When you’re picking out a new gutter system, you might not be considering wood as a material. Wood gutters are uncommon in this day and age, as most homeowners opt for more modern materials like aluminum or steel. However, wood still has its advantages. Here are the pros and cons of wood gutters to help you make an informed decision.
Pros and Cons of Wood Gutters
Every material for gutters, gutter guards, and downspouts has its pros and cons, and wood is no different. For example, they’re attractive and can be very durable, but they’re also expensive and hard to find. You should consider all of your options carefully before making a decision to ensure you get the best type of gutter for your home.
Pros of Wood Gutters
The advantages of wood gutters are that they’re attractive, effective, durable, and long-lasting. Therefore, they’re a good choice if you find yourself in need of a gutter system with these qualities. Wood gutters are typically used for restoration projects of historic homes or as a high-end home improvement, but you can still get them installed on your residential property if you want.
- Attractive: Wood gutters are aesthetically pleasing. They have a charming, classic look that adds elegance to a home, especially ones with historic architecture.
- Effective: Wood gutters are effective at diverting water away from your home.
- Durable: Wood gutters can stand up to the elements and resist damage, provided that proper maintenance is performed, of course.
- Long Lasting: When properly maintained, wood gutters can last a century, similar to copper gutters.
- Resistant to Corrosion: Since they’re not made of metal, wood gutters will never experience problems like rust.
Cons of Wood Gutters
Unfortunately, wood gutters also have their downsides. They’re expensive, hard to maintain, and they’re not very sustainable. If any of these are deal breakers for you, you’re probably best looking at other materials, like aluminum gutters.
- Expensive: Due in part to their rarity, wood gutters can cost significantly more per linear foot than other materials. They also have high installation costs due to their complexity.
- Hard to Maintain: Wood gutters need a lot of maintenance in order to prevent conditions like rot, water damage, splitting, and cracking.
- Unsustainable: Wood gutters need a lot of timber to make, so you may be better off with another material if you want to save some trees.
Which Wood is Best?
Wood gutters can be made of different types of wood depending on your preference. Redwood is a common choice, but cedar and pine are also options. Gutter contractors may also have options for your local native trees.
Different woods are better for different circumstances. For example, if you get a lot of rain, you should get a water-resistant wood, like redwood or pine. On the other hand, if you need stronger, more durable gutters, you can get a strong wood, like oak.
What Are My Other Gutter Material Options?
Wood is far from the only gutter material available. Other options include:
- Aluminum gutters
- Stainless steel gutters
- Copper gutters
- Vinyl gutters
Should You Get Wood Gutters?
Wood gutters may not be perfect, but they still have a lot to offer for your home. They’re a fine choice if you can spare the expense involved and are okay with performing the maintenance they need. If you want them, then go right ahead and install them, though make sure you do your research and understand how to take care of them before you do.
FAQ About Wood Gutters
Wood gutters are quite attractive, and they can last up to 100 years if properly maintained. But whether or not they’re better than metal gutters depends on many different factors. Different gutter materials are good for different locations and different homes, so there’s no universal best.
If you want to extend the lifespan of your wood gutters, there are a few methods you can use:
• Proper gutter cleaning and maintenance
• Yearly oil treatments
• Ensure proper gutter pitch
• Apply sealants, like paint and varnish
If they’re not properly maintained, wood gutters can be susceptible to rot, insects, and other issues. They can also suffer from more common gutter issues such as clogs or cracks. Thankfully, you can help prevent this with regular maintenance, along with staining and other wood treatments.
Don’t Just Knock on Wood—Hire a Pro
Wood gutters are attractive, effective, and durable. But they have their pros and cons like any other gutter material.
Wood gutter installation is a complex process, and it’s not DIY-friendly. Your wood gutters will have a greater chance of success if installed by a professional. Contact a local gutter professional who can install, clean, and maintain your home’s new gutters for you.
Main Image Credit: Bengt Oberger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
