Signs Of Trouble

One Step forward
Aren't aluminum gutters supposed to last forever? I mean, they don't rust so what can go wrong? In the late 1960's aluminum gutters came onto the market as the rust-proof alternative to steel. The trouble with steel gutters was that, as time went by, they would rust. Also, steel gutters weren't seamless so they were vulnerable to leaking as the seams broke down. One major advantage of aluminum was that you could bring a roll forming machine right out to the job site and make the gutters any length you wanted. This certainly eliminated the issue of the seams breaking and the rust. So aluminum was supposed to be a step forward.

And Two Steps Back
So why am I taking the time to write about seamless gutters since virtually everyone has them these days? Because aluminum was supposed to be a step forward, but since companies have consistently cheapened their materials in an effort to come in with the lowest bid, aluminum gutters actually have proven to be less durable than steal. I have been to many jobs over the past 11 years where we were replacing the steel gutters and except for the rust, they would have lasted for years to come. I've seen 50 and 60 year old steel gutters still doing a great job. The bottom line is that even though aluminum should hold up better, the workmanship is not the same as it used to be.

Aluminum has been a blessing and a curse for the gutter industry. A blessing because it truly is a superior gutter that could last a lifetime. A curse because it made gutters so readily available to people who were not trained in proper installation techniques and practices...Basically, gutter installation was not treated as a trade, but rather as a side job that you have your lower level laborers do. Homeowners rejoiced at the lower prices and the perceived quality but end up paying for it later when 10-20 years is all they get out of their gutters. There are still a few companies that treat gutter installs like a trade, but they are few and far between. Usually you will know them by the fact that they are focused only on gutters and related products...they are not a jack of all trades. You will also know them because, unlike the other quotes you get, the quality companies will always give you a more thorough explanation along with a clear, written proposal. It's easy to tell which company to use if you take the time to look for them. They will be able to install aluminum gutters that will last a lifetime just as they were always meant to.