A Copper Gutter Guide: What you Need to Know.
Copper gutters have been used for ages to add functionality and charm to homes. Not only do they offer superior durability, but they also add an elegant touch to your home’s exterior. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of copper gutters, design tips, and important things you should know before installing them in your home. And, as I always do I will show you some examples to hopefully inspire you as you consider adding his style of gutter to your home.
Advantages of Copper Gutters
Durability
Copper is extremely durable and can last for up to 100 years. They are resistant to rust, corrosion, and weathering, making them a reliable choice for any home.
Low Maintenance
Copper gutters require minimal maintenance, making them an excellent choice for homeowners (like me) who want to avoid the hassle of frequent gutter cleaning and repairs.
Aesthetics
They add a distinctive and elegant touch to your home’s exterior. They can enhance the architectural design of your home and increase its overall value. Some people may prefer the bright and shiny appearance of new copper while others (like me) prefer the rustic aesthetic of a nice patina on their gutters.
Protection
Copper gutters provide excellent protection for your home by preventing water damage, erosion, and mold growth. They can also prevent basement flooding and foundation damage.
Add Value
This style of gutter can increase the value of your home, making them a great short term and long term investment. They can also help you save money in the long run by reducing gutter maintenance and gutter repair costs.
Disadvantages of Copper Gutters
Cost
Copper is considerably more expensive than other gutter materials such as aluminum or vinyl, so they may not be the best choice for everyone, however their durability and aesthetic appeal justify the investment. On average expect to pay around $80-$95 dollars per linear foot for copper gutter installation.Compare that to vinyl and aluminum gutter systems which on average are priced at $8-$9 and $10-$13 dollars per linear foot, respectively. Pricing out gutters can be a time consuming process but I would always recommend to get multiple quotes and remember that the cheapest is not always the cheapest in the long run. When I was getting quotes for a gutter installation project I must have called 10 different installation companies for quotes, between no shows and scheduling conflicts I received only 4 quotes and proceed with the first company that quoted the project.
All or nothing
With copper gutters you have to go all the way and make your entire gutter system the same metal. Neglecting to do so will cause premature rusting and staining at the joints and ultimately cause your investment to fail and require early replacement or costly repairs.
Installation
Copper gutters require professional installation due to their weight and malleability. It’s important to hire a skilled and experienced contractor to ensure a proper installation. They also take considerably longer to install so make sure you plan accordingly when preparing for a copper gutter project.
Patina
These will develop a patina over time, which can change their color and appearance. While some homeowners appreciate the natural aging process of copper, others prefer the original bright finish.
Design Tips for Copper Gutters
Match the Style
Choose a copper gutter style that complements your home’s architecture and design. Copper gutters are available in various styles, including half-round, K-style, and box-shaped.
Coordinate with Trim
Consider matching your copper gutters with your home’s trim, such as door and window frames, for a cohesive and polished look.
Accent Features
Copper can be used to accentuate unique features of your home, such as a bay window or a porch roof. This can add character and charm to your home’s exterior.
Color Choice
Copper gutters can be left to develop a natural patina, or they can be coated with a sealant to maintain their original bright finish. Consider the color scheme of your home’s exterior and choose the option that best fits your style.
Things to Know Before Installing Copper Gutters
Professional Installation
These gutters do require professional installation due to their weight and malleability. Hire an experienced contractor to ensure proper installation and avoid any potential problems with your gutters down the road.
Maintenance
Although this style of gutter requires minimal maintenance, they still require occasional cleaning to prevent clogs and maintain their appearance.
Cost
Copper is more expensive than other materials, so it’s important to consider your budget before making a decision. However, the durability and aesthetic appeal of this gutter style make them a worthwhile investment.
Patina
Copper will develop a patina over time, which can change their appearance. Consider if you prefer the natural aging process of copper or if you prefer the original bright finish.
Copper Gutter Styles
The two most popular gutter options are the K-style gutters and half-round gutters. Half-round gutters come in single-bead and double-bead varieties. Like vinyl and aluminum, copper gutter downspouts come in round or rectangular shapes. Many homeowners and installers also like to incorporate matching copper rain chains into their gutter systems. Copper gutter end caps, outlets, miter corners, 90° elbows, wire/mesh strainers, offsets, leaf guards, and gutter hangers are also available to complete your system.
Copper Gutter Ideas and Inspiration
Copper Gutters on a Green House
The gutters shown here provide a striking contrast to the dark green of this house. The bright copper accentuates the sharp angles and geometry of the home’s exterior, creating an eye-catching design. The medium patina on these particular gutters is my favorite of all the patina stages.
Copper Gutters on a Black House
The gutters on this home provide a not so subtle accent to this black houses exterior. The brightness of the gutters stands out against the dark paint color, adding visual interest and character to the home’s design. For a similar look check out my post on Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams and see if this exterior home paint color is for you.
Copper Gutters and Accent Trim
This home is really unique. I am not sure I have ever seen anything like the accents on this home before. This homeowner and designer not only used copper for the gutters but also for the exterior accents. At first I was not a huge fan of the copper overload but the more I look at the photo the more I like the over all design of this home. If you love this design and want to see if it will work for your home check out my paint review post on Oyster White by Sherwin Williams.
Blue House
Adding copper gutters to this blue house was a great idea. I love the way the copper contrasts with the two blue paint colors differently. This might be my favorite design reviewed for this post. The colors are absolutely stunning and give this home a timeless look.
White House
The gutters on this white house create an elegant contrast. The bright appearance of the gutters blend in perfectly with the warm tone of the white house, somehow creating a cohesive look that enhances rather than detracts from the overall aesthetic of the home.
Stone House
This home uses their gutters to add a bit of color and texture to the exterior. The medium patina provides a subtle contrast to the stone walls, creating an interesting design that will stand the test of time.
How Long Does it Take Copper Gutters to Turn Green?
When you see that layer of green on copper (called patina) it’s because a chemical reaction took place. The copper has reacted with oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which turns copper that green color we all recognize.
It is very difficult to say precisely exactly how long it will take to turn copper green but in coastal areas it can take 5 – 10 years and in rural areas 10- 14 years. It varies as the atmospheric conditions needed to turn copper green are different in different regions of the country.
Copper Gutters Conclusion
This style gutters are an excellent choice for homeowners who want to add character and charm to their homes while also providing superior durability and protection against water damage. They come in a variety of styles and colors so you can find the perfect option to fit your home’s design. With some inspiration from the pictures above, you can create a beautiful and practical addition to your home.
