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Plastic or metal gutter system: comparison and choice

In the world of roof and gutter systems, it can be difficult to determine which material is more suitable for your particular project. This WordPress post looks at both plastic and metal gutter systems, comparing their advantages and distinct qualities to help you make an informed decision. Plastic gutters boast superior strength and durability, and also require less maintenance than metal gutters, although they are not as resistant to corrosion. Metal gutters are more capable of standing up to environmental stress, and come in a range of colors and styles. It also covers the cost of both types of gutter systems, offering an insight into budgeting for the same. Ultimately, determining the best gutter system for your home depends on factors such as surroundings, climate, budget, and aesthetics.

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The roof consists not only of rafters and roofing, this part of the building cannot be operated without gutters. Today we will consider two main types of drainage systems: metal and plastic, evaluate their advantages and help you decide on the choice of material for this or that part of the drainage system.

Plastic or metal gutter system: comparison and choice

What are metal gutters?

Metal drainage systems have been known to mankind since time immemorial. Initially, the main material for the construction of storm sewers was copper, the popularity of which is due to its ease of processing and durability. Over time, it was replaced by more affordable galvanized steel, which, as progress developed, acquired a polymer protective and decorative coating.

Metal gutter system

Modern drainage systems made of metal are highly adaptable. Each element of the gutter, be it a gutter, pipe or additional fittings, is manufactured by cold bending on special equipment in a fully automatic mode. Thus, the quality and operational characteristics of the entire system as a whole depend not on the qualifications of the tinsmith, but on the technological advancement of the equipment and the quality of the raw material – coiled steel with polymer protection, similar to that used in the production of metal tiles and profiled sheets..

House drainage system made of metal

For this reason, when choosing metal gutter systems, it makes no sense to focus on private experience with little-known brands. It is much more correct to find out who supplies the steel, what is the thickness of the base, whether passivation is performed, what is the thickness of the galvanized layer and the type of polymer coating. And all because the simplest equipment for the production of metal gutter systems is inexpensive, which is why representatives on the market constantly replace each other. You can focus on the recommendations of other developers, but such patterns are relevant only for several years. Of course, there are some kind of regulars on the market, but their products are not common in all regions, and the price tag is usually slightly above average..

Features of plastic drainage systems

Unlike metal, plastic gutters are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This material is much more critical for compliance with production technology. Such products are mainly manufactured by hot extrusion and molding, which is why there is a potential risk that the plastic will irreversibly lose its properties..

Plastic gutter system

The product range of plastic storm sewers is similar to metal systems: there are both gutters and pipes, as well as funnels, plugs and a fastening system. As in the case of metal, the system is produced in semicircular and rectangular sections. Also, both systems are available in various sizes in accordance with the required system capacity. It can be argued that plastic is practically in no way inferior to metal in terms of manufacturability: the installation of both systems is carried out in the same way, all elements fit together perfectly, during service both materials demonstrate equally high performance.

PVC gutter

However, the choice of a plastic drainage system should be done with more care. If the metal, with the proper degree of protection, retains its properties unchanged for decades, plastic is more susceptible to the negative effects of temperature changes and sunlight. In general, in terms of reliability and durability, plastic rainwater drainage is only slightly inferior to metal one with a comparable level of quality, while PVC wins in cost. Additionally, we note that when choosing plastic gutters, the factor of trust in the manufacturer plays a much more significant role, as a rule, industry leaders provide a much higher stability of product quality.

Mounting system and additional accessories

Talking about the benefits of metal and plastic gutters in general is mostly useless. Reliability and trouble-free operation is determined not so much by the material itself, but by the thoughtful shape of the gutters, the variety of connecting and mounting elements, as well as the thoughtfulness of the fastening system. Of course, different types of storm sewers have their own characteristic differences..

Metal systems are usually designed based on the ductility of the metal and the ease of forming it in place. Many manufacturers provide gutter fixation by bending the tabs provided for by the design of the locking joints, while plastic systems predominantly have click-lock fasteners. If in the first case, the stake is made on increased resistance to loads, then with a critical impact on the plastic drain, it will simply open without irreversible damage.

Gutter connection

Connecting and fastening elements usually account for half or more of the total cost of the gutter system, which makes the difference in cost between metal and plastic gutters even more noticeable. For any system, a variety of corner gutters and elbows is important, it is optimal if these elements provide different angles of rotation. The use of such products may be required if the roof slopes converge at the wrong angle, or for the most aesthetic bypass of the architectural elements of the building. Plastic systems in this regard provide less freedom, while metal additional elements are quite realistic to make to order..

Elbow of metal gutter system

The gutter fastening system must also be well thought out. It is optimal if the manufacturer’s assortment includes mounting brackets both for the frontal board and for the crate under the roof, because the installation conditions on different slopes may differ. Pipe clamps should provide adjustment of the distance from the wall, which will help bypass small architectural elements and communications without the use of knees. Please note that there is no point in using brackets of a different brand, let alone handicraft. Only branded products are able to guarantee the resistance of the gutter to increased loads.

The gutter is fixed to the roof soffits

Fastening the gutter to the wall

Last but not least, the sealing system must be evaluated. Metal storm sewers are usually sealed with silicone or bitumen sealants, which very often dry out after several years of use. An alternative is offered by manufacturers of plastic gutters, most of which provide for the installation of EPDM rubber band seals. It is such little things as seals, the system of fixing and connecting the drainage elements that determine the ease of installation and durability, and successful solutions are found both among metal and plastic systems..

Installing a metal gutter plug

Practicality of operation and appearance

Both types of gutters behave differently during operation, which is explained by the differences in the physical and mechanical properties of materials. It would seem that PVC is absolutely not susceptible to corrosion, but in practice it turns out that it is metal systems that are operated throughout the entire declared period, while most plastic systems eventually become unusable for a number of reasons.

On the one hand, this may be due to installation errors. Plastic gutters and pipes have a significant coefficient of thermal expansion, so if sufficient expansion gaps were not left during assembly, stresses will arise. An equally significant factor is the quality of PVC itself, which can be subject to destruction under the influence of ultraviolet radiation or temperature fluctuations. Also, plastic often fades in the light and unevenly changes its color, becoming covered with spots and stains, even if it has coloration in the mass..

Frost on the drainage system

In turn, metal gutters are devoid of these flaws, although they also have disadvantages. Steel gutters require careful transportation and handling during installation, because the risk of damage to the protective coating or irreversible deformation of the product is quite high. A characteristic feature of the metal is its inability to restore its shape: the gutters are easy enough to bend when installing the stairs, and irreversible deformation can also occur when ice accumulates on the drain. The coating of the inside of the gutter is not as smooth as in PVC systems, which is why the probability of blockages is somewhat higher. Finally, we must not forget about the noise of the roofing metal, which in the rain simply turns into a drum membrane..

Cleaning the gutter from debris

Leading manufacturers

In conclusion, a few words about the importance of purchasing quality products and about which brands of products have an adequate ratio of cost and quality..

Plastic gutters are presented on the Russian market mainly by foreign companies, whose production facilities are located in domestic spaces. The most common systems are Docke, Murol, Rohrfit and Alta-Profil.

Docke gutter systemDocke gutter system

Of the flagships in the production of metal gutter systems, Lindab and Ruukki offer premium quality, these systems are exclusively imported and there is no reason to doubt the quality of the metal and the protective coating. These manufacturers are characterized by an extended list of additional components, for example, self-cleaning ladders, revisions and an impressive list of fasteners. The main disadvantage of these systems is limited throughput; these manufacturers do not supply gutters with a larger section to the open market. Of the simpler and cheaper options, we can recommend the domestic manufacturers “Grand Line” and “Metal Profile”. These companies are engaged in the complex production of roofing systems, and therefore it is possible to order the entire set from one supplier, thereby ensuring full color matching of the gutter system and roofing..

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Comments: 2
  1. Aspen

    When considering gutter systems, do you have any recommendations or insights on whether a plastic or metal option is preferable? I’m curious about their durability, maintenance, and overall effectiveness. Additionally, are there any other factors I should consider before making a final choice? Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Josiah Mitchell

    Which type of gutter system, plastic or metal, would be more suitable for my home? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? Is plastic more cost-effective and easier to install, or is metal more durable and long-lasting? I need to make an informed decision based on performance, maintenance, and overall value. Any advice or experiences with either type of gutter system would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
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