If you’re looking into new gutters right now, you’re likely seeing a lot of talk about copper gutters. These days, copper is a super popular choice for gutters and even roofing—with its gorgeous, high-end style and its impressive durability. Many homeowners consider it the go-to option, and there are many reasons why you might want to invest in it.
Here’s a closer look at why copper gutters may just be the ideal choice for your home.
Advantages that Copper Gutters Offer Your Home
Installing specialty gutters should be a well-considered decision that weighs all the benefits and any possible drawbacks before you make your choice. As you think about choosing copper gutters, remember you’ll experience all these benefits:
1. Elegant Style
One of the strongest reasons homeowners credit for choosing copper gutters is how it boosts curb appeal. While more traditional gutter materials tend to be overlooked as a design element, copper automatically draws the eye with its dramatic color.
As a design element, copper matches well with any natural exterior siding material—including wood, stone, clay and even brick. Even if your home has a manmade siding, such as fiber cement, you can make copper work if the color scheme is right.
2. Impressive Durability
Copper gutters are incredibly enduring—lasting as long as 100 years in some cases! There are a few different reasons this is so.
First of all, they can be crafted to be seamless, or with soldered seams. With either option, you get a much longer-lasting design than other materials, because copper gutters won’t easily disconnect or get out of position.
In addition, as copper ages, it develops a protective coating known as a verdigris patina. This is what makes older copper have its distinctive green look. This patina isn’t just a change in color, though—it’s also a durable shield that keeps away moisture and wards off rust. While this coating can take 15-20 years to develop naturally, you can apply a treatment that brings forth the protective quality upon installation.
3. Easy Maintenance
Tired of dealing with sagging, rusting gutters that need lots of care? Then it’s worth considering copper, as they make your gutters extremely low-maintenance.
What’s great about copper as a material is that it’s so effective at resisting the growth of mold, mildew, algae and fungi—which are all too common in other gutter styles like aluminum. It doesn’t easily corrode or rust, nor does it sag or buckle. And it stands up well to extreme temperatures without losing its shape, which means it works in any climate.
4. Eco-Friendly Appeal
If you’re looking for ways to make your home lifestyle greener, choosing copper will help you do that. This is because copper is recyclable and reusable. When your copper gutters are finally due to be replaced after decades of life, they can be recycled into other handy items, such as tools and décor.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider Before Installing Copper Gutters
As with any material you choose for your home, copper isn’t right for everyone. Here are few things to keep in mind before you make your decision.
The Color Will Change (without Maintenance)
Yes, copper will change in its shade due to weather exposure over time—from the brightness of a new penny to a darker bronze or earthy brown. And it will also develop the distinctive green patina you’ve seen on many buildings, including the Statue of Liberty.
Many homeowners like this look, and it can really draw the eye in a good way. However, if this is not your style, you can maintain the copper gutter’s original look with several steps.
It Requires Precision Installation
While it’s a good idea to employ professionals to replace your gutters simply because they are so vital for keeping your roof and foundation free of damaging leaks, copper gutters are definitely not a good fit for DIY installation.
Gutters often require adjustment to precisely fit your specific home’s unique dimensions, which means cutting and adjusting the joints. Specialty tools and experienced skills make this process easier. Without them, you could ruin your copper gutters’ beauty before they’re set in place.
It’s a Significant Investment
Copper gutters are a higher-end option for your home, and they do require a more significant investment than other materials. In some situations, such as when you’re replacing gutters on a small rental property, copper may not make the most sense.
But in other ways, copper gutters are very much worth the investment. They provide dramatic curb appeal—making them an attractive choice whether you plan to stay in your home for many years, or you desire to put it on the market sometime soon.
Copper Gutter Installation You Can Trust for Your Chicago Home
When you’re ready to invest in new gutters, remember that copper gutters are an excellent way to boost your home’s value and beauty. At LeafCo Gutters, we take the time to get to know your needs and give you precision installation and great customer service so you can relax and know your home’s drainage system is at its best.
Learn more about our copper gutters and other specialty gutter options for your Chicago home.
