If you’ve been searching online for gutter options, you may have come across the term “gauge” pertaining to aluminum gutters. But is this important?
What Is a Gauge?
A gauge is a measure of thickness of materials, such as sheet metal. The thicker the gauge, the stronger the resulting gutters will be. There are, however, a few factors that you should consider before choosing thick-gauge aluminum gutters.
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Cost – Thick-gauge gutters require more aluminum to manufacture, which means the gutters will cost more.
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Weight – The thicker the gutters, the heavier they are. If the gutter hangers are fastened to the fascia, you have to make sure that the hangers are properly installed. Otherwise, the increased weight could damage the roof.
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Processing limitations – Some equipment may not be able to process thick-gauge aluminum. Before you choose your gutter contractors, make sure that they have the right equipment for the job.
Standard Aluminum Gutter Gauges
The following are the three standard aluminum gutter gauges.
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0.025 – This is considered light gauge and usually applies to gutter segments sold in hardware stores. The lighter gauge makes it affordable and easy to install, which is why many DIYers recommend it. These gauge gutters are suitable for homes located in mild climates.
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0.027 – Most gutter contractors offer this gauge as their “standard” offering. It offers a good balance between cost and performance, but may get easily worn out if used in homes where heavy rainfall is the norm.
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0.032 – This is considered the “heavy duty” option that’s ideal for climates that experience heavy rain or snowfall, or for homes with very steep roofs.
Other Considerations
Of course, gauge should not be your only consideration when getting aluminum gutters. Your gutter replacement contractor will also discuss the gutter size relative to conditions like local climate and roof slope. Gutter style – which can either be K-style or half-round – will also be considered as these styles are made, installed and sized differently. Accessories like Gutter Helmet® should also be considered if you are considering having both installed by the same contractor.
For your gutter needs, call Gutter Helmet of Piedmont at (844) 204-1015. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Charlotte, NC, and the surrounding communities.