Copper Gutters and Downspouts

Copper Gutters and Downspouts - The pros and cons

Everything You Need to Know about Copper Rain Gutters and Downspouts

Have you been noticing a rising trend in copper gutters and downspouts among homeowners. Ever since I have started researching rain gutters, I have been amazed by the variety of options and the wide range of accessories available on the market. 

Copper gutters caught my attention as I saw their rising popularity among homeowners and renovators. If you are also wondering whether copper gutters can be a value addition for your house, you are in the right place. 

I have carried out extensive research on the topic and have brought everything you need to know about copper gutters and downspouts. 

Copper Gutters VS Aluminium Gutters:

As you may already be familiar that the most common rain gutters in the market are Aluminum gutters.

Let’s do a little comparison of both Aluminum and Copper gutters.

Aluminum Gutters:

  • The aluminum gutters are popular because they cost much less than copper gutters.
  • They are great at functioning and don’t leak.
  • They can withstand extreme weather.
  • They can last longer with good maintenance.

Copper Gutters:

  • The copper gutters cost a lot as compared to the aluminum gutters.
  • They are great at functioning.
  • They can withstand harsh weather
  • They can last twice as long as Aluminum gutters.
  • With good maintenance, they will last up to 100 years.

Other than that people also use Vinyl gutters, Stainless-steel gutters, and Wood gutters.

This table will help you compare all of them in a quick glance.

Gutter Type

Advantages

Disadvantages

Vinyl Gutters

  • $3-$5 per linear foot
  • 10 years
  • Great maintenance can last for 20 years.
  • Won’t be durable in extreme weather.

Aluminum Gutters

  • $5-$9 per linear foot
  • 20 years
  • 30 years with great care
  • More durable in extreme weather.
  • Will require maintenance.

Stainless-steel Gutters

  • $18-$25 per linear foot
  • 20-25 years.
  • Likely to get rusty as the protective coating wears out.

Copper Gutters

  • $22.22 per linear foot
  • 60 years
  • 100 years with good maintenance.
  • More expensive

Wood Gutters

  • $20-$28 per linear foot.
  • 25 years
  • Extra durable ones can last for 50 years.
  • May still need metal downspouts
  • Not allowed everywhere.

Advantages of Copper Rain Gutters:

If you are WOW-ed to know that copper gutters can last up to a century, then take a look at some of the other benefits of these trending gutters.

  1. They add value to your property!

Copper gutters look great. They can go well any exterior like wood, clay, and stone. By adding copper gutters, you will increase the aesthetic appeal of your property. Moreover, the great look added with a longer life span makes them a valuable addition to your property.

  1. They won’t rust!

Copper gutters naturally develop a protective green coating called Verdigris Patina. This makes the copper gutters more durable. The protective layer will save your gutters from rusting.

It takes 15 years or more for copper gutters to develop Verdigris Patina. But you can speed up the process by using a solution like:

  1. They won’t block!

Copper gutters resist both algae and fungi. You may already know that the growth of algae and fungi can cause blockages in the rain gutters. Therefore, in copper gutters, you won’t have to worry about them causing blockages.

  1. They don’t require much maintenance!

Rain gutters expand and contract as a result of temperature changes. Therefore, they have joints on them to allow you to fit the gutters according to fluctuations in the temperature.

Comparatively, copper has a low thermal coefficient of expansion. They show very minute changes in extreme weather conditions. as a result, they don’t require maintenance every season. This also makes copper rain gutters and downspouts more stable and durable.

Disadvantages of Copper Rain Gutters:

You have read what is great about the copper gutters, let us now see what are some the reasons that stop people from using them.

  1. Installation is not easy!

You cannot install copper gutters and downspouts easily. Since vinyl and aluminum gutters are easy to install, this is a drawback for most people.

I will recommend you use professionals for installing copper gutters. It will cost between $700-$1000 (for 24 hours of labor) but will save you time and frustration.

  1. They are Expensive!

Well, you already know this one. They are much expensive than the standard aluminum gutters.

But, How much more are Copper Gutters?

The copper gutters cost between $15 to $25 for a linear foot. A typical house will need 120 to 200 feet of rain gutters. The total price will depend on:

  • The height of the building
  • The total linear length of the copper gutters
  • Number of corners
  • Couplers, hangers, and downspouts
  • Charges of installation

According to a rough estimate, for a standard house, the copper rain gutters will cost between $3000 to $3500

Considering the same factors, for a standard house installing aluminum rain gutters will cost $700 to $800

Are Copper Gutters Worth it?

 The difference between the cost of copper rain gutters and aluminum rain gutters makes one wonder if copper gutters are really worth the additional expense.

For this, let us first look back at the advantages and disadvantages of the copper gutters.

The copper rain gutters offer more durability and need less maintenance than other types of rain gutters.

The additional cost is an important factor. But, if you take into account the long life span and easy maintenance, you will see that effectively the copper rain gutters are more cost-efficient than others.

How long do Copper Gutters last?

Normally, the copper gutters last for more than 60 years. but if you choose high-quality gutters and keep maintaining them with time, they will last you for 100 years. They naturally resist algae and fungi are less likely to develop a blockage. You can also prolong their life and make maintenance easier by using leaf guards for rain gutters.

Do Copper Gutters turn Green?

Copper rain gutters will change color with time. They start with shiny metallic color and change to a more earthy brown. After 15 to 20 years, the copper gutters turn green.

This is a natural process where the copper develops a protective layer that is green in color. This adds to the durability of the copper rain gutters. However, if green is not your color and you want your copper gutters to stay ‘copper-ish’, you can use a protective coating to delay the process.

So, Rain Gutter Enthusiasts,

What do you think about copper gutters?

Do share in comments.

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