Gutters may not be the first thing to come to mind when you’re considering how to spruce up your home's façade, but they can make a bold statement -- especially copper gutters. Not only are these accents durable and functional, but they can also be stylish and stately. As a homeowner, it's up to you to decide whether the benefits, cost and appearance of copper make sense for your home and budget. Read on to learn about pricing, installation and benefits of copper gutters.
On This Page:
- Copper Gutter Pricing
- Primer on Copper Gutters
- Copper Gutter Installation: What to Consider
- Cost of Copper vs. Aluminum Gutters
Copper Gutter Pricing
Copper gutters can cost as much as five times more than other systems. On average, homeowners spend between $1,362 and $5,533 for installation. Since copper is more valuable than other alloys, contractors can't simply mix and match materials. Instead, every component -- from the gutter itself to the fasteners and hangers -- must be made of copper. If you introduce other materials, they will react with each other over time, reducing your gutters' durability and functionality, as well as detracting from their appearance.
The cost of copper gutters depends heavily on your home's location, as labor costs can vary significantly. You should always obtain at least three estimates for comparison before selecting a contractor to install your copper gutters.
- Inexpensive option: Five-inch copper gutters in standard half-round or K-style from manufacturers like Concord Sheet Metal can cost as little as $15 per linear foot. Living in a low-cost area and opting for installation during the off season may earn you lower prices and greater discounts. Installing gutters on a house that requires fewer than the average 200 linear feet of material will also lower your overall cost. An inexpensive installation costs about $3,000.
- Average cost: The average cost to install copper from manufacturers like EuroGutterUSA is about $25 per linear foot, including labor and materials. For a standard-sized, two-story home, this measures about 2,000 square feet, averaging about $5,000 total.
- Expensive option: The kind of copper you choose can also influence cost. The best gutters -- those from manufacturers like Amerimax -- are usually around one-third of an inch thick and cost upwards of $30 per linear foot. High-end installation generally costs more than $7,500.
Primer on Copper Gutters
When you're shopping around for new gutters, you'll find numerous options such as copper, aluminum, galvanized steel and vinyl. All have pros and cons. Copper gutters are a popular choice due to their balance of qualities.
Styles and Patina
Copper’s shiny reddish bronze tone is both eye-catching and unique to its material. This look may not be the best fit for every home; but in many cases, it will instantly upgrade the exterior.
Copper gutters generally come in two styles: K-style and half-round.
- Half-round gutters are shaped like cylinders cut in half. Since this is an older, classic style, it works well on historic homes.
- K-style gutters have flat backs and undersides with decorative fronts. Many are elaborate, containing details similar to those found in crown moulding.
If you're looking for more distinctive styling in your gutters, you’ll find that some manufacturers produce additional styles -- and some will even customize copper gutters to your liking.
Over time, copper ages and changes color, turning from its original reddish bronze to a darker gray with highlights of green. Some homeowners dislike this patina, while others prize it. Plan to polish your copper gutters annually if you wish to extend their original look and shine.
Lifespan
Copper gutters typically last at least 60 years, and they can last up to 100 years with proper maintenance. Much of copper's long life is due to its ability to resist corrosion, which can signal an early end to other metals.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure a long life for your copper gutters. You'll need to clean out leaves and other debris on a regular basis. Since the natural oil from your hands can damage copper's beautiful shine, be sure to wear gloves when doing maintenance on or near your copper gutters.
Copper Gutter Installation: What to Consider
There are gutters appropriate for DIY gutters installation, but copper gutters aren’t one of them. Copper gutter installation requires a highly skilled contractor who offers experience with the delicate hanging and careful soldering this material demands. When pursuing a copper gutter installation, consider the following.
Gutter Removal
Some estimates include only the cost to install new gutters. Make sure that any estimate you entertain includes the cost to remove and dispose of your old gutters.
Length, Size and Pitch
Copper gutters aren't one size fits all. Once you've chosen a style and determined the length you’ll require, you'll need to select a gutter size. Consult with your contractor to decide whether four-, five- or six-inch gutters are best for your home. Usually the annual rainfall in your area will determine the size of your gutters and downspouts, with higher rainfall requiring larger gutters.
Assessing the proper pitch for a gutter is nothing short of science. After all, if your gutters aren't positioned correctly, they won't properly collect and redirect rain. Downspouts must also direct accumulated water away from your home's foundation. Any contractor you select should be well-versed in accurately calculating your roof's pitch.
Sectional vs. Seamless Gutters
Homeowners can typically purchase sectional or seamless gutters. Seamless copper gutters, which are already soldered together at the seams, look smoother but may come at a higher material and labor cost.
Copper vs. Aluminum: Which is Right for You?
Many homeowners debate endlessly between copper and aluminum gutters. Both can be excellent choices, depending on your budget and project needs.
When to Choose Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum gutters have a clean, understated and streamlined look. Aluminum gutters typically last for 25 years, and they demand at least as much maintenance as copper over time. At a cost of about $3.50 to $7.00 per linear foot, aluminum gutters cost $700 to $1,400 including materials and labor to install. This sounds lower than copper gutter installation costs -- between $1,800 and $3,000 on the low end -- but the costs are comparable when lifespan is factored into the equation, as mentioned above.
Aluminum gutters suit simple, contemporary home designs. This material is a good choice for homeowners who aren't seeking to make a statement. Aluminum is also a good choice for homeowners looking to spend less in the immediate future.
When to Choose Copper Gutters
Copper gutters aren't inexpensive, but they are attractive and durable. Many homeowners choose to install copper after comparing the value and style of their home with others in the neighborhood. Since copper makes such a bold statement, be sure that it will fit in with your neighborhood or stand out in a good way before proceeding with the installation. Also, when you choose copper gutters, bear in mind the theft potential associated with this material.
Ownership timeline is another major decision-making factor. If you plan to stay in your home for decades, copper may be an excellent choice. Not only will the gutters last as long as you live in the home, but they will patina to give your home a nicely aged look over time.
