The Properties of Galvanized Steel and Why It Is a Solid Material Choice For Your Gutters
Our customers have a lot of options when it comes to replacing the gutters on their homes or businesses. You can pick styles, colors, and installation options but by far the most thought goes into what material to pick for these features. Some materials are chosen on affordability, others on durability, and others on looks. It's galvanized steel guttering that is a very popular choice for all of the above.
What Is Galvanized Steel?
If you've chosen to go with metal gutters, the two most popular options are galvanized and stainless. Both of these products offer the durability of metal (to avoid hail damage, withstand high winds, etc.) but with unique looks. Metal gutters can be painted and they can also be produced in various styles including seamless in some instances.
The galvanization process involves coating the gutters with a layer of zinc during manufacturing. Other types of products that use galvanization are nails, screws, bolts, and other fasteners. Galvanized steel guttering and fasteners are able to resist corrosion from the elements because of the zinc barrier. The reason galvanized is used for fasteners is because the zinc prevents damage from acidic rain water that would eat right through nails, screws, etc. over time.
Stainless steel is also resistant to rust because it is manufactured by adding chromium to molten metal. There are two main advantages to stainless over galvanized steel guttering. One, many customers prefer the shiny appearance of stainless over the 'spangle' look of galvanized. Two, stainless steel resists salt water better than galvanized which is why it is recommended for marine environments. Of course, stainless steel is also going to cost more than galvanized steel guttering.
Why Customers Should Opt For Galvanized Steel Guttering
Galvanized is one of the more affordable of all the protective steel coatings. The life expectancy on galvanized steel guttering can be up to 50 years or more which means (barring extravagant storms) the galvanized gutters are the last you'll ever put on your home or business. Speaking of storms, galvanized metal does hold up to the elements better and not just because it has the thickness and strength to withstand wind and hail damage. The galvanization process coats every inch of the gutters (including corners, exposed edges, undercarriages, etc) so oxidization and rusting doesn't even get to begin.
Also if you don't like the spangled look of galvanized steel guttering the products can be painted. It's important to prime the surface or use a special type of paint designed for galvanized metal but this ends up being a great DIY project. Not only are you improving the looks and curb appeal of your gutters, you're also adding an extra layer of protection in the form of paint to even further expand the lifespan of the gutters.
For more information about if galvanized gutters are really right for your home in our Chicago climate, feel free to contact our product specialists today or request a free estimate on what it would cost to add galvanized steel guttering to your home or business.