Aha! The age-old question, plastic or aluminium gutters, what is better?
Aluminium vs Plastic Gutters
Round 1 – Functionality
Regarding to chose betweem aluminium and plastic gutters, first things to know about Britain: a deep understanding that rainfall is amongst the highest in Europe and very likely irrespective of month and season! As Hugh Grant quipped ‘the moral of filmmaking in Britain is that you will be screwed by the weather´. With great weather unpredictability comes great responsibility! British construction has adapted to adverse weather conditions throughout the country, especially when it comes to gutter and roofline systems. Gutter systems should be reliable, robust, and sturdy. Having water dripping down your external walls and windows (otherwise known as homeowner hell) soon allows damp and mould to develop creating more sinister and large problems. Thankfully, these problems only persist when insufficient attention has been paid to the roofline.
Aluminium Gutters and plastic gutters are installed in similar fashion, yet their functionality is rather different. Selecting the most appropriate gutter system is key to ensuring your property is capable of withstanding adverse UK weather conditions. Once installed, a robust aluminium gutter system is durable and has a life of 30 years to 70 years. Conversely, upvc (plastic) gutters have a shelf life of around 10 years meaning it wouldhave to be replaced at least 3 times whilst your aluminium gutter system remains intact and functional.
Environmental factors also favour aluminium. Is it more durable, recyclable and lasts longer which helps contribute to a more sustainable industry.
In terms of functionality, it is a commanding start for Aluminium.
Round 1 Result: Aluminium 1 – 0 Plastic
Round 2 – Price
Price is a subjective concept when it comes to home and commercial builds. Short term and long-term costs are two concepts that can contrast such as in the case of plastic vs aluminium gutter systems. Initially, plastic is significantly cheaper to purchase than aluminium. It is also lighter and therefore can be quicker and easier to install. However, when we weigh up long term costs, aluminium can save money over time. You´ve heard the expression ´buy cheap, buy twice´. An aluminium gutter system, whilst more expensive than plastic, can last a lifetime and therefore presents significant cost savings on building maintenance. It´s neck and neck when it comes to price. Short term cost goes to plastic whilst aluminium is superior when it comes to long term cost savings – a score draw!
Compare prices of our Aluminium Gutters and Pipes here: https://www.aluminiumguttersdirect.co.uk/product-category/aluminium-gutters/beaded-half-round-gutter-clip-fit/112mm-4-5-inch/
Result HT: Aluminium 2 – 1 Plastic
Round 3- Aesthetics
Have you ever looked at a building for the first time and thought wow… something about it is just so…
The devil is in the detail and detail matters. Aluminium rainwater systems are the finishing touch, the cherry on the cake. A building´s character and style are significantly complimented by an aesthetic and suitable aluminium guttering system. They are significantly less susceptible to external factors retaining their elegant and stylish appearance.
Check out some of the projects we have supplied at http://www.staffordrs.co.uk/portfolio/
Result FT – Aluminium 3 – 1 Plastic
A dominating result for Aluminium. Weighing up all the factors suggests aluminium is a clear winner. There are of course varying styles, colours and profiles of aluminium rainwater systems. Every building has its own unique features, and an aluminium gutter and pipe system should compliment those.
We would love to hear your ideas and thoughts. Please let us know what your experiences are with plastic and aluminium gutters. Which system would you choose to install?
If you would like to discuss our aluminium guttering range or any of our products, please email us at sales@aluminiumguttersdirect.co.uk or speak to us directly in the live chat.
