Aluminum is popular for a variety of applications, including seamless gutters. Aluminum’s lightweight and relative strength is one reason for its popularity as a metal. Another advantage of aluminum is that it does not rust like steel when exposed to the elements.
Aluminum VS Steel
Steel begins rusting when it is exposed to moisture. Rust on steel is the result of corrosion which occurs when moisture comes into contact with steel or iron. While the rust forms on the surface of the metal, it will continue to wear deeper and deeper into the metal as surface layers rust away. Eventually, the rust and oxidization will destroy the metal.
Rust/ Corrosion
Stainless steel avoids rust because of the addition of other elements, including chromium. This combination of elements in stainless steel results in a thin layer of corrosion forming on the surface of the steel when it is exposed to moisture. Scientific American notes that this corrosive layer is formed at the atomic level – so small that it can only be observed with special instruments – but serves to protect stainless steel from further visible corrosion as occurs with standard steel. This means it appears rust-free, but is not truly without wear.
Aluminum behaves somewhat similarly to stainless steel. As aluminum is exposed to moisture, a corrosive process known as oxidation occurs on the surface of the metal. As a result of this oxidation, a hard, protective layer forms over the surface which protects the metal from further corrosion, as reported by Stanford University researchers. A similar process, known as anodizing, may be performed on aluminum that also protects the metal from corroding.
Resistance to wear is one of the many reasons Alaska Premier Gutters only uses 0.032-gauge aluminum to manufacture our seamless gutters. This aluminum is thicker than the industry standard for gutters which guarantees long-term performance. It also offers additional resistance to other wear factors like heavy snowfall, wind, and rain.
If you are in need of gutter services, contact Alaska Premier Gutters. Alaska Premier Gutters provides a wide variety of gutter repair services and gutter installation in Anchorage, AK. Visit our services page to see how we can help your home’s gutter system today!
