I live in a cold climate with snow in the winter and wind of course, it is Wyoming. The wind on average can be 20 mph during winter / spring and can gust up to 35mph with a severe storm. I have spoken with a contractor that handles steel and another contractor that handles aluminum gutters. The contractor that handles steel gutters costs considerably more that the aluminum contractor. I am willing to go with the aluminum gutters If they can stand most snow, ice and wind that I am going to encounter. Plus I am not excited about having my gutters begin to rust in five years. Any recommendation.

Wind should not even be an issue with aluminum gutters. It's really going to depend on how often it's supported. The hangers are hidden anyway.

Aluminum can be done in ONE PIECE which is a definite advantage.

There are two downspout sizes. The larger is better for leaves and large volumes of water.

Drip edges and ice and water shield is the best protection for snow. The method in which the first course of shingles are put down helps wind issues.

Three methods are used:
1. double layer - not recommended for wind
2. Starter strip - Basically a 12" or so wide roll of continuous shingle (Probably the best method)
3. Turning shingles 180 deg and cutting them.

2&3 allow the adhesive to work on the edges.

Ice and water shield is used within x" of the inside wall. I think it's about 30". It's very thick adhesive backed rubber.

For severe instances of ice, electric ice melting systems can be employed. If the house is designed right, they should not be needed. Low sloped roofs won't allow the snow to fall off.

What are your neighbors using?

I installed Alcoa aluminum gutters fr more than 20 years,in all those years I had 1, one, have a problem, I didn't strap the leading edge to the wind and it curled the gutter.That I fixed in a short order.

Gutters can come on all kinds of thicknesses,coatings,accessories,etc.

I started with Alcoa,and still use it when called for.

As far as thickness,it is an .032 gutter, compared to an .019 coil-stock or rolled 'continuous' gutter(although some reputable gutter companies will now install .032)It has a finish that is guaranteed to last the life of the gutter,even transferable to the new owner if the house is sold.The hangers come in many varieties,from simple strap hangers to hidden 'snug-fit' and many in-between.They also have a lip in the back of their gutters which not only allows for more strength (IE:ice build-up),but it allows the back of the gutter to be attached to a continuous hanging strip(installed before the roofing is installed(or can be done on existing,just more labor intensive),this roof edge hanger replaces the drip-edge normally used for roofs,and doesn't allow water from getting behind the gutter.The hangers are then installed per Mfgr. Suggestion(normally every 3'), this has NEVER failed,in all my years installing.

Steel gutters can be adequate for a short term fix,or maybe for rental property where you don't want to spend the extra money, but for my own home,I only used Alcoa brand gutters.

I personally like copper gutters. Every expensive. Had them on old house 35 years. Don't know many gutter men that still install copper.

Chuck

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Originally Posted by creahands

I personally like copper gutters. Every expensive. Had them on old house 35 years. Don't know many gutter men that still install copper.

Chuck

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I have installed them,but the cost,, wow,now that is an expensive way to go.