Why Do Gutters Rust in Seattle’s Coastal Air?

rust gutters Seattle, coastal air corrosion

If you’ve started noticing rusty streaks or peeling paint on your gutters after another long stretch of Seattle rain, that’s usually how it begins. It often starts small — a light orange tint here, a few paint blisters there — and slowly works its way across the metal. Between the salty air from Puget Sound, constant drizzle, and our cool damp winters, Seattle’s weather is hard on any exposed metal surface.

At CR Gutters, Inc.™, we’ve seen this countless times. From older homes near Alki Beach to newer builds in Shoreline, the story is the same: constant moisture and salt in the air speed up corrosion unless the gutters are built to resist it.

Why Seattle’s Air Is So Hard on Metal Gutters

Fresh air, mild summers, and great views make living near the coast quite charming. But, that same salty breeze leaves behind tiny particles that cling to everything – settling on roofs, windows, and especially, gutters. With months of steady rain and not enough sun to dry things out, you have got just the right conditions for rust to start forming and slowly spreading across the metal.

When rainwater collects in a steel gutter and does not drain completely, the salt and moisture eat through the metal. Once the finish breaks down, corrosion spreads fast under the paint. Even the sturdy galvanized steel can begin to flake and pit after a few seasons in Seattle’s coastal air.

Cleaning and flushing the gutters every few months helps. But when corrosion starts, it usually keeps spreading.

Spotting the Early Warning Signs

You don’t have to be a roofer to see rust starting. Watch for:

• Reddish streaks or spots near joints and seams
• Paint that’s bubbling or peeling
• Leaks forming at corners or brackets
• Discoloration running down siding or fascia

Catching these early can save you from replacing entire sections later.

A Better Option for Seattle Homes

Steel gutters can look sharp when new, but aluminum performs much better in coastal climates. It doesn’t rust, weighs less, and holds up beautifully through constant wet weather. Seamless aluminum gutters are especially practical — with fewer joints, there are fewer places for leaks or rust to start.

At CR Gutters, Inc.™, we specialize in installing custom-crafted seamless aluminum systems. They’re built to handle Seattle’s long rainy seasons and stay strong for years with minimal upkeep.

Typical Costs for Repairs or Upgrades

• Expense on rust spot repair is usually between $300 and $600
• Full gutter replacement costs $3,000–$6,000+

Switching from steel to aluminum costs more upfront. But it saves money in the long run by eliminating the need for rust repairs and repainting.

Protecting Gutters Before Rust Spreads

Seattle’s salty air won’t stop, but rust cannot take over your home. Call CR Gutters, Inc.™ at (253) 447-1419 for an inspection or to explore aluminum options. Our team knows how local weather affects metal — and how to keep your gutters clean, strong, and leak-free through every season. With CR Gutters, Inc.™, your home stays protected no matter how long the rain lasts.