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Originally Posted On: https://clearambershop.com/blogs/trade-and-diy-blog/what-is-the-strongest-guttering
You have a choice:
- An oil-based hard-to-recycle product that lasts 5 years
- A fully recyclable metal product that lasts 60 years
Which would you choose? Most people would naturally select 2, and they’d be right.
So why when faced with the same choice on guttering do most people choose option 1? It seems illogical so let’s unpack the hidden costs of selecting a weak gutter material and discuss which you should use on your home.
Ensuring you choose the strongest guttering for your project is important for two reasons: strength for rain loading and maximum lifespan. Both are equally critical to ensure maximum return for the money you invest in your gutters. A gutter replacement price is made of many elements.
A product that looks great on day one but deteriorates fast will cost you substantially in the end. Below is the quick answer to which material is best.
What is the strongest guttering type?
Aluminium is considered the strongest guttering material as it has excellent strength compared to plastic and great lifespan durability. Other metal guttering types have good initial strength but are susceptible to rust, like steel gutters, which affects their long term performance.
Watch the weight test video below to learn how much weight Aluminium guttering can hold.
What makes a gutter strong?
When comparing the strength of varying guttering materials there are three main factors to consider: material strength, lifespan and design. A gutter can be considered strong if it has a long lifespan and robust properties which prevent it from deteriorating.
For the sake of comparison, there are three main groups of guttering which are metal, plastic and aluminium. Aluminium guttering is a metal gutter, however, is non-ferrous so are distinguished from other metals. With all ferrous metals being grouped together as ‘metal guttering’ such as steel and cast iron.
Ferrous means, containing iron which is a high carbon content metal so very vulnerable to rust. Non-ferrous is the opposite, so higher rust and corrosion resistance.
Let’s run through the three categories of guttering to determine the strength of each one.
How strong is metal guttering?
Naturally metal guttering is a much stronger proposition than plastic guttering, however, not all varieties of metal have the same lifespan.
The manufacturing process and design used for the guttering have a large effect on its strength. For example, steel gutters are simply thin steel sheets which are rolled into shape so these gutters have less strength than an extruded aluminium gutter. The wall thickness is another strength factor.
The biggest factor that decides the strength of a rainwater gutter system is whether it is a ferrous or non-ferrous metal. Most metal looks the same on day one but as the impact of rain and wind take hold corrosion can become a risk in the coming years – if you choose a ferrous metal.
Metals like steel and cast iron are very prone to rusting which not only looks unsightly but reduces the material strength over time.
Even a protective coating has a temporary effect and stalls rather than solves the corrosion risk. Especially on the cut ends of parts.
How strong is an aluminium gutter?
Aluminium guttering is at the top end of strength, not only being a robust metal but having excellent durability for a long lifespan.
Unlike steel or cast iron, aluminium is non-ferrous so does not rust over time – a huge advantage for longevity!
Additionally, the design of modern systems is very robust with some able to hold up to 50kg per metre. Popular systems like Aluflow® have a good wall thickness for maximum toughness on all components.
The difference between a plastic and aluminium downpipe, for example, is night and day.
The patented Aluflow® Guttering system has been produced with unique features like a stylish bead on the front lip to enhance its strength even further.
Like to see how strong and stunning Aluflow is for yourself? Click here to claim your FREE Aluflow Aluminium Gutter Sample.
The best guttering systems have fully aluminium components with no plastic parts which creates an all-round robust installation with no weak points.
How strong is plastic guttering?
Unsurprisingly, plastic guttering is the weakest gutter choice available with low rigidity, discolouration and a short lifespan.
It goes without saying that PVC isn’t nearly as strong as metal. However, the main reason for plastic guttering’s weakness is the speed at which it discolours and becomes brittle due to UV light. As the sun’s rays hit the plastic it discolours and weakens the material. This then leads to brittleness which creates cracks and leaks.
On dark coloured plastic gutters discolouration can occur in as little as two years!
When there are now affordable aluminium guttering systems available on the market it makes less and less sense to install plastic gutters, except for on small projects.
Why is steel guttering not strong?
Steel guttering has medium strength initially, not quite as much as aluminium, however, isn’t considered a strong long-lasting gutter because it has large rusting risks.
The risk of rusting in steel, such as lindab guttering, is especially consequential if you are installing near the sea or marine environments.
Metal vs Aluminium vs Plastic Guttering
To conclude, the strength of a gutter is essential for a long lifespan and to endure any rain or ice loading. Aluminium guttering is the strongest guttering type available being materially strong, having no rust risk and an exceptional lifespan. It is a superb performer whichever way you compare it.
All types of metal guttering are averagely strong materially but are disadvantaged by the rust and corrosion risk when a ferrous metal.
On the other hand, plastic guttering is by far the weakest type sold today as not only does it have below-par material strength but it degrades fast. Brittleness and discoloration are common issues on plastic guttering installations particularly so when in the sun.
