How to Tackle Gutter Corrosion: Maintenance and Material Choices
Remember when you were a kid, your parents told you not to leave your bike in the rain because it would get rusty? The metal frame of the bike mixed with moisture can cause the material to corrode, leading to an unsightly appearance and damaging the bike.
Most gutter systems are metal, which could corrode slowly, deteriorating over time. The material of a gutter system matters when it comes to corrosion, and homeowners should choose one that resists corrosion. If you have a gutter system that’s already corroding or you’re in the market for a new system, keep reading to learn how to tackle gutter corrosion with some maintenance tips and material choices to avoid it.
What is Corrosion?
Let’s dive deeper to understand what corrosion is and how it occurs in a gutter system. As previously mentioned, metal corrodes when mixed with moisture. This process is called oxidization when atoms in metal break down and get damaged. When the atoms lose oxygen, the metal is damaged, loses electrons, and deteriorates over time.
Corrosion causes the metal to rust and eat away at the material as it oxidizes. Eventually, the entire surface will be rusty, causing the metal to crack, disintegrate, and disappear. Unfortunately, all components of a gutter system can corrode, including the gutters, downspouts, and every nook and cranny. It poses a danger to any metal structure, especially a gutter system.
Gutter systems can corrode if the material doesn’t have a protective coating to prevent oxidization. They can also rust if a homeowner fails to maintain the gutter system, like removing clogs and cleaning gutters. Since debris inside a gutter, like leaves and pine needles, can hold and trap water, any retained moisture could start corroding the gutters.
Gutter systems exist to protect our homes from drainage issues, but they can’t if the material of the system corrodes. If corrosion has occurred to the material, water will trickle through small holes and cracks in the corroded metal, causing it to fall directly beneath the gutter system. As a result, a damaged foundation, landscaping, and siding could occur.
How to Deal with Corroded Gutters
Do you have corroded gutters? Don’t panic yet – there may be a solution to stop or slow the corrosion process. If you spot rust, contact a professional gutter installation company and inquire about a gutter cleaning repair service. They can assess the corrosion on the gutter system and determine if it needs repair or replacement.
In some cases, you can sand gutter rust to remove the oxidization. Once the rust has been sanded, a primer and new paint should be added to protect the gutter and help its appearance. In some cases, whatever section of the gutter system is corroded can be removed and replaced. Other temporary solutions include filling in rust holes with a caulk or sealant. Again, a gutter installation company that offers a gutter repair service can determine if the gutter needs to be repaired or replaced.
At Home Evolutions VA, we offer a gutter cleaning and repair service that gets your gutters sparkling clean and working again. We can also repair sections of your gutter system that are failing due to corrosion.
Material Choices to Avoid Gutter Corrosion
Material matters when it comes to selecting a gutter system. You can avoid gutter corrosion by installing a gutter system that resists rust. The following materials are great options for avoiding gutter corrosion:
Stainless Steel Gutters
Stainless steel gutters are an option for homeowners who want a strong gutter material without worrying about rust. Steel is one of the strongest materials that withstand severe weather conditions, but unless it’s stainless, it’ll rust. Steer clear of galvanized steel as it lacks the protective layer that prevents rust. However, they have a steep price tag compared to other gutter materials.
Vinyl
Vinyl gutters can be a decent option for homeowners who don’t live in humid climates. Though they resist corrosion since they’re made from plastic and not metal, vinyl gutters should be avoided by homeowners in Central Virginia. Our climate is humid compared to other parts of the country, and with our higher-than-average annual precipitation totals, we need a more durable gutter material.
Heavy-Duty Aluminum
Aluminum gutters are the best choice for homeowners in Lynchburg and surrounding cities. If you install heavy-duty aluminum gutters, they’ll resist corrosion and withstand high humidity levels, heavy rains, strong winds, and other severe weather conditions. Just be sure you install heavy-duty aluminum, not traditional aluminum, which can rust, dent, and show other damage.
Home Evolution VA’s Gutters Resist Corrosion
At Home Evolutions VA, we offer gutter options that resist corroding and rust. Our seamless gutters and guards offer high performance and are made from heavy-duty aluminum. Our Xtreme Mesh Gutter Guard System pairs perfectly with our seamless gutters and is made from surgical-grade stainless steel that resists corrosion.
Another advanced gutter system that resists corrosion is the K-Guard Leaf Free Gutter System. The K-Guard System is a complete system with multiple components that work together to keep debris like leaves and pine needles out so water can flush through the system quickly. With its innovative curved hood and seamless design, K-Guard prevents all debris from entering the gutters, ensuring no clogs can form. It’s made from heavy-duty aluminum that resists corrosion and rust while offering superior protection.
If your home needs gutters installed or you need to replace your existing gutters and want to install gutters that resist corrosion, consider installing seamless gutters and guards or the K-Guard System from Home Evolutions VA.
We’ve been installing and repairing gutter systems for decades with thousands of happy customers in Lynchburg and surrounding areas. We can help with all your home improvement needs, whether you need help with an insurance claim or a quote for installing a new roof or gutter system. We’re here to help every step of the way throughout the entire process. Contact us today for a free estimate!
