PVC Vs. Seamless Gutter

PVC Gutters

• PVC gutters go by the name of vinyl gutters -- PVC stands for poly vinyl chloride. Technically made from a type of plastic formed by hardened PVC resin, vinyl gutters prove impervious to corrosion from water or other weather sources. Because of this, vinyl gutters never rust and last for a very long time. However, vinyl gutters can become brittle over time. If brittle, they may break under strong pressure from a falling tree branch or a similar source of strain.

Seamless Gutters

• Seamless gutters are exactly what their name implies: gutters without seams. This means that each face of your house with a gutter has one made from a single piece of material, rather than sections attached to one another. Seams only exist on seamless gutters at the corners, where they meet other gutters or drains. Because seamless gutters have no seams, they only leak if something punches a hole or tear in them. There are many types of seamless gutters on the market, including aluminum, steel and copper. Manufacturers coat these metals in a protective layer to help prevent rust.

PVC Vs. Seamless

• PVC resin can be molded into almost any shape and size. Because of this, manufacturers can create sectional vinyl gutters or seamless gutters. Technically speaking, vinyl, or PVC, gutters are seamless gutters if made from one continuous piece of material. However, when contractors or other professionals advertise seamless gutters, this usually means coated aluminum gutters. Coated metal gutters provide more color options than vinyl gutters and may last longer if well made. Always ask a contractor about the materials they use and your options when looking into seamless gutters.

Installation

• Installing vinyl gutters is relatively simple for the average do-it-yourselfer. You can purchase sections of vinyl gutters at most home improvement retailers or through an online source and, with the right tools, install them yourself. The material used in these gutters cuts easily so you can shape them to your needs. However, to install seamless vinyl gutters yourself you must acquire huge pieces of material. Installing coated metal seamless gutters requires professional expertise. The installer will measure your home, custom-make seamless gutters specific to your home’s dimensions and install them for you. Because of the complexity of this process, coated metal seamless gutters invariably cost more than vinyl gutters.