edge over aluminum. They’re installed by snapping sections together, which makes them a popular choice among DIYers.
Professional installation is always an option to ensure your gutters are properly attached to your home. However, seamless aluminum gutters should be installed by a professional due to the specialized tools and experience required. For ease of installation, vinyl gutters come out on top as the more DIY-friendly option.
Easier to install: Vinyl Gutters
Aesthetics
Aluminum gutters have more customization options than vinyl gutters. They offer a variety of colors to enhance your home’s exterior.
Additionally, they are more paint-friendly. Aluminum’s non-porous surface allows paint to adhere better and last longer, while vinyl may require more effort to achieve the same result.
Peterson explains why aluminum gutters are a better choice for homeowners who want to paint their gutters:
“Aluminum is available in many colors and can be painted to match the home’s trim. Vinyl comes in fewer color options and can fade over time.”
More versatile appearance: Aluminum Gutters
Climate Suitability
Despite their natural corrosion resistance, vinyl gutters aren’t ideal for areas with extreme weather. Aside from their tendency to crack or warp from sunlight exposure, they can’t withstand heavy rainfall or strong winds because of their structural weaknesses. They are more suitable for areas with mild or dry climates.
While aluminum gutters can expand or contract due to extreme temperatures, they can withstand heavy rainfall and won’t sag due to the weight of the rainwater. Additionally, they are more resilient to snow than vinyl gutters. Overall, aluminum gutters are more resilient in various climates than vinyl.
Peterson shares that aluminum gutters are suitable for most climates, while vinyl gutters are ideal for milder ones:
“Aluminum holds up much better in most climates, including areas with heavy snow, ice, or extreme heat. Vinyl can become brittle and crack in cold weather or warp in high heat, so it’s best for milder climates.”
Aluminum gutters are relatively resistant to corrosion, but in coastal areas with salty air, such as Florida, they may still corrode over time, even with a protective coating. Vinyl gutters are a better choice for coastal areas, but they may become brittle due to the severe summer heat.
More weather-resistant: Aluminum Gutters
Maintenance
Whether you have aluminum or vinyl gutters, you’ll need to regularly clean them to prevent clogs and ensure efficient water flow. Vinyl gutters require less maintenance than aluminum gutters. They are more scratch-resistant and don’t need an additional protective coating, unlike aluminum gutters.
However, if you decide to paint your vinyl gutters, you’ll need to repaint them every 3 to 5 years to refresh their appearance. The color on vinyl gutters tends to fade over time due to exposure to sunlight, especially darker colors.
Despite their rust resistance, aluminum gutters can become susceptible to rust if the standing water and debris aren’t regularly removed. On the other hand, seamless aluminum gutters are easier to clean due to their continuous design.
Additionally, you’ll need to repaint them every 5 to 10 years to maintain their appearance. When cleaning your aluminum gutters, ensure you don’t lean your ladder against them to avoid dents.
Lower maintenance: Vinyl Gutters
Ease of Repair
Thin vinyl gutters may need more frequent repairs than aluminum gutters because of their structural weaknesses. The good news is that vinyl gutters are easy to repair.
You’ll just need to replace the cracked or damaged portion of the gutters. However, their tendency to become brittle over time may lead to frequent repairs that may offset their low initial cost.
On the other hand, minor repairs can be easily done on aluminum gutters. You can fix dents with a rubber mallet or apply sealant to cracked or leaking areas. However, if you have seamless aluminum gutters, professional repairs are required.
Easier to repair: Vinyl Gutters
Sustainability
A lesser-discussed but important aspect to consider is the eco-friendliness of your gutter material. Aluminum gutters are a great sustainable option because they are 100% recyclable, unlike vinyl gutters, which are made of plastic.
When aluminum gutters are recycled, the material retains its quality even when they’re repurposed multiple times. The impact on the environment can be a decisive factor for environmentally-conscious homeowners. In this aspect, aluminum gutters are the more sustainable choice.
More eco-friendly: Aluminum Gutters
Meet the Experts
John Mahland founded Spotless Gutter Cleaning & Repair in 2004. With over two decades of experience, his understanding of the importance of gutters in home maintenance and protection is reflected in his career in the gutter industry.
Mahland is the president and founder of Spotless Gutter Cleaning & Repair, which serves homeowners in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. They are fully licensed, insured, and deeply committed to delivering excellent service.
With Mahland’s industry experience and dedication to providing customer satisfaction, Spotless Gutter Cleaning & Repair offers comprehensive five-step gutter cleaning services. Their team provides before-and-after photos for transparency.
Cory Peterson boasts over 20 years of experience as a gutter professional with hands-on expertise in residential and commercial projects. As president of Gutter Tune-Up, he brings his knowledge of water management systems, roofing materials, and installation best practices to homeowners seeking long-term protection for their homes.
Peterson and his team provide high-flow gutter systems, premium gutter protection, and expert installations to residents in Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay. Gutter Tune-Up believes that not all gutter systems are created equal, and they want to help their customers find the right fit for their homes.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled services in seconds and leave the rest to us.
What to read next:
Main Image: Side-by-side image of Vinyl and Aluminum Gutters. Image Credits: Vinyl gutter: Rattanachat / Adobe Stock; Aluminum gutter: Andy Dean / Adobe Stock
Related Posts:
