Myth
Galvanized steel never rusts.
Fact
The zinc coating protects it, but scratches and standing water can let rust start.
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Steel Gutters in New Orleans
At Big Easy Gutter, we install steel gutters in New Orleans for homes and commercial buildings that need a stronger, stiffer system. Galvanized steel brings extra strength to the roof edge, with a zinc coating that guards against rust.
- Free estimatesHomes and businesses
- Zinc-coated steelGalvanized against rust
- About 63 in. of rainPer year in New Orleans
- Mon - Fri8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Steel gutters in New Orleans
Strength first, with a coating that needs looking after
Steel gutters are the strong option. Most are galvanized, meaning the steel carries a zinc coating that keeps rust off. They resist cracking and warping and take heavy loads, but they weigh more than aluminum and can rust over time if the coating isn't maintained.
If your gutters keep getting bent, crushed or pulled loose, contact us and ask whether steel makes sense for your building.
Where steel earns its keep
Why choose steel gutters over lighter metals?
Because steel holds its shape. This Old House rates steel for strength and durability in extreme weather, and notes it is less likely to crack or warp than other materials. If ladders, limbs or heavy water loads keep denting your gutters, steel is the stiffer answer.
Steel also expands and contracts with temperature only about half as much as aluminum, so long runs on a sunny wall see less movement at the joints and hangers.
Strength, cracking and warping: This Old House. Expansion: steel 10.8 to 12.5, aluminum about 23 millionths per degree C, per The Engineering ToolBox.
- Resists dents and crushing
- Holds shape on long runs
- Less likely to crack or warp
- Moves less in summer heat
The honest trade-off
Do steel gutters rust in New Orleans humidity?
They can, which is why the coating matters. Galvanized steel is protected by zinc, which forms a stable layer as it goes through wet and dry cycles. That layer holds up well unless salt or sulfur in the air attacks it. Once the coating is scratched or worn through, the steel underneath can rust.
- 1
Wet and dry cycles help
Rain followed by sun is what lets the zinc layer form. Water that sits in a clogged gutter works against it.
- 2
Scratches are the weak point
Touch up chips and scrapes before rust gets started, and avoid dragging ladders along the front edge.
- 3
Keep water moving
A clean, properly sloped run dries out between storms, which is easier on any coating.
Zinc patina on galvanized steel and what affects it: American Galvanizers Association. Zinc coating against rust: This Old House.
Side by side
Steel or aluminum gutters for your building?
It depends on what the roof edge has to handle and the look you want. Steel is stiffer and moves less in heat, which suits long runs and spots that take abuse. Aluminum is lighter, rust-resistant and offered in more colors. We'll help you match the metal to your building.
| What matters | Galvanized steel | Aluminum |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Strong, resists cracking and warping | Lighter, can dent if thin |
| Rust protection | Zinc coating, kept up over time | Rust-resistant |
| Weight | Heavier, needs solid fascia | Light |
| Heat movement | About half of aluminum's | Higher |
| Colors | Fewer options | Wide range |
Sources: This Old House and The Engineering ToolBox. We'll recommend the right metal in your free estimate, or call 504-208-2247.
Myth or fact
Steel gutter myths worth clearing up
Three come up often: that galvanized steel never rusts, that steel doesn't move with temperature, and that any fascia can carry it. Each is partly wrong, and in a wet climate the coating, the drainage and the fascia decide how well steel performs.
Myth
Steel doesn't expand or contract with temperature.
Fact
It does, though only about half as much as aluminum, so joints and hangers still need to allow for movement.
Myth
A heavier gutter can go up on any fascia.
Fact
Steel is much heavier than aluminum, so it needs solid fascia and well-spaced hangers.
Making steel last
How do you keep steel gutters from rusting?
Protect the coating and keep the water moving. Clean the gutters so they dry out between storms, fix scratches before they spread, and send the water well away through the downspouts. Rust usually starts where water sits or where the finish is broken.
- 1
Clean at least twice a year
Wet leaves hold moisture against the metal. A leaf guard system keeps more debris out.
- 2
Treat scratches early
Touch up chips and scrapes in the finish so bare steel isn't left exposed.
- 3
Check seams and outlets
Spots that stay damp are where trouble starts. Our gutter repair work covers leaks and corrosion.
- 4
Send the water away
Downspout extensions keep runoff off the foundation. See why overflow at the foundation matters here.
Get started
Get a free steel gutter estimate in New Orleans
At Big Easy Gutter, we assess your building, explain how steel fits it, and price your system with a free estimate.
Describe the trouble with your current gutters in a quick message, or ring 504-208-2247. Our phones are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
FAQ
Steel gutter questions from New Orleans property owners
Question not here?
Call us at 504-208-2247 and we will walk you through it.
Request a FREE QuoteShould I choose steel or aluminum gutters?
It depends on the building. Steel resists dents, cracking and warping, and it moves less in heat, which suits long runs and roof edges that take impact. Aluminum is lighter, rust-resistant and comes in more colors. We assess your property and recommend the metal that fits it and the look you want.
Do galvanized steel gutters rust?
They can over time. Galvanized steel carries a zinc coating that protects it, and that zinc forms a stable layer through normal wet and dry weather. Scratches, worn spots and water that sits in clogged gutters let rust start, so keeping the gutters clean and the finish intact makes a real difference.
Are steel gutters a good idea in a humid climate?
They can work well if you look after them. The American Galvanizers Association lists humidity, rainfall and air salinity among the factors that affect zinc coatings. In a city that gets about 63 inches of rain a year, clean, well-pitched gutters that dry out between storms help any coating last.
Are steel gutters heavy?
Yes. Steel is much heavier than aluminum, which makes installation more demanding and puts more load on the fascia. The fascia has to be sound and the hangers well spaced. We assess your property, roof edge included, before we recommend a steel system.
Can steel gutters touch copper?
Steel is generally less of a concern than aluminum or zinc, but the Copper Development Association says it can corrode where its mass is similar to or smaller than the copper touching it. Gutters fit that description, so it's best to keep steel gutters separated from copper flashing and runoff.
Do you install steel gutters on commercial buildings?
Yes. We install gutters on residential and commercial properties, and steel's strength suits long runs and roof edges that take impact. We look at the building, recommend the material and profile, and you get a free estimate with no cost to ask.
How much do steel gutters cost in New Orleans?
Every building is different. Run length, profile, stories, downspouts and any leaf guard system shape the number, and steel's extra weight can affect the installation too. Ask for a free estimate and we'll price the system that suits your property after a look at it.
What our clients say
What our customers have to say
Client review
Big Easy Gutter transformed my gutter system with its innovative leaf guard system. It has saved me countless hours of cleaning and maintenance. I'm truly impressed with their product and service.
Client review
The gutter leaf guard system from Big Easy Gutter is a game changer. It's incredibly effective at keeping my gutters clear, especially during the fall. Their attention to detail in the installation was commendable.
Client review
I can't thank them enough for installing my gutter leaf guard system. It's like a shield against leaves and debris. Now I have peace of mind knowing that my gutters are protected.
Client review
As a busy homeowner, I needed a solution to prevent clogged gutters. Their team came through with their fantastic leaf guard system. It's been months, and my gutters are still debris-free.
Client review
They made my life easier. It's been a relief not having to climb up a ladder to clean gutters. The product works as promised, and I'm thrilled. I highly recommend this company!
Client review
They provided excellent service when installing the leaf guard system. The team was professional, and the product exceeded my expectations. No more worrying about gutter blockages.
Client review
I was skeptical about leaf guard systems until I experienced one from this company. It's efficient, low-maintenance, and looks great in my home. I highly recommend their services.
Client review
I used to dread cleaning my gutters multiple times a year. Thanks to Big Easy Gutter and their leaf guard system, that's a thing of the past. Their solution is effective, and their service is commendable.
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