A complete guide to copper gutters: Are they right for your home?

Key points

• Copper gutters elevate your home’s aesthetics with their shine or patina.
• The material can last two to three times longer than aluminum or vinyl gutters.
• Copper is pricier and can cost twice as much as other types of gutters.

Copper gutters stand out in quality, durability and aesthetics that amp up your home’s curb appeal. “One benefit of copper gutters over aluminum or galvanized options is that the material looks better, and it becomes a certain kind of status symbol,” said Joshua Rudin, owner of ASAP Restoration in Tempe, Arizona.

The upscale look of copper gutters differentiates houses from ones with prototypical gutters that you may see in most neighborhoods. But the quality and panache come at a premium.

Whether this splurge is justified also depends on your needs. Experts note that copper gutters can last at least 50 years, about twice as long as standard aluminum gutters.

What are the benefits of copper gutters?

Copper gutters cost more than gutters made of aluminum and PVC (commonly referred to as vinyl), but the benefits are often worth the initial high costs. Here are five perks homeowners can expect:

• Aesthetics: Copper gutters enhance your home’s curb appeal. They age gracefully, developing a mint green patina.
• Cleanliness: Copper resists fungi and algae growth, minimizing the scrubbing effort needed as you clean your gutters.
• Flexibility: This gutter material is a relatively soft metal compared with stainless steel, which means it won’t crack or buckle during extreme temperature changes.
• Longevity: If you take care of copper gutters, they can last at least 50 years. With care, they can last upward of 80 years. On the other hand, vinyl and aluminum gutters typically have a lifetime of 20–30 years. If you plan to stay in your home for a long time, investing in a copper gutter system can save you money in the long term.
• Protection: The patina on copper gutters doesn’t just add a custom design element — it protects them from damage and enhances durability. Copper also naturally withstands corrosion, making it great for coastal homes.

What are the disadvantages of copper gutters?

While copper rain gutters are coveted by some homeowners, keep in mind that the gutter system is not always low-maintenance. Here are some drawbacks to keep in mind:

• Cost: Copper gutters can cost four to five times more than aluminum or vinyl gutters.
• Maintenance: If you don’t like the natural copper patina, plan to polish your gutters one to two times per year. This upkeep will cost you between $5 and $10 per linear foot, Rudin noted.
• Professional installation: Installing copper gutters requires specialized skills; it’s not something you should do yourself. Itching to do a DIY project? Opt for sectional gutters made from vinyl, aluminum or stainless steel.

How are copper gutters installed?

The process for installing copper gutters is similar to the installation process used for other types of gutters, but there are a few key differences. Here’s a step-by-step look at how copper gutters are installed:

1. Initial inspection: Most gutter contractors offer free consultations. A technician will come to your home, take some measurements and draft a quote.
2. Preparation: Before the new gutters are installed, the installer will inspect your fascia board and soffits to ensure they’re in good condition. Old or decaying sections should be replaced before new gutters are installed.
3. Old gutter removal: If everything looks good, the installer will start by removing old gutters and looking for any other damage on the joists, decking, eaves and flashing. “These things must be brought into order or not affected by the gutter install before work can begin,” Rudin explained.
4. Fabrication: Copper gutters are often made on-site using a specialized metal bending machine that forms copper sheets into gutters. Your contractor will cut the material to match the length of each roof section to guarantee a perfect fit.
5. Hanger installation: The installer will attach gutter hangers to the roof, fastening them to the fascia board. Gutter hangers are what support the weight of your gutter system.
6. Gutter installation: Once the hangers are securely in place, the gutters are attached. This is one of the quickest steps.
7. Downspout installation: Most copper gutter systems have round downspouts to fit the classic half-round look. Install copper downspouts to direct water away from the gutters and down to the ground. You’ll likely also have to add downspout extenders to keep the water away from the base of the house.
8. Final inspection: Once the gutters and downspouts are installed, your contractor will inspect the entire copper gutter system, ensuring your gutters have a steep enough slope to drain properly. They’ll conduct a water test to check for leaks and ensure the new gutters can support the weight of water moving through them.

How much do copper gutters cost compared with other materials?

One reason copper gutters are more expensive than other types of gutters is that almost all copper gutters are seamless — seamless gutters are custom made to fit your home.

Copper gutter material costs between $2,000 and $5,600 for 200 linear feet (between $15 and $30 per linear foot). Installation adds $5–$10 per linear foot, making the total cost for a copper gutter installation between $3,000 and $7,600, as confirmed by Erik Swain, president of Frontgate RPD, a construction and remodeling company in Willoughby, Ohio. 

Different types of copper gutters are priced accordingly. Traditional K-style copper gutters are more affordable than half-round copper gutters because half-round gutters require special brackets and installation techniques, as they don’t sit flush against the fascia board. Whether copper half-round gutters are worth the upcharge depends on the amount of rain you get each year, and which aesthetic you prefer.

“The most commonly used sizes are the 5-inch K-style gutter paired with either 2-by-3-inch rectangular downspouting or a 3-inch round downspouting,” Swain said. “However, for many homes, a larger setup might be more effective. This includes the 6-inch K-style gutters, which offer greater capacity, coupled with either 3-by-4-inch downspouting or a 4-inch round downspouting for improved drainage efficiency.”

Labor costs vary by location, so consult your local gutter contractors for concrete estimates. Most gutter installers offer free quotes. We recommend reaching out to at least three different companies before deciding.

Gutter Material	Material Cost per 200 Linear Feet	Total Cost Including Installation
Vinyl	$400–$600	$1,200–$1,400
Steel	$800–$900	$1,600–$1,700
Aluminum	$500–$1,400	$1,700–$2,600
Copper	$2,000–$5,600	$3,000–$7,600

What happens to copper gutters over time?

Picture the Statue of Liberty and you’ll know what to expect as oxidation starts to work on your copper gutters. Unlike rust, the green patina sits on the surface of the metal and is not corrosive, nor will it damage the gutter or downspout. In fact, the protective coating is part of the reason why copper gutters last more than 50 years — at least twice as long as gutters made from steel, aluminum or vinyl.

This patina develops over time. “It’s a gradual process influenced by a variety of factors such as climate, weather conditions and sunlight,” Rudin said. The transition can take years.

Swain observed that copper gutters and downspouts transition from their initial shiny reddish-orange state to a brown color relatively quickly, usually within the first few years. “This brown stage typically lasts for about five to 10 years before gradually evolving into the classic green patina,” he said. “The rate of this color transformation can vary greatly depending on environmental conditions. For instance, gutters installed near pollution sources, especially in areas east of major cities where air pollutants are more prevalent, tend to develop the green patina more rapidly due to increased exposure to these pollutants.”

Copper gutter maintenance tips

Because copper gutters naturally transition to their desirable patina state, this makes them fairly low-maintenance. As the oxidation process cannot happen overnight, some people are eager to have this vintage appearance and may look to accelerate the patination process.

The cost of a chemical treatment that encourages the development of patina can be about $100, which covers the chemicals you can DIY with, or it can range from $500 to several thousand dollars for professional application, according to Swain. The price depends on the amount of copper that needs to be treated as well as the type of treatment solutions, such as copper sulfate or liver of sulfur. To achieve a certain patina effect, your gutters may require multiple applications, Swain added.

Alternatively, if you want your copper gutters to retain that new penny sheen, you may have to invest in a polishing routine to keep them from tarnishing. A copper cleaning cream or a homemade formula of flour, salt and vinegar can do the trick. You can also call a professional to polish your gutters and downspouts for you. “Sealing copper gutters usually costs around the same amount as a polishing does — between $5 and $10 per linear foot,” Rudin said. Sealants only need to be applied every few years, but they won’t keep your gutters looking as shiny as regular polishing.

How often you’ll want to polish copper gutters depends on your local climate. The patina will form more quickly in more humid climates.

Like other types of gutters, copper gutters require routine maintenance. Clean them out a few times per year and inspect them regularly to make sure they’re not pulling away from your roofline or sagging. A good gutter guard system can help keep gutters clear, especially if your house is surrounded by trees.

To get started, request quotes from top rated gutter guard providers.

What’s next?

Consider how long you plan to reside in your home before investing in copper gutters. Whether or not you’re comfortable with the extra cost depends on how much you value aesthetics and longevity. The look of copper provides a stately, somewhat vintage appearance that’s often a plus when it comes to curb appeal. 

Because copper gutters age unlike any other type of gutters — transforming from a shiny reddish-orange to a bright green patina — you’ll likely avoid high maintenance costs. As you consider the alternatives, such as popular aluminum and vinyl gutters, book at least three consultations to get price estimates.

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