The gutter plays an important role in evacuating water from the roofs of carports, garden sheds or terraces. It prevents the accumulation of water, its stagnation and allows rainwater to flow properly. Different materials are available to you when choosing your gutter. Zinc and plastic models are particularly popular. Here is a closer look at the special characteristics of each of these two materials and their advantages and disadvantages.
How to choose the right gutter?
How to choose the right gutter in terms of size, material and shape for your construction project? Many people in the process of building their house are concerned by this question. It is a question of measuring the surface of its roof, the amount of precipitation in order to be able to calculate the runoff of river water. Sometimes you even have to enter a runoff coefficient.
There are calculators online to calculate the right size for your gutter.
The shapes of gutters are variable. This is mostly an aesthetic issue. The semicircular shape is certainly the most used, it ensures the fastest possible water drainage and the best self-cleaning.
Once you have determined the length and shape of your gutter, you will need to consider the question of the material to select: rather metal like zinc or rather plastic? Of course, metal gutters are the ones that will have the longest life. There is not only zinc, you can also find gutters made of galvanized sheet steel, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel or even copper. Your most important decision criteria should be price, appearance and lifespan. Zinc and titanium are the most commonly used metals and arguably those with the widest range of accessories. The cheapest is bare aluminum, but it has some drawbacks. Stainless steel and copper gutters are premium products. They therefore have a very high price, a very long life and an attractive appearance.
When installing your gutter, you should pay attention to the fittings and joints, because dripping gutters can not only be annoying, but can also damage your facade. Below you will find an overview of the properties but also the advantages and disadvantages of a zinc gutter and a plastic gutter.
Zinc gutter
Zinc is perhaps the most commonly used material for gutters. The main reason for this is the excellent price-performance ratio. Zinc gutters are relatively inexpensive and often last for decades. After the zinc gutters have been exposed to the elements for a period of time, they can be painted in the color of your choice. If you do without it, a patina will form on the surface. The environmental compatibility of zinc should also be emphasized. The zinc recycling rate is 95%. This means that you can change your gutter at the end of its lifespan with a clear conscience. The only downside to zinc gutters is their somewhat complex assembly. The gutters are welded and therefore precisely shaped. This requires the hand of a specialist.
Advantages
- You can choose the color of your gutter.
- The zinc gutter is one of the least expensive to buy.
- It is expected to last a long time.
- It is possible to make a custom assembly.
Inconvenience
- If you want to accessorize your zinc gutter, make it an integral part of your decoration, it is better to have it installed by a professional.
- If you live by the sea, give up a zinc gutter because the iodized air oxidizes this metal very quickly.
plastic gutter
If you want to install your gutter yourself, a plastic model is the best choice. The individual parts are particularly light and can usually be simply put together. Special installation skills are therefore not required. Additionally, plastic gutters are quite inexpensive and come in a variety of colors. A disadvantage of this gutter material is the not so noble impression it gives. In addition, plastic tends to have flaws from an ecological point of view.
Advantages
- Montage simple possible.
- Cheap to buy.
- Wide variety of colors
- Low gutter weight
Disadvantages
- Poor visual quality
- Ecological incompatibility