Aluminum and vinyl gutters are cheap, durable, and easy to install. That’s why so many people have them. Aluminum and vinyl gutters can blend in well on your home if they match your trim or house color. They can blend in so well you don’t even notice they’re on there. That’s fine, if you’re into that sort of thing.
But if you’re looking to make your home the showstopper you know it can be, to make a bold and beautiful statement, there’s nothing quite like copper gutters to add style and elegance. In time, the bold copper transforms with a stunning blue-green patina that everyone loves.
Pros of Copper Gutters
Copper gutters have a timeless beauty that adds a lot of curb appeal to most styles of homes, especially higher-end and older ones. Although it’s hard to quantify how much value copper gutters will add to your home’s value, homes with curb appeal always sell for more than those that do not.
Copper gutters are known for their durability and long life. They not only withstand heavy rains and snow, but with proper maintenance, copper gutters can last a century! Compare that to vinyl that will last 10 years or so or aluminum which probably will need to be replaced after 20 years! That longevity makes them environmentally friendly and they’re made from a natural element too.
Cons of Copper Gutters
The main problem with copper gutters is the cost. The price of copper gutters is around $25-30 per square foot which is more than twice that of other materials. When you consider their longevity, however, the cost is comparable.
Not everyone has the expertise needed to install copper gutters. They’re more difficult to work with, requiring more joints to solder and craftsman workmanship so it’s important to find a company with years of experience in copper gutter installation.
Other Considerations
First, if you live a in a home where there’s a homeowners’ association, you should check to make sure copper gutters are allowed. Although they’re top-of-the-line, copper gutters may not align with the rules of the association.
Will copper match the design of your home? Copper gutters may not match the style of homes that are more modern. The color should also be considered―will both the copper and the green patina match?
Make sure your copper gutter installer uses copper brackets, downspouts, and any other fittings. If not, they won’t look right and other materials may cause the copper to discolor. This also includes gutter guards. If you were wondering how an aluminum gutter guard will look on your beautiful gutter, don’t. Copper gutter guards are available so they match your copper gutters beautifully.
Copper gutters, like any other gutters, should be cleaned regularly. If wet debris sits in them too long, it may discolor them.
If you don’t like patina, it is possible to keep your gutters looking like a shiny new penny by putting a protective coating on them each year and polishing them with copper polish. However, this a lot of work.
At Gutter Pros, our technicians have years of experience installing and maintaining copper gutters that are beautiful and functional. Call us today at (314) 656-7195 and we’ll help you decide if copper gutters will be a right fit for you.