Are Copper Gutters Really Right For Your Home?
Gutters and downspouts are incredibly important components of the entire roofing system, so selecting a material for the gutter system may not be as easy a choice as it sounds. While gutter companies or roofing contractors may push for aluminum gutters because they are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and affordable, there are other options to choose from with equally beneficial features. Other common materials include vinyl, stainless steel, and copper.
Let’s Take a Closer Look at Copper Gutters: Pros, Cons, Style, and Maintenance
Three Key Advantages of Copper Gutters to Consider
Advantages of Copper Gutters
- Curb Appeal: Copper is definitely a unique material with a beautiful combination of orange, brown, and reddish hues. And as the material is exposed to various weather conditions and the surface oxidizes over time, copper actually changes its color, taking on a blue-green hue. If your home is one of the only homes in the neighborhood with copper gutters, it will definitely stand out.
- Long-Lasting/Durable: If you’re tired of having to schedule gutter repairs every time you notice a leak, copper could be a great choice for your home. Copper gutters and downspouts can last for the entirety of your home’s life, and may be the last gutter installation you need. This is because copper is incredibly resistant to corrosion and can withstand harsh weather conditions such as heavy rainfall and intense heat.
- Easy Maintenance: Copper is also an algaecide and fungicide, which can prevent moss from growing that leads to blockages within the system. The patina that develops over time also acts as a protective layer, providing sturdy, built-in protection. If you don’t want the patina effect, you can put a protective coating and polish on them that is made specifically for copper.
Two Negatives of Copper Gutters
Cons of Copper Gutters
- The Cost: Copper gutters aren’t cheap; compared to aluminum or vinyl gutters, copper may be around double the price. All of the miscellaneous materials used to install the gutters, fittings, nails, fasteners, etc. have to be copper also or else they can damage the copper. But the material is definitely a worthwhile investment considering that they may last 60 years or more with the proper maintenance.
- Installation: Unlike seamless aluminum gutters, which as the name suggests don’t have any seams, copper gutters require cuts or adjustments to joints, or seams. This makes the installation a more complex process that requires special tools as well. If you’re having copper gutters installed, make sure you’re working with a roofing company that has worked with copper.
Style: Will Copper Gutters Look Good With My Home’s Siding and Roof?
Does Copper Work With the Style of My Home?
Copper gutters are often used in historic neighborhoods, homes with traditional styles, or custom, modern homes. Overall, you have to consider your home’s existing siding color, the color of the roof, and how the color of the gutters will change over time. When copper gutters are first installed, they will have that recognizable color and beautiful shine, but the shine will begin to fade rather quickly. After a year or two, the gutters will take on a more tarnished, brown appearance. If your home’s siding is a natural color, has a brown tone, white, or cool tones like blue, then copper will most likely enhance the appearance of the home. If your home is a yellow or red, you may want to rethink the copper or consider residing or painting your house.
Maintenance: How to Care For Copper Gutters
Tips For Maintaining Copper Gutters
- Wear Cotton Gloves: If you clean the gutters yourself, it’s important to wear a pair of cotton gloves. This will prevent natural oils on your fingers from damaging the patina on the copper. A plastic scraper can also be effective in removing debris, but be careful not to scratch the copper.
- Give Them a Good Cleaning: Just like any gutter system, they need to be cleaned in order to work properly. Remove any built up leaves, tree bark, etc. and make sure any soldered seams and screens on the downspouts have been thoroughly cleaned.
- If You Want to Keep the Shine: The patina that copper gutters get can be difficult to remove, so it’s important to take care of them before they begin to develop a dull look. You can polish them yourself with a mixture of flour, vinegar, and salt. Rub the paste on the gutters, rinse, and then cover them with an antioxidant coating.
