When selecting a rainwater system, numerous factors must be evaluated, including cost, maintenance requirements, and installation complexity. Additional considerations include the lifespan of aluminium gutters, their overall cost, potential disadvantages, maintenance needs, installation process, environmental benefits, available profiles, colour options, overpainting possibilities, and fire ratings. Aluminium gutters provide robust protection against water ingress when specified and installed correctly, offering durability, minimal upkeep, and enhanced aesthetic appeal.
How Long Will an Aluminium Gutter System Last?
Aluminium is frequently utilised in applications demanding high corrosion resistance and longevity, such as vehicle bodies, aircraft, ship hulls, and oil rigs.
Specifying the appropriate grade of aluminium is essential to extend the system's lifespan, as inferior grades can significantly diminish durability.
Alugutter products employ high-grade materials: LM6 grade aluminium for cast components and 6063 T6 hardened aluminium for extrusions. This ensures exceptional robustness and corrosion resistance, even in challenging environments.
The applied paint system consists of a baked-on exterior-grade architectural polyester powder coating, providing a durable finish that endures for many years.
All Alugutter products offer a functional life expectancy of approximately 50 years with minimal maintenance. The polyester powder coating delivers a decorative finish exceeding 25 years. Upon reaching the end of the decorative life, the gutters can be overpainted with a suitable metal paint.
The table below outlines the approximate life expectancy of popular gutter materials.
| Material | Material Life Expectancy | Decorative Life Expectancy |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium (cast / extruded) | 50 years + | 25 years |
| Seamless Aluminium | 20 years | 20 years |
| Cast Iron | 50 years + | 10 years |
| Galvanised Steel | 20 years | 10 years |
| Plastic | 20 years | 5-10 years |
How Much Does Aluminium Guttering Cost?
Aluminium guttering typically exceeds the cost of PVCu equivalents and aligns with galvanised steel systems. Given the 50-year functional life expectancy of aluminium gutters, they outperform other materials in longevity, yielding superior long-term value.
Installation costs for aluminium systems are marginally higher than PVCu due to the application of high-performance silicone sealant in joints. This low-modulus sealant remains elastic to accommodate thermal expansion and does not harden or degrade as rapidly as rubberised seals, ensuring prolonged leak-free performance.
| Material | General Material Cost per 1m |
|---|---|
| Aluminium | £30 |
| Cast Iron | £45 |
| Galvanised Steel | £25 |
| Plastic (premium textured finish) | £30 |
| Plastic | £10 |
*Prices based on 2026 market data.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Gutters on a Three-Bedroom Semi-Detached House?
Costs for gutter replacement vary according to property size, selected profile, and location. For a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house in the UK, requiring approximately 20-30 metres of guttering plus associated fittings and downpipes, anticipate £900-£1,500 for materials and professional installation using aluminium systems. This estimate includes standard profiles and accounts for removal of existing gutters. For a tailored quotation, use our gutter and downpipe take-off tool or browse our aluminium gutters collection.
What Are the Disadvantages of Aluminium Gutters?
Aluminium gutters present numerous advantages, yet potential drawbacks should be considered for informed selection.
- Higher initial cost relative to PVCu options, though mitigated by extended lifespan and reduced maintenance.
- Susceptibility to denting from heavy impacts, although high-grade alloys such as 6063 T6 minimise this risk.
- In coastal regions, more frequent cleaning may be required to counteract salt accumulation.
Maintenance Requirements for Aluminium Gutters
Powder-coated aluminium rainwater systems demonstrate proven durability with minimal maintenance demands.
This attribute contributes to their widespread use in industrial and commercial settings, including high-rise structures, office buildings, schools, churches, and retail facilities, where they yield substantial savings compared to alternative materials.
Periodic cleaning of aluminium gutters is advisable, akin to aluminium windows and other painted surfaces, to maintain appearance.
Rainwater typically removes light grime. For pollutants or salt in marine environments, fresh water and a soft brush suffice to restore the original finish.
Annual inspection, or biannual in coastal areas, is recommended to clean the system, verify joint integrity, and remove debris.
Common Myths About Aluminium Gutters
Several misconceptions surround aluminium gutters, which can be addressed as follows.
Why should aluminium be avoided? No valid reason exists to avoid aluminium; misconceptions often arise from confusion with lower-grade materials. Alugutter systems utilise high-grade alloys for superior performance, outperforming alternatives in durability and environmental impact.
Do aluminium gutters rot? Aluminium does not rot or corrode like wood or certain metals. With appropriate powder coating, it withstands environmental degradation for decades.
Are Aluminium Gutters Difficult to Install?
Alugutter systems incorporate advanced manufacturing techniques and design features for straightforward installation.
A competent tradesperson or DIY practitioner can perform installation by adhering to our comprehensive installation guides.
Gutter lengths can be cut using a hacksaw with an 18-teeth-per-inch blade, a circular saw with an aluminium-specific blade, or an angle grinder fitted with a thin cutting blade. The angle grinder method is the most common; dipping the blade in tallow speeds up the cutting process and results in a neater cut.
Snap-fit systems assemble similarly to PVCu gutters, with low-modulus silicone sealant applied to joints for longevity.
Recommended fixings are A2-grade stainless steel to prevent bi-metallic corrosion and are available on our website.
What Are the Environmental Credentials of Aluminium?
Aluminium ranks among the most sustainable metals available. Utilised for over 125 years, 75% of produced aluminium remains in circulation. As an elemental material, it is infinitely recyclable without property degradation, maintaining high scrap values and preventing landfill disposal. Recycled aluminium requires only 5% of the energy for primary production.
Aluminium Gutter Profiles and Colour Options
Alugutter provides standard profiles, including options suitable for various architectural needs. Bespoke designs formed from aluminium sheet are also available upon request.
Colour selection is vital for projects. Systems are offered in an extensive range of standard colours, such as RAL 7016 Anthracite Grey and Textured Black. Custom coatings to any RAL or BS colour are possible for an additional fee.
Can Aluminium Guttering and Downpipes Be Overpainted?
After extended service, when the paint lustre diminishes, surfaces can be overpainted with quality metal paint.
First, abrade lightly to remove loose paint, then clean in preparation for primer.
Apply a suitable metal primer, allow drying, and follow with paint per manufacturer guidelines.
Fire Rating of Aluminium Guttering and Downpipes
Aluminium does not combust, classified as non-combustible under BS476-4 and Class A1 per European standards.
Polyester powder coatings achieve A2-s1, d0 under EN13501-1.
These attributes ensure compliance with Approved Document B, permitting unrestricted use on buildings.
For additional details, visit www.alugutter.co.uk or telephone 01234 958 659, where our technical team will assist.
About the Author: Brian Bell is a joint owner of Alugutter, with over 25 years of experience as a technical expert and product designer. Prior to founding Alugutter, he served as head of technical services at a multinational organisation. He has contributed to BS EN standards committees, developing new standards to enhance product quality and compliance. Additionally, he is an accomplished metal fabricator and welder, specialising in aluminium systems.