The Pros and Cons of Copper Gutters
When you compare copper gutters to other materials, copper comes out on top as the most affordable and long lasting material choice for gutter protection. In terms of raw materials, copper gutters are on the low end of the cost spectrum while even more durable steel gutters cost even more up front. However, in the middle of the spectrum are a variety of choices to explore when you choose the perfect kind of gutters for yourself. Among the options you have are aluminum gutters, steel gutters, wood gutters, metal gutters, copper gutters, vinyl guttering, copper rain gutters and more. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages so before you make your final decision it’s a good idea to really understand each material choice and what each one can do to protect your home and property.
Copper Gutter advantages and aesthetics
With copper gutters, the benefits are fairly obvious. For instance, copper’s natural copper color is ideal for matching any landscaping style or color scheme, whether it’s rustic, modern, cottage, or Victorian. Copper’s also low maintenance reputation also comes as an important benefit. Copper’s color doesn’t chip, crack, fade or deteriorate and copper’s high heat conductivity keeps your downspouts and foundation dry and safe.
copper gutters require proper maintenance
But with all of these wonderful benefits there are some cons as well. One of the cons is copper gutters require very little maintenance and can last up to 35 years or more with proper upkeep. The copper’s anti corrosive properties also makes them a good choice to protect structures where aesthetics and safety is a concern. Despite their durability, copper gutters do wear out over time and need to be replaced every few years.
copper gutters have a huge lifespan and are damage resistant
Another con is that copper gutters are more expensive upfront that other popular gutter systems. However, another copper is that they tend to discolor or develop mildew at a slower rate. Also, copper gutters have a much longer lifespan than their counterparts and don’t usually crack or bend. It’s weather resistance and long life span are nothing to be laughed at.
One of the biggest pros to copper gutters is their ability to provide protection against wind and rain. Unfortunately, this is also a downside because they are not very effective in dealing with strong winds. Furthermore, copper gutters require a shorter lifespan than their counterparts. Also, many homeowners who have chosen copper gutters have found that their appearance tends to discolor over time. As a result, they have had to replace their gutters more frequently.
copper may discolor but it doesn’t rust
One of the biggest cons to copper gutters is that copper has a copper oxide patina which can eventually dull or even discolor. In addition, copper gets smoldering heat when it is exposed to air. This can lead to premature rusting and corrosion. Additionally, copper gutters can become tarnished and discolored from the weather over time. In some cases, copper has even been known to start fusing with water.
how properly maintain copper gutters
A second consideration when deciding on copper gutters comes from the fact that they often require a lot more maintenance than other types of gutter material. For example, copper requires regular painting to prevent corrosion and rusting. Copper also requires a higher maintenance level when it comes to the timely installation of new gutter materials and to the timely removal of old gutters. Of course, the upside to copper is that they tend to last for a very long time. Over the long run, this can end up saving homeowners a lot of money as they won’t have to replace their gutters so often.
When deciding on copper, it’s important to take all of these pros and cons into consideration. After all, it’s unlikely that copper is going to be a right decision all the time. However, if you do enough research and learn about each of the copper factors, then you can at least have an informed decision. Hopefully this article has helped you learn something new about copper for your home’s gutter installation.
