What You Need To Know About Copper Gutters

If you're in the market for new gutters, look no further than copper. This attractive metal develops a beautiful patina as it ages, while still providing the necessary job of routing rain water safely off your roof.

Benefits

The most obvious benefit of copper gutters is their beauty and appeal, but there are even more reasons to consider copper as your gutter material of choice.

Low Maintenance

Minimal maintenance is required to keep your copper gutters in good condition. The metal is strong enough to resist damage, so beyond occasionally cleaning out the troughs there really is no extra maintenance. Copper gutters can last up to 50 years, making them one of the more durable and low-maintenance gutter materials.

Environmentally Friendly

A major benefit of copper guttering is that it is environmentally friendly. You can find guttering made primarily out of recycled copper. If you do decide to replace the gutters in the future, the copper troughs and hangers are also recyclable. Further, the long lifespan of the gutters reduces the amount of materials that are needed since you won't be replacing the gutters frequently.

Flexible Installation 

Copper is one of the most flexible metals you can choose for guttering, which makes it a good choice on homes with odd roof lines are difficult curves. The copper troughs can simply be shaped around the curves for a tight and attractive fit. This flexibility also helps prevent damage, such as from thermal shock cracks that occur when metal freezes too quickly in cold weather. 

Style

All copper gutters may be made of the same material, but that doesn't mean they look the same. There are a couple of trough options to consider.

K Style

K style gutters earn the name because a cross-section of the top resembles the top half of the letter K. The back is flat, allowing for a flush fit to the eaves, and the decorative front makes an attractive addition to the eaves. Another benefit is that K style gutters often have a higher water carrying capacity compared to other options.

Half Rounds

A half round gutters features a half circle-shaped trough. They aren't as decorative as K style gutters, but they can complement older homes that have eaves designed for this style of gutter. The circular shape is also free of angles, which makes them easier to clean. 

Seamless Gutters

Both half round and K style gutters are available as seamless gutters, which will make your copper gutters even easier to maintain. Seamless gutters have few to no seams, so they are unlikely to develop leaks or work their way apart over time. 

Accessories

There are a few accessories that can further improve the look and functionality of your copper gutters.

Gutter Guards

One of the more attractive options in gutter guards for copper troughs is to use copper mesh-style guards. These feature a small screen that keeps out most debris, although pine needles and insects may still make their way through. Gutter guards reduce obstructions in the troughs and make them much easier to clean out. 

Rain Chains

You can opt for rain chains instead of downspouts, which is an especially attractive option for copper troughs. The chain connects the gutter trough outlet to the nearby location of choice, such as a water butt, flower planter, or garden bed. The water trickles down the chain, making a pleasant sight during rain weather. 

Down Spouts

If you opt for down spouts instead, copper is the way to go if you want to carry through the same look from trough to down spout. You will have a choice of shape, as down spouts are typically available as box squares or full rounds, so you can customize the profile of the down spout to your home's aesthetics.

Contact United Roofing LLC to learn more about copper gutter options.