Aluminum Gutters

You can usually expect about twenty-five years of service from a well-installed system, even with the wild storms we get here in the Ozarks. We like to tell folks that as long as a stray tree limb doesn’t come calling, Aluminum Gutters will keep shedding water long after the kids have moved out. They handle the freeze and thaw cycles of our winters without cracking or getting brittle like plastic alternatives. It is one of those rare parts of a house that works as hard as you do without needing much more than a good cleaning now and again.

Most folks are surprised to learn that you can absolutely freshen them up with a new coat of color if the original finish starts to look a bit tired. We suggest giving the metal a thorough cleaning with a deglosser first so your new paint actually has something to hold onto. Using a high-quality exterior latex on your Aluminum Gutters will prevent peeling and help them blend in with your siding. Just make sure you wait for a day that isn’t too humid, or you’ll be watching the paint dry until next Tuesday.

Taking a pair of offset tin snips to the metal is the cleanest way we know to get a sharp edge without bending the trough out of shape. We usually mark our line with a square and a permanent marker first, then start the cut from the back side and work our way around. If you’re installing Aluminum Gutters yourself, wearing a good pair of gloves is a smart move unless you’re looking to trade some skin for a finished project. A little bit of patience ensures that your miters line up tight and your downspouts actually stay attached when the clouds open up.