How Much Do Copper Gutters Cost?

Copper Gutters Cost

Installing copper gutters costs $2,431 on average with a typical range of $952 and $3,910. You spend between $18 to $26 per foot for most installations. Complex and difficult installs run upwards of $40 per linear foot. The average home uses 200 linear feet of gutter, translating into a total cost of $3,500 to $8,000.

Copper 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. 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.

Copper Gutter Pricing

Copper gutters can cost as much as five times more than other systems. Typical gutters run only $3 to $8 per linear foot. Copper comes in at $18 to $40 per linear foot. This price depends on your home's location since labor costs can vary significantly.

You should always get at least three estimates for comparison before selecting a contractor to install your copper gutters. Living in a low-cost area and opting for installation during the off-season may earn you lower prices and greater discounts.

When doing copper gutters, you can’t mix and match metals. Use copper in everything, from the gutter itself to the fasteners and hangers. If you introduce other materials, they will react with each other over time, reducing durability, functionality and detracting from their appearance.

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Lifespan

Copper gutters typically last 60 to 100 years with proper maintenance. This means that they might cost more initially but have the lowest lifespan cost of any gutter system. Copper’s long life comes from its resistance to corrosion, which deteriorates other metals.

Copper Gutter ROI

While you can’t predict the return on your investment, it’s unlikely you’ll get much back from installing copper, besides possibly a quicker sale. ROI depends on market and local area trends. Hiring a property appraiser costs $300 to $400 and helps you find the best ROI upgrades for your home.

Maintenance

Regular gutter cleaning costs $100 to $250 but doesn’t cover polishing. Since most copper owners want the aged green patina copper (even going so far as to speed up the oxidation process) it’s hard to put a price on polishing. The polish itself costs $15 to $50, but you’ll pay more for labor, which changes by location.

Contact your local gutter cleaning professional for rates. If you attempt it yourself, make sure to wear gloves since your natural oils can damage copper.

Gutter Removal

You’ll spend about $100 to $300 to remove old gutters. Some estimates include only the cost to install new gutters. Make sure that any estimate you consider includes the cost to remove and dispose of your old gutters.

Thickness, Length, Size and Pitch

You’ll spend more for thicker metal and larger gutters that use more copper. How much you pay depends on where you get it from. Ask your contractor what thickness, sizes and lengths they offer.

Copper gutters aren't one size fits all. Once you've chosen a style and calculated the length, select a gutter size. Talk to your contractor to decide whether four-, five- or six-inch gutters work best for your house and budget. The annual rainfall in your area determines the size of your gutters and downspouts, with higher rainfall requiring larger gutters.

“Larger and grander homes require larger gutters, even in low-rainfall areas,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “But in those construction projects, budget is usually less of an issue.”

If your gutters aren't positioned correctly, they won't collect and redirect rain. Downspouts must also direct water away from your home's foundation. The company you choose should be well-versed in accurately calculating your roof's pitch.

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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. Aluminum might not last as long but costs far less and even comes in copper look alike colors.

When to Choose Aluminum Gutters

At $6 to $12 per linear foot, aluminum gutters cost $700 to $1,400 including materials and labor to install. The cheaper upfront costs get offset by the longer lifespan of copper. Aluminum gutters typically last for 25 years, and they demand at least as much maintenance as copper over time.

Choose aluminum if:

• You want to spend less upfront

• You’re looking to suit a simple, contemporary home design

When to Choose Faux Copper

If you want the look of copper, but it's not in your budget, consider metal gutters with copper finishes. Finishes can be shiny and new, brown or darkened, and patina or blue-green. Ask your pro about "copper aluminum" gutter systems.

When to Choose Copper Gutters

Choose copper for:

• Coastal areas. Copper doesn’t corrode which makes it a great material for coastal, saltwater environments

• Durability. Copper gutters aren't inexpensive, but they are attractive and durable. They’ll last 60+ years which makes them one of the cheapest lifetime costs of any gutter system.

• Neighborhood designs. 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.

• Home ownership timeline. 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. Return to Top

Copper Gutter Installation Costs

Some gutter materials are easy enough for DIYers to install, but copper isn’t one of them. Installation requires a highly skilled contractor who offers experience with the delicate hanging and careful soldering this material demands. If you want to install copper gutters, consider the following:

Patina

Copper’s shiny reddish bronze tone is both eye-catching and unique. In most cases, it will instantly upgrade the exterior. Over time, copper oxidizes and changes color, turning from its original reddish bronze to a darker gray with highlights of green and eventually to a full green or greenish blue.

Some homeowners dislike this patina, while most prize it. The aged patina gives a classic look. Want to keep the original warm tone and shine? Polish your copper gutters about every year.

Styles

Copper gutters generally come in two styles: K-style and half-round which generally cost the same.

• Half-round is shaped like cylinders cut in half. This older, classic style works well on historic homes or rounded designs.

• K-style is the most common type in the US. They have flat backs and undersides with decorative fronts. Many are elaborate, containing details like those found in crown molding.

If you're looking for more distinctive style in your gutters, you’ll find some manufacturers produce other styles, and some will even customize copper gutters for your project.

Sectional vs. Seamless Gutters

Homeowners can typically purchase sectional or seamless gutters. They both have seams, but “seamless” means these are minimized to be almost invisible. Seamless tend to have a higher material cost, but require less labor while sectional requires far more work, but with a lower material cost. The decision between the two comes down to your home's design and overall look.

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Primer on Copper Gutters

You generally don’t want to prime or paint copper gutters. It degrades their style and value. The natural patina they get when they age adds to the charm and helps protect it. If you’re dead set on priming your gutters, use a metal primer that will cost you $12 to $80 per gallon. Better yet, switch out your copper for another material first.

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.

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FAQ

Are copper gutters worth it?

Copper gutters are worth it if you’re looking to upgrade the appearance of your home to create more curb appeal and a unique look. They’re great for coastal areas with saltwater air that eats through most metals. You’ll also want to consider that they’ve got the longest lifespan of any gutter material, over 60 years.

How long do copper gutters last?

Copper gutters last 60 to 100 years. With proper maintenance, they’ll last the life of your home.

Do copper gutters turn green?

Yes, copper gutters turn green as they oxidize, giving them their distinctive patina. Think of the Statue of Liberty in New York - entirely skinned in copper with a beautiful, aged green patina.

How long does it take copper gutters to oxidize?

Copper gutters will transform from their warm metallic shine to a soft, matte green. This process first goes through a grayish brown phase that can last for 20 years.

It’s common to accelerate the patina process with commercial solutions costing $10 to $100. You can also mix your own oxidizing solution with Miracle-Gro plant fertilizer and vinegar to form a patina within 30 minutes of application. Be sure to test on a part of the gutter that can't be seen first.

Should gutters match your roof or house?

Gutters should usually match the design of your roof or home. But it’s not necessary that they match in color. If you’re unsure, talk to a local architect for ideas.

What’s the best material to use for gutters?

The best material to use for gutters depends on your location, budget, current home design and what your neighbors are doing. You’ll want to compare gutter types before you choose.

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