Complete Guide to Copper Gutters (2023)

Copper gutters have become a popular alternative to the inexpensive aluminum gutters seen on most homes. Because copper is both durable and decorative, installing copper rain gutters can increase the value of your home.

Below, we explain the pros and cons of copper gutters, explore the different styles available, and answer common questions about this gutter upgrade.

Homeowners choose copper gutters for a variety of reasons. For instance, you might choose copper gutters if any of the following are true:

• You have a historic home and want gutters with an antique look.
• You want your gutters to be a selling point when you list your home.
• Your home does not have vinyl siding for aluminum or vinyl gutters to match.
• You do not want to replace your gutter system again.
• You appreciate the elegant green patina of aged copper.
• You hate having to repair or reseal your gutters every few years.
• You want an eco-friendly alternative to vinyl gutters.

Copper gutters make sense if you like how they look and how well they hold up. They cost more up-front than other types of gutters, but you can view them as an investment that will add value to your home and save you money in the long run.

Copper gutters have several benefits related to both form and function. The most obvious benefit is their appearance. Copper has a simple, elegant aesthetic that complements historic and ultra-modern homes. It can pair well with certain home exteriors, including those that feature stone or brick. It also looks good with shake siding or board-and-batten siding—particularly if the siding is white, green, dark blue, or a light neutral color.

In addition to a timeless appeal, copper gutters offer superior durability. Copper is a natural fungicide and algaecide, which makes it difficult for moss and mildew to grow in your gutters. It also resists corrosion and endures extreme temperatures without warping, cracking, or breaking. Thus, copper gutters are relatively low-maintenance and strong enough to resist sagging.

As an added bonus, copper rain gutters are exceptionally eco-friendly. They can easily last 50 years or longer, and, when they do finally wear down, the copper will be 100% recyclable.

Despite their benefits, copper gutters have a few downsides. First, they cost much more than aluminum, vinyl, or steel gutters. Many people desire copper gutters for their appearance but change their minds once they see the price. For reference, 200 linear feet of aluminum gutters costs around $2,000, while the same length of copper gutters can cost at least double that amount.

Further, if your home has traditional vinyl siding, copper gutters will stick out more than vinyl, aluminum, or even steel ones. Vinyl gutters come in a wide range of colors so you can find an exact match for your home’s siding. Aluminum and steel gutters, meanwhile, can be easily painted to match. Copper, on the other hand, will stand out. Whether that’s a good or bad thing depends on your preferences.

Finally, copper gutters generally require professional installation. While many homeowners can install lightweight aluminum gutters on their own, installing copper gutters is not a DIY job. Copper weighs more than other gutter materials, making it harder to hang, and soldering is required to connect the various pieces. Plus, copper gutters are rarely sold in precut pieces. Instead, most companies offer seamless copper gutters that are cut to your exact specifications.

When most people think of copper gutters, they envision seamless half-round copper gutters. However, that’s not the only option.

Like other types of gutters, copper gutters are available in multiple shapes and sizes. The two most popular options are 5-inch K-style gutters and 6-inch half-round gutters. Half-round copper gutters come in single-bead and double-bead varieties. A few companies offer copper box gutters and other shapes. Although copper gutters can range from 4 to 8 inches wide, the 5- or 6-inch size is large enough for most homes.

Similarly, copper downspouts can be either rounded or rectangular in shape. Some homeowners incorporate matching rain chains into their copper gutter system instead of relying on traditional downspouts. Copper end caps, outlets, elbows, miters, wire strainers, offsets, leaf guards, and hangers are also available to complete your system.

While both sectional and seamless copper gutters are available, seamless gutters are by far the better option. Fewer seams mean a lesser chance of sagging and leaking.

Installing gutter guards on copper gutters can be tricky, so it’s best to bundle this into your professional copper gutter installation. Professional gutter companies typically offer at least one gutter guard product. In fact, some of the best gutter guards are only available through professional installers.

You can install brush or foam gutter guards inside copper rain gutters just as you would in other types of gutters. You can also find screen and micro-mesh gutter guards that allow for DIY installation. Typically, these types of gutter guards slide under the first row of shingles on your roof and, from there, extend over the top of your gutters. Tin snips and a ladder are all you need to install most DIY-friendly gutter guards.

Copper gutters can easily cost $20–$40 per linear foot* installed. In comparison, steel, aluminum, or vinyl gutters often cost $10 or less per linear foot. The prices you see may be higher or lower depending on the specifics of your installation as well as your location and the company you choose.

Your gutter installation cost will be higher if you choose to install gutter guards. Downspouts, rain chains, and other accessories will also factor into the final cost. Although you can save money by installing copper gutters yourself, we do not recommend it. It’s best to let a professional handle the installation.

*Cost ranges listed are based on data from Angi and HomeAdvisor.

Although copper gutters are more expensive than other gutter styles, they also last longer. Many homeowners also appreciate their unique aesthetic, which only improves with time. Within a few years, the shiny, new copper will fade to dark brown, then turn green. The green will lighten over time until it reaches the timeless color of antique, oxidized copper.

Copper gutter guards typically require professional installation. Although this will add to the up-front price, you will save money on maintenance in the long run. In fact, if you take good care of your new copper gutters, you can expect them to last the rest of your life.

The This Old House Reviews Team backs up our gutter guard recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each gutter guard product and provider. We conduct research by reviewing product specifications and provider website information, speaking with customer representatives, and analyzing customer reviews. We then score each provider against our review standards for specifications, services, reputation, warranties and discounts, payment options, and customer service to arrive at a final score out of 100.  

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.