Fall is here my friends, and chances are you’ll want to make sure your gutters are ready for the Winter season. If you haven’t already done so, we recommend that you survey your gutters for gutter damage, leaking, and for gunk-filled clogs.

If you find that your gutters aren’t doing the job and need new gutters, how do you choose?

To help you decide, we’ve compiled a quick guide to selecting gutters based on some basic questions. Your location, budget, decorative tastes, and the nature of your project will determine your choice of gutters.

Question #1 – Where do you live?

For places with a warm climate and intense sun, vinyl gutters are a great choice. Think about getting them in white to deflect sunlight.

For cold climate areas we recommend aluminum gutters because they really maintain their strength and integrity in extreme cold. On the other hand, you should stay away from vinyl gutters, which tend to become brittle in cold climates.

Question #2 - How much do you want to spend?

Let’s be optimistic and say that you have a nice budget to work with. Seamless gutters are always more expensive than sectional gutters because they are built on-site with a special machine. They are also more difficult to install, but are less likely to leak.

At up to $20 per linear foot, stainless steel and copper gutters are most likely going to cost more then any other gutter material. These materials are high-end and very durable so they won’t rot or rust. If copper is too pricey, but you simply must have the copper look, there is a faux-copper gutter made of aluminum called “Musket Brown” that sells for $9 per linear foot.

Pricewise, aluminum gutters are very popular because they do not rust, are lightweight, and cost anywhere from $5-$9 per linear foot.

Questions #3 – What is the nature of your project?

This is probably the most important question to ask as you search for the right gutter system. Why do you need new gutters? Are you upgrading the gutters on your dream home? Are you upgrading the gutters on a home you want to put on the market soon?

If this is your dream home, we recommend choosing something like a half-round, seamless gutter made of a high-end material like stainless steel or copper. These gutters will be charming and elegant. Your home will be a reminder of times when gutters were a warm accent to a home.

Conversely, for a home you might be selling soon, vinyl gutters are quick and easy to install, reasonably priced, and have all of the functionality you need.

Questions #4 – What are your decorative tastes?

Steel and sectional aluminum gutters come in dozens of colors. Your neighbors would appreciate it if you pick a gutter color that goes well with your house color and trim.

For a traditional look, copper gutters are a popular choice. You can add more charm by choosing a U-shaped or half-round gutter shape instead of the generic K-shaped style.

No one wants to think much about their gutters. A great way to never think about your gutters again after installation is to have gutter protection installed at the same time as your gutters.