*Gutter /Aluminum Aluminum is one of the most commonly chosen materials for gutters. A moderately priced and rust-resistant material popular with newer installations, it comes unfinished or factory-painted. The downside is that aluminum tends to leak at joints because the metal expands and contracts too much for sealant to hold permanently. And it is vulnerable to indentation Aluminum gutters, however, never rust. Unlike steel, rust doesn’t become an issue whether or not the downspout becomes plugged or the water collects. And at $5 to $9 per linear foot installed, they're comparatively inexpensive - two reasons why aluminum has the edge in popularity. When picking an aluminum gutter, several factors must be placed into consideration; the rate of water flow through the gutter profile chosen, the area of the roof to be fitted with guttering, and the number, size and position of the downpipes. When buying any metal gutters, one should opt for the thickest that may be afforded - optimally .032 in. Though .027-, .025- and .019-in.-thick gutters are available, they won't hold up as well. When buying aluminum gutters, insist on primary aluminum, which is the thickest and most consistent kind. Avoid secondary aluminum, a recycled product that's often plagued by inconsistent thickness.