The Best Gutters for a Metal Roof

The best type of gutters for your metal roof will depend on your budget, climate, and the look you want for your home. Discover your gutter options and which may be best for your home in our guide.

Metal roofs are known for their durability, longevity, and sleek appearance. However, even these robust roofing systems need proper water management to protect your home’s foundation and landscaping. Gutters channel water away from your property, preventing erosion and potential water damage. This guide will explore the best gutter options for metal roofs, installation techniques, and maintenance tips to help you make an informed decision for your home.

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Why Metal Roofs Need Gutters

Due to their smooth surface, metal roofs are highly efficient at shedding water. While this is generally beneficial, it can lead to problems if the water isn’t properly managed. Without gutters, large volumes of water cascading off your roof can cause soil erosion around your home’s foundation, damage landscaping, and potentially lead to basement flooding.

Additionally, in colder climates, the rapid melting of snow on metal roofs can create ice dams at the eaves if not properly channeled away. Gutters help prevent these issues by collecting and directing water away from your home’s foundation, protecting your property from water-related damage.

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Types of Gutters for Metal Roofs

When choosing gutters for your metal roof, it’s essential to select materials that complement your roof’s durability and aesthetics. Here are some popular gutter materials that work well with metal roofs:

Aluminum Gutters

Aluminum gutters are a good option for homeowners who want metal gutters at an affordable price. They’re suitable for homes in relatively mild climates that don’t experience extreme weather conditions, as they don’t hold up well against high winds or heavy rains.

Pros

• They’re lightweight and relatively easy to install if you take a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach.
  
• They come in a wide range of colors, making them easy to match to your metal roof.

Cons

• Aluminum isn’t as durable as metal, so your aluminum gutters can dent or scratch more quickly than your roof.
  
• They may not hold up as well if you live in an area with heavy snowfall or hail, as these weather conditions can cause rust spots if the gutters scratch, chip, or dent.

Copper Gutters

Copper gutters are an excellent choice for homeowners who want to invest in their home’s appearance. However, they can cause issues with metal roof types, so it’s best to consult a professional before deciding on this gutter option.

Pros

• Copper gutters offer a unique look for any home.
• They’re incredibly durable, lasting over a century when correctly installed and maintained.

Cons

• Copper is the most expensive gutter material available and will require professional installation.
• Be careful about which materials you pair with your copper gutters. Copper can cause steel and aluminum to rust prematurely, but it will work fine with stainless steel.

Galvanized Steel Gutters

Galvanized steel gutters are a good option for metal roofs, as they’re durable in extreme weather conditions and robust enough to manage high water volumes.

Pros

• Galvanized steel gutters are stronger and more durable than vinyl or aluminum.
• They can withstand heavy snow, hail, and other harsh weather, making them a good choice for homes that experience extreme weather conditions.

Cons

• Galvanized steel gutters are heavy and require professional installation, making them a more expensive option for homeowners.
• Galvanized steel gutters have a zinc coating that helps prevent rust, but the gutters can rust if the coating scratches.

Stainless Steel Gutters

Stainless steel gutters are another option for metal roofs and are great for homes in coastal areas.

Pros

• Stainless steel gutters are very strong and resist any type of corrosion.
• They’re an excellent choice for homes in coastal areas where sea spray can start to break down other materials.

Cons

• Homeowners will have to make a significant upfront investment for stainless steel gutters when they pay for professional installation.
• While durable, stainless steel gutters may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other gutter options.

Vinyl Gutters

Vinyl gutters are a budget-friendly option for homeowners, especially those wanting to install them themselves. However, they’re generally not recommended for metal roofs, as they can struggle to manage a high water volume.

Pros

• This material comes in various colors that can blend in with your metal roof.
• Vinyl is ideal for homeowners who want to install gutters themselves, as the material is lightweight and straightforward to install.
• Vinyl won’t rust, so it’s a great option for those in wet climates.

Cons

• 
  Vinyl gutters are less suitable for homes in colder climates, as they can become brittle, crack, or warp in extreme cold.
• Vinyl gutters typically aren’t strong enough to handle the large volume of water that comes off of a metal roof in heavy rain or snowstorms, so they could make your home more vulnerable to water damage.

Gutter Styles

The style of gutter you choose can impact the functionality and appearance of your metal roof’s drainage system. Here are three common gutter styles compatible with metal roofs:

K-Style Gutters

K-style gutters are the most popular choice for residential homes. They have a flat bottom and back, with a decorative front that resembles crown molding.

Pros

• High water capacity
• Aesthetically-pleasing design
• Compatible with most home styles

Cons

• Can be more challenging to clean than other styles

Half-Round Gutters

Half-round gutters have a semicircular profile and are often seen on older or more traditional homes. They complement the clean lines of metal roofs well.

Pros

• Smooth interior reduces debris buildup
• Classic, timeless appearance
• Work well with rounded metal roofing panels

Cons

• Lower water capacity than K-style gutters
• May require special hangers for installation

Box Gutters

Box gutters are rectangular in shape and are often built into the roof structure. They’re less common but can be an excellent choice for homes with complex rooflines.

Pros

• High water capacity
• Can be customized to fit unique roof designs
• Less visible from the ground

Cons

• More expensive to install
• Can be difficult to access for maintenance

Proper Gutter Installation for Metal Roofs

Correct installation ensures your gutters function effectively with your metal roof. Here are some key considerations:

Determining the Right Gutter Size

The size of your gutters should be based on your roof’s square footage and the average rainfall in your area. For most homes with metal roofs, 5-inch or 6-inch gutters are sufficient. However, larger homes or those in areas with heavy rainfall may require 7-inch or even 8-inch gutters.

Calculating Proper Slope

Gutters should be installed with a slight slope to ensure proper water flow. The general rule is to have a 1/4 inch slope for every 10 feet of gutter. This slope helps water move efficiently towards the downspouts.

Attaching Gutters Without Fascia

Some metal roofs don’t have a traditional fascia board. In these cases, special brackets or hangers can be used to attach gutters directly to the roof deck or rafters. These methods ensure a secure attachment without compromising the integrity of your metal roof.

Using Appropriate Sealants

Ensuring your gutter system is leak-proof involves using the right sealants. This is particularly important for metal roofs as they may face heavier exposure to water. Proper sealants will minimize leaks and potential damage to both the gutters and the roof.

Gutter Maintenance for Metal Roofs

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your gutters functioning properly and protect your metal roof investment.

Cleaning and Inspection

Clean your gutters at least twice a year, typically in spring and fall. Remove debris, check for proper water flow, and inspect for any signs of damage or wear. Pay special attention to the gutter joints and downspouts to ensure they’re securely fastened and free from leaks.

Gutter Guards for Metal Roofs

Consider installing gutter guards to reduce maintenance and prevent clogs. Mesh screens, reverse curve guards, or foam inserts can help keep leaves and debris out of your gutters while allowing water to flow freely.

Addressing Weather-related Damage

Regularly check for weather-related damage, such as dents or breakage from hail or branches. Ensuring that the gutters are intact reduces the risk of failure and prevents water damage to the home.

Cost of Installing Gutters for Metal Roofs

You must consider the installation costs, including materials and labor, when deciding on gutters for your metal roof. The material and style of gutter you choose will be the driving factors in the cost of your gutter system. Half-round and K-style gutters are the most affordable, while custom styles will cost more. Here are the average costs of various gutter types:

• Aluminum: $3–$15* per linear foot
• Copper: $15–$40 per linear foot
• Galvanized steel: $5–$20 per linear foot
• Vinyl: $3–$7 per linear foot
• Zinc: $15–$30 per linear foot

Larger homes with bigger rooflines will require more materials and labor, resulting in a higher cost. You can calculate the rough cost of your new gutters by measuring your roofline and multiplying the linear feet by the average cost per linear foot of material.

The complexity of the installation will also affect your cost. Factors such as the number of corners on your roof, its pitch, and obstacles such as chimneys can require more labor, resulting in a higher installation cost.

You might want to install gutters on your own, but put safety first, especially when working on higher rooflines. A DIY installation could lead to leaks and other future issues and cost you more in the long run. Hiring a professional roofer ensures a proper installation and a possible warranty on the gutters.

*Cost data via Angi.

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Common Issues with Metal Roof Gutters

Be aware of these potential problems to ensure your gutter system functions optimally with your metal roof:

Ice Damming

Metal roofs can cause snow to melt quickly, potentially leading to ice dams at the eaves. Proper insulation and ventilation in your attic, along with well-maintained gutters, can help prevent this issue.

Thermal Expansion

Metal roofs expand and contract with temperature changes. Ensure your gutter system can accommodate this movement to prevent stress on the attachments.

Corrosion Prevention

When using different metals for your roof and gutters, be aware of the potential for galvanic corrosion. Use compatible materials or appropriate isolation techniques to prevent this issue.

Biological Growth

Watch for biological growth, such as moss or algae, particularly in humid climates. Growth in gutters may lead to blockages. Regular cleaning and possible treatment of affected areas can help mitigate this.

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Our Conclusion

Selecting the right gutter for your metal roof can help protect your home and landscaping from water damage. The best gutter system for your metal roof will depend on your budget, climate, and the look you want for your home. If you aren’t sure which gutters are best for your metal roof, talk to a qualified roofing contractor. They can recommend a gutter based on your home’s specific needs and ensure you have a long-lasting gutter syste.

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FAQ About Gutters for Metal Roofs

How do you attach gutters to a metal roof?

You can connect gutters to a metal roof by attaching brackets to the fascia board and then securing the gutters to the brackets using screws or bolts. This makes the gutters strong enough to handle high volumes of water coming off of the metal roof.

How do you install gutters on a metal roof without fascia?

Installing gutters on a metal roof without fascia requires special materials, such as roof straps, rafter brackets, or rise and fall brackets. These brackets attach to the roof itself or the brickwork.

How far below a metal roof should gutters be?

You should install gutters no more than 2 or 3 inches below your roof. The roof should overhang the gutter by about the same amount, which will help direct the water into the gutters without risking overflow spilling back onto your roof.

What is the best material for gutters on a metal roof?

The best material for gutters on a metal roof will depend on your budget, climate, and style. Steel and aluminum gutters are best for metal roofs as they can manage high volumes of water.

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