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10 Types of Rain Gutters and How to Choose One

July 1, 2024 | by empiregutters

A rain gutter hanger in Vancouver is a must because of the rain and snowfall that the location experiences around the year. If you are naive with the term rain gutter, let us give you a little bit of information about it.

A rain gutter is typically a gutter system installed on a house's roof to collect rainwater and direct it safely to the ground. The gutter is connected to a pipe or downspout, as its primary purpose is to safely drain water away from the ground and the foundation. In the absence of the whole system, the roof of the house will start collecting rainwater. When water sits on the roof for an extended period, it will also begin to damage the house’s interiors. Similarly, when the water overflows, it will fall on the foundation, eroding the soil beneath the house. Therefore, a gutter system is essential to protect your house from damage.

While people used to install gutters in the past to protect their houses, the picture is now different. Today, most homeowners want a gutter that not only protects their house but also complements the home’s exterior. In this regard, several options are available for selection.

You can choose from materials, designs, and even color options. So, when you are out there to choose a rain gutter in Vancouver for your home, you can browse through diverse possibilities. Now, if you are new to this category, let us help you understand the various rain gutters available.

1. Seamed Rain Gutters

The first type is the seamed gutter. It is the perfect example of a rain gutter hanger in Vancouver. These are typically sectional gutters that are attached to the roof with the aid of hangers. You will find these gutters in a specific measurement of 10 feet. These gutters are available in various styles, including box style, K-style, custom fascia style, and more. You can choose from various materials, including vinyl, galvanized steel, zinc, aluminum, and copper, among others.

One of the most common reasons for installing this gutter style is its repair and maintenance. As the gutter is installed in 10-foot sections, you can replace the damaged sections in place of replacing the whole gutter.

This gutter style is affordable because it can be installed by you. However, the cost and installation will also depend upon the material that you choose. For example, if you choose materials such as zinc, copper, or galvanized steel, you will need professional help.

2. Seamless Gutters

As the name suggests, seamless gutters do not have seams. They are available in a single piece. The only material in which seamless gutters are available is in rolled aluminum. The professionals take measurements of your roof and then cut out the rolled aluminum sheet to customize the gutter accordingly. These gutters are more expensive because they require a professional to install them. However, most homeowners prefer this type of gutter because it looks more minimal compared to seamed gutters. Also, these gutters are more prone to leaks.

3. Half Round Gutters

These are more traditional gutter systems, half-round in shape, and are connected at the end of the fascia. If you want to install a rain hanger in Vancouver for a house with traditional architecture, this type is a wonderful option to consider. These gutters are primarily constructed from materials such as zinc and copper.

These gutter styles fall in the category of premium products, so they are expensive by nature. Also, as these are made up of premium materials, you will need a professional to install the gutter system on your home’s roof.

4. K-Style Gutters

K-style is another gutter style that resembles the half-round style gutter. The only difference between the gutter systems is in shape. These gutters are constructed in the form of a K to collect more water than the half-round shaped gutters. Apart from the advantage that the K-style gutter has over the half-round gutters, it has some disadvantages compared to the traditional half-round gutters.

The K-shaped gutters often catch up more debris along with water, which leads to clogging of the drain. The upper part of the gutter can catch mold, leading to damage to the fascia and wall. Therefore, if you are installing a K-style gutter system, you must pay special attention to the gutter's cleaning. One of the best things you can do is install a gutter cover over the system to prevent debris from entering the gutter. This gutter in house is a great solution for a location with heavy rainfall or snow.

5. Custom Fascia Gutters

If you have a home with a contemporary appearance, you should consider a gutter system that complements its style. In such cases, a custom fascia gutter system is a great option to consider. These gutters will have a height almost similar to the K-style gutters. However, they are much narrower to fit best in the fascia.

As these are custom-made gutters, you should contact a professional who will take care of the necessary work for you. The professionals will cut out the gutter from an aluminum roll and will create the gutter accordingly to install. It is because of its installation and other factors that it is much more expensive than many other gutter options available.

When installing a custom fascia gutter, it is essential to be very careful about its maintenance. Cleaning these gutter systems can be extremely difficult. At times, you may even have to call up the experts to clean up the mess in the gutter.

6. Box-Style Gutters

These gutter systems are usually large in size and heavy-duty in nature. These are extremely durable and especially made for commercial and industrial buildings. However, these days, many residential complexes are also using these gutters due to their durable nature and high water storage capacity. The gutters can hold a significant amount of water due to their large size. These gutters are so bulky that they can easily hold water after a heavy thunderstorm or even snowfall.

If you plan to install a box-styled gutter, it is recommended that you contact professionals for assistance. These gutters are installed under the shingles of your roof due to their bulky pattern. The professionals will install it under the gutter drip edge in a way that allows it to collect all the water with ease. Moreover, if you have a huge house and want to protect your property from heavy rainfall, this gutter style can be your favorite option. You do not have to worry about the looks as they go pretty well with every modern architecture.

7. Vinyl Gutters

When you are looking forward to installing the gutter system all by yourself, this particular style is the best option. Many homeowners today prefer this gutter system because it is more affordable compared to other styles. Usually, you will find these vinyl gutters in white. However, now you can even find them in diverse color options such as green, brown, and many others. So, go for a vinyl option when you are looking for impressive types of gutters.

These gutters are known for their durability, inexpensiveness, and style. You can expect these gutters to last between 10 and 20 years, depending on their usage. The expense of the gutters depends on the installation method. This means you can save on the cost if you are installing it yourself. However, you will undoubtedly have to pay more if you are seeking professional help for the same.

One of the major advantages of a vinyl gutter system is its low maintenance requirements. When you get a dent in a vinyl gutter, you do not have to worry much because it can pop up on its own. On the other hand, it also has certain disadvantages, such as its heavy texture. The vinyl structure is heavier than the aluminum gutter. So, when the vinyl gutter has gathered enough water, it can cause pressure on the roof’s fascia.

8. Aluminum Gutters

Aluminum gutters are similar to aluminum gutters systems in several ways. First of all, it is highly durable, and you can expect it to last for approximately 20 to 30 years. Another reason why people prefer this material is its availability. It is highly available, so you don't have to wait to start working on the gutter system. Similar to the vinyl gutters, you can now get aluminum gutters in a diverse number of color options. Usually, aluminum is available in a single color, you can get a paint of your choice to provide it with a colorful style.

When you install the aluminum gutter by yourself, you can purchase the sheet at a low price of $2 per foot. However, the price can increase when you are getting professional help. Of course, seeking professional help will have its benefits, such as achieving better installation results, saving time and effort, and more.

One point in which aluminum gutter differs from vinyl gutter is its maintenance. While vented vinyl gutters can pop up on their own, the aluminum gutter will require manual intervention for repair. Even after repair, the aluminum surface may not appear as it did originally. As a result, in the event of massive damage, you must replace the entire gutter rather than repairing it.

9. Galvanized Steel Gutters

Another material that is durable, similar to vinyl and aluminum is steel. So, today, many homeowners also prefer to get a galvanized steel gutter system because it can last over 20 to 30 years. Of course, the durability also depends on how you maintain the gutter system. One of the major advantages of galvanized steel gutter is that it is rust-resistant. It remains strong against various weather conditions, including rainfall, storms, and others.

To install galvanized steel gutters, it is recommended to call a professional, as these gutter systems require soldering work. This often results in higher pricing for galvanized steel gutter systems compared to aluminum or vinyl gutters.

Galvanized steel material is more effective at resisting dents. Similar to aluminum, galvanized steel also requires manual repair in case of dents. Moreover, vinyl gutters are considered better than galvanized steel in terms of repair and expense

10. Copper or Zinc Gutters

When you are looking for a pure metal gutter system without any powdering, consider copper or zinc gutters. These natural metals are great to look at and also has natural properties to become a great choice for your gutter system.

Zinc is one of the best materials to create highly durable gutters. If you are seeking professional help, you can expect a zinc gutter to last more than 80 years. These gutters are rust-resistant and have a quality to safeguard them against scratches and similar damage. You should consult with a professional before installing a zinc gutter system. It is salt can often damage zinc. If the surrounding air is rich in salt, you should not consider installing a zinc gutter. These gutters are also not recommended for homes with cedar shingle roofs.

Lastly, copper is another premium metal that is highly used for gutter systems. As it is used to create pipelines, it is also preferred as the best option for gutter systems. It is resistant to rust and several weather conditions. However, one drawback to consider is that you cannot install a copper gutter on your own. You will need to seek professional assistance to install the copper gutter. If you have the gutter system installed professionally and maintain it properly, you can expect the gutter system to last for over 100 years. The primary issue with copper gutters is their high cost.

There are numerous gutter options available for your house. You should know how to pick the right one based on various factors. For example, if you want to install a rain gutter hanger in Vancouver on your own, you can choose the seamed gutter system. Similarly, if you are looking for a highly durable gutter system, consider metal options such as galvanized steel, copper, or zinc.

If you are conscious about the appearance of your house exterior and wish to get a pop of color, you can choose between vinyl and aluminum. Again, if you stay in a location with heavy rainfall, you should consider installing a K-style or box-style gutter to hold more water. Similarly, gutter hangers fascia on house is a great option for a customized gutter system.

Select the right gutter system based on several factors to suit your specific requirements. If you are unsure which option is best suited for your house, you can always consult a professional for a suggestion.

Last updated: October 2025