When it comes to gutters, there are two main types: seamless gutters and regular gutters. Both are designed to perform the same function – to collect and direct rainwater away from the home’s foundation. However, they have significant differences that affect their performance and effectiveness.
Seamless gutters, as the name suggests, are made from a single piece of material that is custom-fit to the dimensions of your home. They are created using a roll forming machine that extrudes the gutter material into the desired length, eliminating the need for seams that are present in regular gutters. In contrast, regular gutters are made from pre-cut sections that are assembled and joined together to create the desired length.
One of the primary advantages of seamless gutters is that they are less prone to leaks. Since they are made from a single piece of material, there are no joints or seams that can become damaged or worn over time, causing water to leak out.
Let’s take a closer look at the battle between seamless gutters vs regular gutters, and find out which gutter system you should choose for your home.
The Different Types Of Regular Gutters
When it comes to regular or “traditional” gutters, there are a few options to choose from based on your material of preference. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, which can make choosing the right type of gutter system for your home a bit overwhelming.
That’s why we wrote this article! To simplify your understanding and get rid of buying anxiety.
Traditional gutters, also known as sectional gutters, are made up of pre-cut sections that are pieced together (usually in 10 to 20-foot sections) to create the desired length. Each section must be joined together with couplings, and sealed at every joint.
They are typically made from aluminum, copper, vinyl, or galvanized steel and are available in a variety of colors to match the home’s exterior.
While traditional gutters are typically less expensive than seamless gutters, they are more prone to leaks and are not as durable as seamless gutters.
Vinyl Gutters
Vinyl gutters are an increasingly popular option, particularly for homeowners on a budget, or as a DIY project. They are by far the most economical gutter out there.
However, pricing is about where the pros of vinyl gutters starts and ends in our opinion.
They are the least durable gutter option on the market and are very prone to cracking in harsh weather conditions like extreme cold. This makes vinyl gutters pretty much a non-starter for homeowners in Alberta.
Additionally, vinyl gutters are a non-recyclable material that goes straight to landfills.
Since they don’t hold up against the harsh winters we get here in Edmonton, they are replaced with seamless eaves within a year or two!
Steel Gutters
Without question, steel is the strongest material gutters can be made out of. This makes steel gutters a great choice if you live somewhere with harsh weather conditions because steel gutters can withstand heavy rain, snow, and extreme wind.
The biggest drawback to steel, however, is that it’s the gutter that is the most prone to rust.
Steel gutters are typically more expensive than other types of gutters and will require more maintenance to prevent rust and corrosion issues.
Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum gutters are a popular choice due to their strength, resistance to rust and corrosion, and the huge range of colors they are available in.
They are very affordable, and extremely durable if maintained properly, which makes them a common choice for homeowners. Proper maintenance of aluminum gutters can see you getting decades of use out of them.
Copper Gutters
Copper gutters are a high-end option that provides both durability and aesthetic appeal. Like aluminum, copper gutters are also quite strong and do not rust.
Another consideration with copper gutters is that they can develop a patina over time, giving them a unique and distinctive appearance. This can be either a pro or a con, depending on your taste. After all, they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
Like aluminum gutters, proper care and maintenance of copper gutters can be the key to a gutter that lasts for decades.
Seamless Gutters
Seamless gutters, with Alu-Rex’s T-Rex Continuous Hangar System, have become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners due to their durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal.
Unlike traditional gutters that are made from pre-cut sections that are joined together during installation, seamless gutters are one solid piece that’s custom-fit to the dimensions of the home. It’s secured evenly along the entire length of your house. This type of gutter completely eliminates the need for seams.
Features Of Seamless Gutters
The biggest feature of seamless gutters is right in the name. No seams!
Seams are by far the culprit of most issues with regular gutters, that issue vanishes when you install seamless gutters on your home.
But of course, that’s not all. At Gutter Dunn, we stand behind our aluminum seamless gutters installed with the Alu-Rex T-Rex & Double-Pro, here are some features of these seamless gutters that set them apart from regular gutters:
- T-Rex supports 105kg/linear foot and the Double-Pro supports 199kg/linear foot. That’s strength regular gutters just can’t compete with!
- Gutters are installed from end to end with galvanized screws that have a self-sealing rubber gasket. This is what adds to the strength of the gutter and reduces the risk of water infiltration into the fascia.
- Gutter guards on these products strike the perfect balance between drainage and debris protection. They drain 755mm of water an hour. They also keep snow and ice on top of the product, protecting against expansion due to ice thawing and freezing.
- 40-year anti-clog warranty & lifetime guarantee on material and sturdiness (T-Rex)
- Lifetime anti-clog warranty & guarantee on material and sturdiness (Double-Pro)
- Rollback technology keeps water inside the gutter, even during the heaviest of rainfalls. No overflow.
Installation Of Seamless Gutters Vs Regular Gutters:
The installation process for seamless gutters is typically more involved than that of regular gutters, and is best left to professionals.
They require a roll forming machine that cuts the material in one piece to the exact measurements of your home.
Regular gutters on the other hand are typically easier to install since they are made from pre-cut sections that can be “easily” assembled on-site by a capable DIYer, or cheaply from a local contractor. However, where costs are saved on materials and installation, they may be spent in the future on more frequent maintenance or shorter lifespans.
This is what gives the edge to seamless gutters when it pertains to installation. The materials and cost of labour will be higher, but these gutters will last for decades and require minimal maintenance in comparison to traditional gutters.
Maintenance And Durability Of Seamless Gutters Vs Regular Gutters
As we’ve said, seamless gutters require very little maintenance. In fact, a soft breeze is often enough to clear away debris from Alu-Rex products! If you do need to take matters into your own hands to clean the gutter, a gutter broom and a light sweep will do the trick.
Because there are no seams, there’s no maintenance to worry about here. The only place seamless gutters even contain any sealant is in the corners. But guess what! The guard on top of the gutter acts as a UV shade, protecting the corner sealant from direct sunlight and eliminating corner leaks!
This is in stark contrast to regular gutters where you need to always be checking the seams and sealant over joints to ensure they aren’t damaged, as this can 100% lead to leaks.
In terms of debris, a tall broom may not be enough to remove debris that’s accumulated inside of regular gutters. Meaning you may need to get on a ladder and clean out clogs or blockages yourself, or hire a professional to do it.
Finally, depending on the material of your traditional gutter, you may need to give extra maintenance to avoid rust and corrosion. Alu-Rex seamless gutters are aluminum, so another point for seamless gutters!
There is a pretty clear winner here when it comes to maintenance and durability: Seamless gutters!
Pros And Cons Of Seamless And Regular Gutters
| Seamless Gutters | Regular Gutters | |
| Pros | Custom fit for your home | Affordable & easier to install |
| Provides a smooth and continuous appearance. Great for curb appeal. | Available in a variety of materials & colors | |
| Very low maintenance | Can be installed DIY | |
| Extreme durability – Will last for decades | ||
| Leaks and clogs are highly unlikely | ||
| Cons | More expensive upfront | Prone to leaks and clogs over time |
| Requires specialized equipment to install | Joints and seams can become damaged or worn over time | |
| Requires much more maintenance |
Conclusion: Should You Choose Seamless or Regular Gutters For Your Home
When it comes to choosing a gutter system for your home, there is a clear winner that offers many more advantages than its rival, and that’s seamless gutters.
They have much better durability, require less maintenance, and are less likely to clog. Meaning leaks and all the other damages faulty gutters can cause won’t be keeping you up at night!
However, the cost is definitely a factor for many homeowners.
Traditional gutters, on the other hand, are more affordable and available in a variety of different materials. They are more prone to leaks and require more maintenance over time.
If you do decide to go with regular gutters for your home, our recommendation is to shop around for aluminum gutters. They are stronger and way more durable than vinyl, and won’t rust or corrode like steel will.
Ultimately, the decision between seamless and traditional gutters will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Consulting with a professional gutter installer can help determine the best type of gutter system for your home. Regardless of which type of gutter system you choose, maintaining your gutters and keeping them clean is essential for proper function and longevity.
By choosing the right gutter system and properly maintaining it, you can ensure that your home is protected from water damage and maintains its value for years to come.
