Does your home have old and worn gutters? Are you considering replacing them? If so, then the good news is that it’s the perfect time for an upgrade.
Doing the gutter repairs Melbourne roofers recommend for leaky gutters is only one key aspect in keeping your drainage system working smoothly. However, older gutters will eventually become worn, which may require a full replacement. Aluminium is currently among the most popular choices for gutter materials.
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Best Drainage System Option
Essentially, aluminium is a material that’s constructed from bauxite ore. This is a clay-like rock that also includes elements such as iron, aluminium oxide, iron oxide, titanium oxide and silica. This combination creates a durable and highly robust material which is also flexible enough to be used for an extensive range of applications. Our team of reputable installers have compiled a list of the more common reasons why this material is a great choice for your house.
1. Often More Cost-Effective
One of the primary benefits of choosing aluminium gutters is that they are cheaper than some other options on the market. This is especially more evident when you realise that these gutter types require minimal maintenance. Not having to replace gutters or down pipes means you will be assured of a quality product.
2. Aluminium Offer Exceptional Weather Resistance
A significant advantage of aluminium gutters is that, although being quite lightweight, they are remarkably resistant to all types of weather elements. This innovative material is durable enough to handle instances of hail, harsh winds, severe rain. Unlike options such as PVC, these gutters don’t become sun-damaged or dented from severe hail.
3. These Gutters Don’t Rust
Installing a product that’s sole purpose is to drive water away from your roof and home will see you looking for the strongest and most durable material your budget can handle. This can lead you toward opting for steel. Keep in mind that steel can easily rust when water exposure causes paint to peel off. This in turn, causes moisture exposure and can occur in as little as five years after installation.
Aluminium doesn’t rust because oxidation on the gutter surface easily creates a tough and hard protective layer, making the material rust-proof. This makes it easy to see why aluminium products can exceed a lifespan of up to 50 years.
4. Quick & Simple Installation
Since aluminium is lightweight, it’s amazingly simple to hold and handle. This means that installation is quick and simple, and requires less labour to install. Opting for larger gutters may require additional time for installation. Your roofer will be able to give you a more accurate time frame, based on your roof size and installation requirements.
5. Highly Suited For Commercial Buildings
Another huge plus of aluminium’s lightweight and robust nature is that it is the most common choice to create commercial drainage systems. They can be moulded to suit any size, shape, or style of your office, commercial, or industrial building.
6. Seasonal Maintenance Is A Breeze
A stellar feature of guttering systems is that they are very easy to clean and maintain. Since there’s no rusting, leaking, or peeling paint, there will be minimal repairs needed. Seasonal or annual cleaning is the only real maintenance that you’ll need to do.
Regular cleaning is advised and usually involves removing organic material (such as leaves) out of the gutters and downpipes. You can do this with a pressure washer or a longer garden hose with the sprayer attachment. You can also choose to add gutter guards which are designed to minimise the cleaning that needs to be done every season. The same team of roofers who install your gutters can recommend the best type of gutter guards for your roof type.
7. Always An Environmentally Friendly Option
Local Australian homeowners are using their home and workspace upgrades as an opportunity to make their spaces more eco-friendly and sustainable. This often involves choosing renewable or recycled components or materials. Fortunately, aluminium is significantly more eco-friendly than PVC and steel alternatives.
This is largely because aluminium is recyclable, and gutters are often made from recycled materials. If you ever take your gutters off, they can be recycled again. Aluminium is also nontoxic and doesn’t create harmful byproducts during manufacturing.
8. There’s No Leaking
Most types of gutters, such as those made of steel, are often constructed in sections. With this construction, gutters are simpler to transport, unlike their heavier steel counterparts.
Steel and iron gutters are often constructed in sections which can lead to leaks when the joined areas become weak. On the other hand, aluminium gutters are seamless, meaning they are made into individual, long or short pieces which can be attached to the top of the roof. Fewer components mean there’s less risk of leaking.
Final Thoughts
Aluminium gutters have amazing benefits that work toward keeping homes and foundations dry. Common standout features include affordability, ease of installation, customisability, robustness and of course, this material doesn’t rust. Whether you’re upgrading old, worn gutters or you’re building a new home, choosing aluminium gutters is a worthy investment.
