Copper is durable and doesn't rust, lasting 50 years or more in ideal conditions. Galvanized steel: These gutters are zinc-coated, a process that strengthens the material's resistance to rust and corrosion. Steel gutters often last longer than aluminum gutters, but they are heavy and difficult to install.

For the price, you get gutters that resist dings and leaks, in addition to damage associated with severe weather events. These things are heavy, so installation and repairs are time-consuming, upping the labor costs.

Gutters are an essential part of any home. They ensure water properly drains off of your roof, helping to protect the roof, siding, landscaping, and foundation from water damage. On average, gutters need to be replaced every 20 years.

Most professional gutter contractors work with 0.027, which is 27-thousandths of an inch thick. Better is 0.032, which has noticeably more heft and will outlast the thinner stuff.