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The best type of rain gutters for your home depends on many factors, including material. Copper gutters are among the least common choices but provide a striking appearance and several functional advantages. We’ve researched the unique characteristics of copper gutter systems to help you decide if these gutters are the best match for your home.
What to Expect With Copper Gutters
Below, we’ve detailed what to expect when you choose a copper gutter system.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Copper gutters last a long time, but they are often expensive to install. Here are more of the key benefits and drawbacks of copper gutters:
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
|
Can last up to 50 years |
Are among the least cost-effective gutter options |
|
Have a unique aesthetic that appeals to many homeowners |
Often require professional installation |
|
Are available in sectional and seamless designs |
Styles
Copper gutters are available in several styles, but the most common are half-round and K-style.
- Half-round copper gutters: Half-round gutters have a rounded shape that many people find complementary to the aesthetic of older homes. These gutters are harder to install and typically use visible hangers that wrap around the gutter. The curved shape flushes out debris better than K-style gutters, but a 5-inch half-round gutter holds less water than a comparably sized K-style gutter.
- K-style copper gutters: K-style gutters are what you will find installed on most residential properties. This gutter design benefits from an easy installation process and a pleasing appearance reminiscent of crown molding. K-style gutters can use several types of hangers to connect to your home’s fascia board, including hidden hangers that nestle inside the gutter.
Cost
Copper gutters are one of the most high-end gutter options. Zinc and wood are typically the only materials that exceed copper gutters in cost. The high price point is a major reason that copper gutters are less common than aluminum and vinyl gutter systems.
Durability
Copper is one of the most durable gutter materials, lasting more than 50 years when well-maintained. It doesn’t rust, and oxidation takes the form of a blue-green patina that many people find pleasing. Note that you will need to install all copper parts on your gutter system, including hangers, elbows, and downspouts. Using aluminum or steel hardware in conjunction with a copper gutter can cause the copper to corrode more quickly.
Installation
Copper gutters typically require professional installation. This is due to the material’s heavy weight and the often seamless design that requires custom fabrication. Plus, many standard tools are ineffective or potentially damaging when installing copper gutters. If you manage to find sectional copper gutters, the seams will need to be sealed with solder instead of conventional caulk during gutter installation to create durable joints.
Compare Gutter Materials
Here is how copper gutters compare to the most popular gutter materials:
| Gutter Material | Cost per Linear Foot* | Life Expectancy* |
|---|---|---|
|
Vinyl |
$3–$6 |
10–20 years |
|
Aluminum |
$4–$14 |
30 years |
|
Steel |
$6–$14 |
20 years |
|
Copper |
$25–$40 |
50+ years |
*Cost and life expectancy data sourced from HomeAdvisor.
Other Factors to Consider
Consider these additional factors when selecting gutters for your home.
Size
Standard gutters are typically 5 or 6 inches wide. For homes located in climates with frequent severe weather, it may be a good plan to invest in a larger gutter. This is also true for homes with steeper roofs. Seven-inch gutters are available in most gutter styles, and some suppliers can custom-fabricate larger gutters.
Sectional vs. Seamless
Sectional gutters come in individual pieces that must be connected together when installed on your home. This is a cost-effective option but leaves seams at each connection. Each seam must be sealed, and the sealant can break down over time and lead to leaks.
Seamless gutters span the entire length of each eave on your home, leaving no seams. Gutter contractors custom-form these gutters on-site. This is a pricier option but has improved leak resistance.
Our Recommendation
A copper rain gutter improves curb appeal with its unique look, especially when paired with an older or historic home. The impressive durability of copper gutters makes them lower maintenance than some other materials, but you will still need to conduct regular gutter cleaning. We recommend copper gutters as a high-end alternative to other gutter materials.
You should also consider adding a high-quality gutter guard to your gutter system. We like LeafFilter for its strong micro-mesh design that can block debris as fine as shingle grit. This gutter guard is professionally installed and comes with a transferable lifetime warranty.
Copper Gutters FAQ
How do I prevent a patina from forming on my copper gutters?
Many retailers sell antioxidant coatings that will delay the formation of a patina on your copper gutters. Keep in mind that it takes many years for a copper patina to form naturally, and many people enjoy the blue-green look of copper after it oxidizes.
How can I customize my copper gutter system?
Some people add copper rain chains in place of conventional downspouts. These sequences of chained cups pass water down through each cup as the water drains off your roof, creating an attractive display as the water flows away from your home.
Do I need a gutter guard?
A gutter guard isn’t a necessity, but it can drastically reduce gutter cleaning maintenance. There are many types of gutter guards, but steel micro-mesh tends to be the most durable material with the best filtration.
How We Chose the Top Gutter Guard Providers
We researched and analyzed dozens of gutter guards and gutter guard companies to create an in-depth review methodology. We formulated a rating system based on the factors homeowners find most important. We evaluated each provider’s gutter guard design and aesthetics, service offerings, customer service and communication, quote process, warranties, and financing options.
We created a separate rating system for DIY-installed gutter guards sold on retailer sites. We evaluated these guards based on their quality of materials, aesthetics, communication, warranty, customer reviews, and cost.
We evaluated each provider’s reputation using independent, third-party sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google My Business pages. For products, we analyzed the customer reviews on whichever online retailer primarily hosts the product.