Many homeowners wonder whether gutters are necessary for their homes or merely decorative. But rain gutters do serve an essential function. They guide rainwater away from the building’s foundation, making them an integral part of any home design. Since they’re so important, homeowners should keep their gutters clean and debris-free to get proper performance.
Generally, gutters are more exposed to the elements and can experience oxidation due to changes in weather. If you’re unsure of what oxidation is or what to do once it occurs, you’re in the right place. I’ve compiled this expert guide to give you an overview of oxidation, what causes it, and how to address it.
What Is Gutter Oxidation and What Causes It?
Oxidation happens when an atom or compound loses one or more electrons. Some elements lose electrons faster than others and oxidize more readily, while others take a long time to oxidize.
Many gutters are made with metals like copper, aluminum, galvanized steel, and stainless steel, but these metals oxidize at different rates. Copper and aluminum oxidize quickly when exposed to air and water, causing blue-green stains on copper and black streaks on aluminum gutters.
Galvanized steel is coated in zinc to resist corrosion, but the zinc still oxidizes over time when placed outdoors. Gutters can also undergo rapid oxidation when exposed to UV rays, pollution, moisture, extreme temperatures, or biological factors.
For example, sunlight and heat accelerate metal oxidation through reactions with oxygen, causing fading and discoloration. Likewise, rain and snow cause moisture buildup inside gutters, promoting oxidation in wet conditions.
In short, gutter oxidation is due to the metals used in manufacturing, long-term outdoor exposure, and chemical reactions with moisture, deposits, and pollutants. The result is an effect that is inevitable, but also unsightly. Luckily, there are ways that you can address gutter oxidation.
How To Remove Safely Remove Gutter Oxidation
Industry specialists call the unsightly black stains on gutters “tiger stripes” or “zebra stripes.” They often stem from a reaction between asphalt shingles and aluminum gutters. Unlike cleaning mold off gutters, traditional cleaners won’t remove these black stripes. Products like Gutter Butter work to remove these streaks from gutters, drains, and other surfaces, and I recommend this product over others like bleach. If you’re looking to remove oxidization from your gutters, you can take the following steps to do so.
- I recommend a dilution of 10:1 for cleaning your gutters. It’s always best to start low and increase concentration as needed.
- Prep the area around your home to prevent chemical runoff from damaging your landscaping. You can use gutter downspout bags to contain any runoff that makes it through your drainage system, and use drop cloths placed directly below the area you are working.
- When you’re ready to clean, pre-wet the area first, especially around windows, to protect surfaces. Soak the gutter and surrounding areas with a light spray from a hose.
- Apply the cleaner with a sponge or a low-pressure sprayer, keeping about a foot away to prevent damage to your gutters. Allow at least five minutes before rinsing.
- For heavy oxidation, gently scrub with a specialized exterior brush while wet, taking care with softer metals. Rinse frequently.
- Rinse thoroughly until no cleaner remains. Check at eye level to spot and clean any residue before it dries. Allow it to fully air dry.
When using Gutter Butter or similar cleaners:
- Always test first in an inconspicuous area;
- Don’t let the cleaner dry on surfaces;
- Only apply in temperatures above 50°F;
- Use caution on soft or anodized aluminum to prevent damage;
- Wear gloves, eye protection, and a mask when handling chemicals.
While cleaning greatly restores appearance, it doesn’t fix leaks, rust, or other underlying issues. You may still need to replace your gutters over time.
Keep in mind that removing oxidation stains does involve using chemicals. If you aren’t comfortable handling these products yourself, or if you do not like working at heights, I recommend researching and working with professional gutter cleaning services instead of diying the project. If you do decide to tackle the project yourself, there are certain steps I recommend taking to make sure that you can clean oxidation stains off your gutters safely.
How to Safely Handle Gutter Oxidation Cleaners
Reminders & Safety Tips
Here are handy reminders and safety tips when tackling gutter oxidation:
Allow surfaces to completely dry after cleaning
Check product warnings before using chemicals on aluminum
Consider also wearing a mask to filter fumes
Fully lock open and brace the ladder for stability
Install roof hooks to anchor the ladder
Maintain three points of contact when climbing
Never mix cleaning products
Test cleaners first in discrete areas
Thoroughly rinse after recommended dwell times
Use a secure, properly positioned ladder at the right height
Wear gloves, goggles, closed-toed shoes, long sleeves, and pants
If possible, I recommend avoiding using a pressure washer unless you absolutely have to — this is because high pressure settings can cause damage to your gutters due to excessive force. If you do need to use a pressure washer to reach certain areas, be sure to use an extension pole, adjust the PSI and test first before aiming at gutters, especially when working with delicate metals.
In addition to removing oxidation stains from your gutters, you should also know how to clean your gutters to prevent debris build-up. Clearing leaves, pine needles, and other debris from your gutters in the fall and spring keeps gutters working their best for years of service. Regular cleaning may take a little effort, but it yields big rewards. If you opt to DIY this project, you can also save money as opposed to paying for exterior cleaning services.
Can I Prevent My Gutters From Oxidizing?
Gutter oxidization is inevitable because gutters are exposed to water and sunlight, which results in oxidization. However, you can choose materials for your gutters that are more resistant to oxidization, such as steel.
The main way to preserve your gutters and slow down the rate of oxidization is by cleaning and inspecting your gutters on a seasonal basis. This allows you to see if your drainage system is leaking or water is pooling where it shouldn’t, which increases rates of oxidization. Replacing gutters that are sagging or otherwise damaged can go a long way in preventing oxidization stains. You can also paint your gutters with a rust-resistant primer to create a barrier against moisture accumulation.
So, Is Gutter Oxidation an Issue Homeowners Need To Be Concerned About?
While primarily an aesthetic nuisance, ignoring gutter oxidation can lead to bigger problems. As staining builds over the years, it becomes tougher to remove. Oxidation also brings accumulated mineral deposits and debris that can impede gutter drainage, resulting in backups that could call for a full gutter replacement.
I recommend that you carefully clean your gutters each season to preserve their appearance and function. This helps your gutters last longer, prevents mold and mildew growth, and boosts your home’s curb appeal. It also serves as preventative maintenance to keep your foundation and exterior free of water damage.
If stains persist despite cleaning or cause overflow issues, you may need to replace your gutters. New gutters will also eventually oxidize, but they should last at least 20 years with proper seasonal maintenance before staining again.
FAQs About Gutter Oxidation
What are the most common materials that oxidize in gutters?
Copper, aluminum, galvanized steel, and untreated carbon steel can oxidize readily since they react with environmental oxygen. Stainless steel resists oxidation best for gutters.
Can I scrub off gutter oxidation myself?
Light oxidation may come off with manual scrubbing with a cleaning pad and solution. However, severe staining often needs proper chemical cleaner application via power washing to be fully removed from gutter surfaces.
Will replacing old gutters stop new oxidation stains from forming?
Oxidation eventually occurs in any kind of exposed metal. However, upgraded, seamless aluminum or copper gutters can last 20 years before any notable staining reappears if you maintain them properly.
Can I paint over areas of gutter oxidation?
Not without removing the oxidation first. Fully remove oxidation and thoroughly clean gutters to avoid premature paint peeling. Then, apply a metal-specific primer and durable enamel finish coat for the longest-lasting paint results.
Is gutter oxidation a sign of leaks or water damage?
Not always. Oxidation naturally occurs outdoors over many years. However, heavy staining buildup inside gutters can clog and pool water. Exterior rust streaks clearly signal a leak, allowing moisture penetration, so it’s best to address both issues as soon as they arise.
