Learn About Gutters

What Gutter Materials Are the Most Eco-Friendly?

If you’re installing gutters or gutter guards, you’re probably thinking about their utility rather than focusing on their environmental impact. However, many common gutter and gutter guard materials can have negative impacts on the environment.

When choosing products, steer clear of materials including polyvinyl chloride, better known as PVC. Traditional PVC becomes brittle when exposed to UV light, contains harmful chemicals and is not recyclable. In fact, PVC is banned in Europe because of its damaging effects on humans and the environment.

We recommend looking for the following materials, which have a lesser impact on the environment¹:

• uPVC (unplasticised PVC)
• Aluminum
• Copper
• Galvanized steel
• Titanium zinc

We also recommend attaching your gutters to a rain barrel or other rainwater catchment system to use for watering your lawn or nonedible plants.

Do You Need Gutter Guards?

If your gutters frequently get clogged and cause water to spill over onto the ground, it may be damaging the soil below. Plus, if you’re using a rain catchment system, spillover will waste water that could be used around your home.

However, gutter guards aren’t cheap, and they can be a hassle to install, so many homeowners wonder if they’re worth the investment. Here are some reasons you might consider installing gutter guards:

• They stop blockages and improve gutter water flow.
• They help avoid pest and insect infestations.
• They can help prevent premature rust and corrosion, meaning you’ll need to replace your gutters less often.
• They reduce the need for frequent gutter cleaning.