As soon as we started our exterior trim makeover, we knew the gutters had to go. It was not even a discussion really. (They were purple? I don’t even know how!) The old gutters were pulled down during the trim painting, and we worked with our contractors Kennon Construction to order the new copper gutters.
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The gutters were supposed to come in and get installed around the 4th of July, but they took an extra two months to come in. Cue a slew of rainy days with no gutters…whyyyy. But once the materials came in last week, the contractors were done installing everything in four days, including the gutters, copper gutter guards, all of the flashing, and a chimney cap. It was kind of wild — the team was shaping them and cutting the flashing in the driveway, right on-site! They also installed a copper grate over the gutters as a gutter guard, which will help us not have to clean them frequently.
I’ve been sharing some sneak peeks in Stories, and I’ve been getting tons of messages asking about them, so I thought I’d spill all the tea today and show the final reveal!
Why Choose Copper Gutters?
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The main reason we chose copper gutters is the look. They’re just captivating, aren’t they? Copper gutters fit right into the moody, modern, traditional look we’re creating in our home. But the other reason to choose copper gutters is their long lifespan.
Vinyl is the cheapest, but those gutters get worn down by UV rays, becoming brittle and cracking over time. They only last around 10-15 years. Aluminum is the most popular kind — it holds up a little better to normal conditions except for hail and ice, which can damage them. You typically need to replace them every 20 years. Stainless steel can withstand even more snow and strong winds, but the coatings can eventually fail causing rust to set in. They last between 20-40 years.
And then there’s copper. Copper gutters are more resistant to corrosion and damage and can last up to 100 years. (There are faux copper gutters designed to mimic the look. They are coated with a finish that looks like new or aged copper but they’re crafted from aluminum, steel, or vinyl.)
What to Consider with Copper Gutters?
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The primary drawback is the cost, but you do get a much longer lifespan out of them, so keep that in mind! You may have to ask your HOA if they approve of the look. You’ll also need to decide on the shape — either a square shape or a barrel shape. I really wanted the barrel shape — it has a beautiful look to it. Our contractors warned us that because rain can be heavy here and the barrel shape has less capacity, it can cause overflow. We compromised on installing the squared-off gutters near the roofline, and the downspouts are the barrel-shaped pretty ones. Those are the ones you really see, so it works for me!
One big consideration is that copper gutters will naturally develop patina over time due to exposure to oxygen, moisture, and humidity. Some people like the patina, and some people want to keep it shiny. So if you like them closer to a penny, you’re going to have to put on a protective coating on or clean them by sanding or using a tarnish remover. When we were first getting quotes for the copper gutters, I told one guy that I’d like them to patina a little and then stop the process. And he said, “We can’t do that.” And I said, “Well, I’ll have to find someone that can!”
In Idaho we had copper gutters and after a couple of years, they honestly had only a little bit of patina. They still were very very copper. Here in North Carolina with all the rain and humidity, I know they’re going to develop patina a lot faster. They’ll go darker and darker, and then they’ll just go green (or the fancier official term, verdigris). Which is not really my vibe! My goal is to stop the oxidation process in a little bit. So standby to see if I can accomplish this with an antioxidant coating! There is a product called Everbrite Protective Coating – it’s an extensive process, but I think it might work.
How Much Do Copper Gutters Cost?
We paid $32,000 all-in for materials (including the gutters, downspouts, grid guards, flashing, and chimney cap) and labor. That comes out to about $40 per linear foot. We chose seamless gutters, which are generally more durable but need to be built on-site adding to cost. You can get sectional copper gutters, which will help save on costs because they’re easier to install, but they can be more susceptible to sagging and leaking over the years. Lots to consider!
My Final Verdict?
It feels like our house gained decades of tradition and history overnight — and will last for decades more! The copper gutters are the perfect crowning jewel framing our home. I just couldn’t love them more!
