Gutters Useful Life

Most landscaping elements have a life expectancy of 15 to 25.

Gutters useful life.

Aluminum gutters have a life expectancy of 20 years. Don t put bleach on them when you power wash the house because it will eat the enamel. Copper downspouts 100 years. Since downspouts experience less wear and tear than gutters aluminum downspouts may last 30 years.

Galvanized steel gutters and downspouts have an average lifespan of 20 years and vinyl gutters and downspouts can last for 25 years or more. Copper gutters can last the longest putting in 40 or more years of service and copper downspouts can last 100 years. What is the best way to extend the life of my gutters. While installing gutters you should install gutters guard or gutter protection also.

It prevents damage to basements crawlspaces and even siding and windows in some cases. At above right the half round galvanized gutters were painted but have rusted through sagged and are at end of their useful life. Don t put ladders on them when cleaning and keep them clean. Of course the longer lasting materials also cost more.

These fit easly on. Exterior wood shutters are expected to last 20 depending on weather conditions. Copper gutters 50 years. Put sealant in the corners about every five years.

Copper downspouts last 100 or more while aluminum ones will last 30. Most gutters installed today are made of aluminum. As indicated the difference in expected useful life varies with the quality of the materials craftsmanship normal and routine maintenance along with geographical factors and the microclimate of the site.