K-style and box-style gutters are great for homes in areas with heavy rain and snow since they can handle large volumes of water. Seamed gutters are affordable and easy to install but prone to leaks. Aluminum and vinyl are excellent low-cost gutter materials; copper and zinc are more expensive but longer-lasting.

Situated around the top edge of a gutter, a gutter crown is essentially a form of molding.

If you're really on a tight budget, go for vinyl gutters. This is the cheapest material available for gutters, costing $4 to $7 per linear foot.

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.