Among drainage systems, plastic ones rightfully occupy the crown place, because they combine reasonable price, durability and aesthetics. Let’s take a closer look at what advantages and disadvantages the No. 1 choice on the United State market has.
Advantages Of Plastic Gutters
Rich colors and varied shapes
PVC is painted throughout the entire mass during the molding of the elements. This allows you to give the drainage system bright and varied shades to suit any exterior design.
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There are also no restrictions on the choice of shape; you can purchase a classic round shape of gutters or a laconic rectangular one.
Resistance to temperature fluctuations
All gutters are susceptible to thermal expansion: both metal and plastic. It is generally accepted that the former are much more durable, but the temperature range of plastic drainage is from -50˚C to +50˚С. The interval more than covers the differences in our latitudes and refutes the main myth – the fragility of PVC gutters during frost periods.
Endurance to mechanical loads
If metal’s resistance to stress is ensured by increased strength, then high-quality PVC is provided with extraordinary flexibility. A plastic drain can be bent with force almost into a horizontal line, and yet high-quality material will restore its shape. An exception can be considered a strong impact load, but this is only possible in the case of extreme weather conditions or improper installation of the system, when snow and ice come off the roof just at the level of the drain.
Silence
One of the main disadvantages of a metal drain is offset by the choice of PVC. The latter removes water no less efficiently, but does it silently.
Invulnerability to corrosion
Plastic does not corrode, which means PVC drainage can be installed in any conditions. For example, under a roof with bitumen shingles or on the eaves of a house located near the sea or other salty bodies of water. For a metal drain, such a combination would be fatal.
In addition, the scratch left will not affect the life of the elements in any way and will not stand out visually.
Durability
The guarantee for high-quality PVC gutters is about 10 years, and the actual service life can reach up to 30 years. At the same time, reliable manufacturers also provide a guarantee on aesthetic qualities (color fastness).
PVC drain price
The cost of plastic systems is usually several times less than the same metal ones, but among themselves they can have price tags with a difference of 1.5 times. It all depends on the quality and brand, but one way or another, this is the most affordable product on the market.
Easy installation
To install PVC gutters, neither contractors nor special tools are needed. All elements are assembled according to the principle of a designer, so you can easily handle it yourself.
Disadvantages of plastic gutters
Manufacturer differs from manufacturer
As mentioned above, price tags for plastic systems vary markedly, as do the quality of the product itself and its manufacturing technology. It is quite possible to find inexpensive, but fragile and poorly painted gutters, or, on the contrary, you can find a relatively expensive drain that will last 30 years with minimal changes. It is important to find “your” manufacturer, tested by more than one buyer.
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Color Burnout
Of course, this drawback does not apply to proven brands with a lot of innovations and corresponding prices, however, among well-known inexpensive systems, quickly fading paint is often found. After only 3-5 years, the color saturation may change to a pale shade, while with a high-quality drain the process will begin in 8-10 years.
