The Steel Advantage of Galvalume®
In recent years, aluminum has become popular in the residential gutter market. There are, however, certain definite advantages to the use of steel. Listed below are the facts regarding steel gutters. Use this information to determine which material best suits your needs.
STRENGTH
Steel is stronger than aluminum: the tensile strength of steel is 50,000 psi. Aluminum's tensile strength is 22,000 psi. As a result, steel is more resistant to damage from hail, ice, and snow. When water freezes, it's volume increases by 9%. This expansion force has the potential to damage and warp gutters. Because of their greater strength, steel cutters are less likely to dent in a hail storm, less likely to deform after a deep freeze.
PRICE VOLATILITY
Metal is a commodity item. As such, it's price varies with the market. The aluminum market, however, is significantly more volatile than the steel. over the past few years, aluminum prices have varied by as much as 50% and are on the rise again. Steel prices, in the meantime, have remained stable, varying by only pennies per pound.
THERMAL MOVEMENT
Steel is significantly less affected by thermal changes. A 40 foot long section of aluminum gutter can be expected to move .62" due to temperature change of 100 degree Fahrenheit (common in desert and mountain climates). The same section mark of steel would move half that amount. This movement can warp the gutters and cause the fasteners holding the gutter to the building to loosen and weaken.
CHEMICAL CORROSION
Steel's strength and economic price makes it far more popular for fasteners, screws, and roof flashings. However, the chemical interactions between steel and aluminum can cause both the steel and the aluminum to corrode and weaken. The chemical interaction between aluminum and steel fasteners can significantly decrease the life of the gutter systems. Even aluminum gutters systems hung with aluminum hangers can be corroded by the rainwater runoff from a roof sealed with steel flashings.
RUST RESISTANCE
Most people worry about using steel for gutters because they believe it will rust through. However, the steel gutters coils we carry are Galvalume, a steel substrate coated with special zinc-aluminum alloy. The durability and corrosion resistance of this material is backed by the manufacturer's 20 year rust through warranty. We are so confident in the performance of our products, the baked on polyester find of our painted steel products carries a 40 year transferable prorated warranty.