There are four types of aluminium guttering available in the UK market (seamless aluminium, pressed sheet aluminium, cast aluminium and extruded aluminium). For this comparison we will be comparing pressed, cast and extruded aluminium guttering systems with other material options.
Which is better aluminium or steel gutters?
Life expectancy – Steel gutters will last approximately 5-10 years before visible corrosion sets in and 20 years before replacement. An aluminium system can last 25 years before repainting and 50 years before replacement.
Maintenance frequency and environmental conditions will also play a part in how long the systems last. It is recommended for both system types that they are inspected annually and are washed down with clean water to remove any built-up grime and debris.
Cost – The initial cost of steel and aluminium systems are comparable in price but generally plain steel is slightly cheaper. Some steel gutter manufacturers also offer a more expensive galvanised option for increased rust protection.
Appearance – Aluminium gutter systems are available in a huge range of shapes, sizes and colours. Traditional styles are suited to period style properties whilst simplistic contemporary profiles are available for modern building design. Aluminium fascia and soffit systems are a further option available in the same colours to match.
Steel guttering systems with rolled fronts are common in Scandinavia and Europe. The design is particularly suited to industrial and modern building design.
Strength - Steel gutters are robust and stand up well to sliding snow damage whilst seamless aluminium systems are more resistant to corrosion but can suffer impact damage. Extruded and cast aluminium gutters are manufactured with increased material thickness and combine the two factors.
Installation - Steel gutters are easy to install using wrap around jointers that clip into position, compressing the rubber seals in place.
Alugutter systems are designed with jointers that also click into place compressing the foam gaskets but for extra durability, a bead of specialist low modulus silicone sealant is applied between the joint surfaces. The silicone, whilst bonding the two surfaces together, will ensure that the joint remains leak free for much longer with its greater resistance to age hardening and perishing.
Environmental – Both steel and aluminium systems have very good environmental qualities with both being fully recyclable.
Colour Options – Alugutter systems are offered in 11 standard colours but with the further option of coating to any RAL or BS colour code. Steel systems are usually offered in a range of 7 colours.
Aluminium vs Steel Gutters Overview
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Steel Gutters |
Aluminium Gutters |
|
Average life expectancy before replacement |
15 - 20 years |
50+ Years |
|
Decorative life of finish |
10 Years |
25 years |
|
Strength |
Robust |
Robust |
|
Cost (approx. per 1m) |
£23 |
£29 |
|
Environmental |
Recyclable |
Infinitely recyclable |
|
Colour options |
Limited |
Unlimited |
|
Fire Rating |
A2-s1,d0 |
A2-s1,d0 |
|
Jointing System |
Rubber |
Rubber and silicone |
Which is better aluminium or plastic gutters?
Life expectancy – High end plastic gutters will last in excess of 20 years, but notable colour fade is common on darker colours. Plastic systems are durable in mild climates, but cold and hot weather variations will lead to contraction and expansion causing the system to become brittle and prone to cracking.
Aluminium gutter systems are suitable for all climates with very little thermal movement. The system can last more than 50 years with little maintenance.
Cost – Plastic systems are by far the most common type of guttering used in the UK and this is primarily down to initial cost. Yet, other material types are becoming more commonplace offering more flexibility in design and as we become more environmentally conscious.
Appearance – Plastic systems are available in various shapes and colours but are quite limited. Aluminium gutters offer far more in terms profiles and colour choice.
Strength – Plastic gutters tend to flex well when accidently caught with ladders but cannot match the strength of an aluminium system.
Installation – Plastic gutters are the easiest type of system to install. Gutters can be cut to size with a hand saw and fittings are clipped into place.
Alugutter systems have been designed with the installer in mind. For our snap fit systems, silicone sealant is applied and contained between two compression strips and jointers clipped into position.
Environmental – It is well documented the effects that plastics have on the environment as they are manufactured from fossil fuels. uPVC can be recycled but only a limited number of times. Aluminium on the other hand is widely recycled without loss of quality. As an elemental material it is 100% sustainable.
Colour Options – Alugutter systems are offered in 11 standard colours but with the further option of coating to any RAL or BS colour code. Plastic systems tend to be offered in white, black, brown and grey.
Aluminium vs Plastic Gutters Overview
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Plastic Gutters |
Aluminium Gutters |
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Average life expectancy before replacement |
20 years |
50+ Years |
|
Decorative life of finish |
10 Years |
25 years |
|
Strength |
Moderate |
Robust |
|
Cost (approx. per 1m) |
£10 |
£29 |
|
Environmental |
Recyclable |
Infinitely recyclable |
|
Colour options |
Limited |
Unlimited |
|
Fire Rating |
Class D (limited use) |
A2-s1,d0 |
|
Jointing System |
Rubber |
Rubber and silicone |
Which is better aluminium or cast iron gutters?
Life expectancy – Cast iron has a proven track record for longevity. The system will last in excess of 50 years but requires regular maintenance to do so. To prevent the system from rusting, protective exterior grade paint should be applied every 10 years or so.
Aluminium does not rust and the use of marine grade aluminium in all our components provides long term durability even in the harshest of environments. Architectural grade powder paint also reduces maintenance needs with a life expectancy of approx. 25 years.
Cost – Cast iron gutter systems are expensive at nearly 50% more than a like for like aluminium system.
Appearance – There are three main profiles available for cast iron gutter systems which are all designed for period properties. Aluminium gutters are available that are identical replicas of the cast iron systems and are completely interchangeable.
Strength – Cast iron systems are very strong and resistant to impact damage but can be susceptible to cracking if water freezes inside them. Aluminium is also strong but more malleable meaning the system is far less likely to suffer freeze and thaw damage.
Installation – Cast iron systems are very heavy which is a health and safety consideration for installers. Joints are often silicone sealed and bolted together.
Aluminium is a much lighter material posing less risk to installers during installation. It is also easier to cut down to required sizes.
Environmental – Similar to aluminium, cast iron can be infinitely recycled.
Colour Options – Both aluminium and cast iron gutter systems can be decoratively finished in just about any paint colour.
Aluminium vs Cast Iron Gutters Overview
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|
Cast Iron Gutters |
Aluminium Gutters |
|
Average life expectancy before replacement |
50+ years |
50+ Years |
|
Decorative life of finish |
10 Years |
25 years |
|
Strength |
Robust |
Robust |
|
Cost (approx. per 1m) |
£45 |
£29 |
|
Environmental |
Infinitely Recyclable |
Infinitely recyclable |
|
Colour options |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
|
Fire Rating |
A2-s1,d0 |
A2-s1,d0 |
|
Jointing System |
Rubber and silicone |
Rubber and silicone |
Pros and Cons of Aluminium Gutters
Pros
- Wide range of colours, sizes and profiles available.
- 50 year plus service life.
- Suitable for all environments.
- Good colour stability.
- Excellent environmental credentials.
- Robust.
- Requires little maintenance.
- Manufactured from non-combustible material and can be used without limitation.
Cons
- Initial costs – can be more expensive than other material choices.
Pros and Cons of Steel Gutters
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive.
- Easy to install.
- Can be galvanised to offer increased rust protection but cost also increases.
- Robust.
- Manufactured from non-combustible material and can be used without limitation.
Cons
- Will not last as long as other material options.
- Can be prone to rusting especially at cut edges if untreated.
Pros and Cons of Plastic Gutters
Pros
- Cheapest material option.
- Easy to install.
- Reasonable service life.
Cons
- Will not last as long as other material options.
- Environmental impact.
- Colour fade.
- Can be prone to cracking in cold or warmer environments.
- Limited profile and colour options.
Pros and Cons of Cast Iron Gutters
Pros
- Long service life.
- Wide range of colours.
- Very Strong.
Cons
- Regular maintenance required when compared to other materials.
- Limited profile options.