Choosing between steel and PVC gutters for your home

First determine the roof area drained by each section and the location of the outlets. Water from a valley can reach a single point from a large part of the roof. A gutter sized only to the eaves length may prove insufficient. Local rainfall conditions, geometry and the number and position of downpipes also matter.

Check the performance tables for the specific system. The gutter diameter alone does not tell the whole story, because the shape and the way the outlet is connected also have an influence. A downpipe position at the end of a section versus in the middle can offer different possibilities. The material is chosen only within a layout that has adequate flow capacity. A nice colour will not compensate for an undersized outlet.

Steel components are rigid and can work well with tile-effect metal roofing or trapezoidal sheet. Their durability depends on the protection used and the condition of the surface. The coating must be protected during cutting and installation. Damage, swarf or prolonged contact with aggressive contaminants can become the starting point for corrosion.

Not every steel system has an identical method of connection. There may be connectors with seals, snap fasteners and other solutions specified in the instructions. The necessary clearances and the correct arrangement of brackets must be maintained. Steel also expands with temperature. Lower expansion than in many plastics does not mean that expansion joints can be omitted.

PVC gutters are lightweight and do not corrode in the same way as steel. This does not mean complete insensitivity to weather conditions or mechanical damage. The quality of the plastic, UV stabilisation and the design of the components affect durability. Temperature limits during installation work must also be observed.

The thermal movement of the plastic requires that movement be left in the connections. In systems with installation markings, the position indicated for the given temperature must be taken into account. Do not immobilise the gutter with a random screw passing through its base. An incorrect connection can cause deformation, loss of sealing or cracking of the component. The instructions for the specific set are more important here than general advice.

Both materials are available in many colours and shapes. A round gutter and a square profile give a different effect with the same eaves. Check not only the gutter but also the corners, brackets and pipes. It is their combined appearance that will be visible on the façade. A sample is best viewed together with the roofing and plaster.

Near a house under trees, the ability to clean is important. When snow slides off, the position of the gutter and the snow guards on the roof slope matter. No material makes a gutter system resistant to any weight of sliding roofing. A gutter is not a snow guard. Its setting should allow water to be collected while limiting exposure to damage.

Determine the hook spacing, the fall and the points of additional support in accordance with the instructions. There is no single value suitable for every system. Some solutions have particular requirements or permit a different setting from a typical half-round gutter. Correct connection to the eaves flashing is also important so that water from the roofing reaches the inside.

The downpipe must be connected to the intended method of rainwater management. Ending the pipe right at the foundation can cause damp in the surroundings of the building. Provide access for cleaning and inspection. After installation, check the flow and the behaviour of the connections during a controlled flow of water. Merely observing an empty gutter will not reveal every fault.

The quote should include gutters, pipes, outlets, corners, end caps, connectors, hooks and brackets. Add installation, transport and any preparation of the eaves board. Compare the same layout in both materials. A cheaper metre of gutter may come in a system with more expensive accessories, of which many are needed on an extensive roof.

Ask about the availability of spare parts and the warranty conditions. A system that is easy to extend and repair can be more advantageous over the long term. When choosing between steel and PVC, take into account the surroundings, the appearance and the method of installation. A well-designed layout made from a material suited to the building will be more practical than a random set of components bought solely on price.