If you’re interested in upgrading your home’s gutter system, copper gutters have likely piqued your interest because they provide aesthetic appeal and durability. However, before diving into this amazing investment in your home, it’s crucial to understand all the intricacies of copper gutters cost so you can navigate your gutter project effectively.
We’ll compare the cost of copper gutters with other types of gutter materials and share tips on saving money on this elegant exterior choice.
Why Choose Copper Gutters
Homeowners typically choose to install copper gutters on their homes for their aesthetics over functional reasons. Copper gutters render a refined, antique vibe in a style all its own.
The great thing is copper gutters look fabulous on modern homes AND older homes. They also look great with wood, board and batten, brick, or just about any siding exterior.
While other metal gutters might have similar durability, steel and aluminum look more utilitarian than copper’s attractive finish. Copper also repels fungus, so mold, mildew, and moss aren’t likely to set up house in copper gutters.
Did we also mention that copper is corrosion-resistant and low maintenance? It’s uncommon for copper gutters to sag, warp, or crack. They simply do their job effectively and with excellent efficiency when installed correctly.
Plus, copper really delivers when it comes to raising the resale value of your home. It’s a great selling point because home buyers are immediately drawn to copper, whether the copper gutters have that shiny new luster or an elegant aged patina.
If those aren’t reason enough, copper is exceptionally eco-friendly, particularly compared to vinyl gutters.
But if we’re going to list a single reason why it’s just brilliant to invest in copper gutters, the truth is, you will likely never have to replace your gutters again when you choose copper. You also won’t have to repair them as much, if at all. Copper gutters will likely last 50 to 100 years when all is said and done. That makes them an extremely cost-effective gutter solution.
So copper’s the answer if you want gutters that will age gracefully and beautifully, and you’ll never have to put money out again to replace your gutter system.
Disadvantages of Copper Gutters
We loosely use the term “disadvantage” because the merits of copper gutters outshine any potential downside. But, as with any premium product, copper gutters cost more than other gutter materials.
While copper doesn’t have to be maintained as much as other gutter materials, it requires specialized maintenance depending on how you prefer your copper gutters to look.
For instance, some homeowners don’t take a shine to copper gutters that start to age into a green patina. Sealants must be applied to prevent the patina from progressing and keep a natural copper tone to the gutters.
And if the patina has already developed and you don’t want it to be that way, you’ll need to clean the gutters or have a professional do it for you.
We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention that cleaning copper gutters requires a special process to prevent the oils from your skin from leaving marks on the copper.
In the end, copper gutters are not a DIY-friendly project. It requires technique and precision during installation, so it’s best to have a copper gutter expert install them for you.
Estimating the Cost of Copper Gutters Per Foot
The foundational step in planning your copper gutter installation will be estimating the cost per linear foot. This will help you budget accurately and ensure there will not be burdening financial surprises down the line.
So, here are the steps to estimate the cost:
- Measure Your Roof – Step one involves measuring each side of your roof and adding the measurements together to calculate the total linear feet.
- Price Range – The average price range for copper gutters falls between $15 to $40 per linear foot. These figures should be in mind when you do your calculation.
- Account for Waste – When calculating, you’ll want to account for some waste and trim. To do this, increase your linear footage by 10% to 15%.
- Style Matters – Adjust the price according to your preferred gutter style. Custom gutters are, of course, going to put you at the high end of the cost range. Other styles include seamless or sectional, K-style or half-round, and standard.
- Accessories – Don’t forget to add the cost of accessories such as hangers, brackets, end caps, elbows, and downspouts to your estimate.
How Much Are Copper Gutters Compared to Other Gutter Types
Because copper gutters can be so expensive, it’s best to take a second and compare the cost of copper gutters to other types of gutters. This will help you weigh the pros and cons of each to be sure copper gutters are right for you.
Below are some estimates per linear foot for common gutter materials. You can take these figures and calculate the cost of your gutters. Bear in mind these prices include the cost of installation.
- Aluminum gutters: $6 to $12 per linear foot
- Steel gutters: $6 to $14 per linear foot
- Vinyl gutters: $3 to $5 per linear foot
- Wood gutters: $12 to $20 per linear foot
- Copper gutters: $15 to $40 per linear foot
That’s right! Copper gutters can cost nearly twice as much as the next most expensive guttering material and many times more than vinyl.
There’s another option, though, that offers the best of both worlds: copper penny aluminum gutters. Copper penny aluminum gutters are aluminum gutters that have been painted to look like copper. So, they offer the benefit of looking as elegant as real copper gutters without all the long-term durability that comes with the real thing.
Copper penny aluminum gutters cost is on par with vinyl gutters at $3 to $6 per linear foot.
Still, you may be like many homeowners who know the real thing can’t be beaten. Copper gutters tend to be the most expensive upfront. However, they offer unique benefits that can outweigh the initial cost, so it’s best not to let pricing be your sole deciding factor.
Saving Money on Copper Gutters
As we stated, copper gutters are pricey! However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some ways to save money on what would be a wise investment.
It’s essential to review these factors to help make copper gutters more affordable and accessible to homeowners like you.
Here are ways to save money on this premium gutter choice:
- Compare Prices – Obtaining multiple quotes from gutter professionals is always the best way to find the best deal. You can also take this time to compare what is covered in the estimate. For example, does the contractor offer a warranty on their work? Are all materials and labor included in the quote?
- Choose Simplicity – If you’re on a budget, just opt for a standard gutter style. You’ll need fewer materials and labor hours this way. Copper gutters will be beautiful either way, so there’s zero harm in skipping the bells and whistles because all functional gutters will be successful at directing water away from your home.
- Off-Season Installation – Schedule your copper gutter installation during the off-season (late fall to early winter usually, before the weather gets too aggressive) when the demand is lowest. Consider this your money-saving “hack” on basically all professional installation projects. Lower demand quite often equates to lower prices.
- Regular Maintenance – This tip is for after your gutters are installed. You’ll want to protect your investment, so maintain and clean your copper gutters regularly. This will help prevent damage and extend their lifespan so you get the most out of your money. Also, be sure to do regular inspections to catch and repair damage early. It’ll save you money on major repairs and replacements.
- Professional Installation – We know that taking the DIY approach technically costs less because you won’t have labor expenses to go along with your material expenses. However, we only recommend taking a DIY approach if you’re experienced in gutter installation and have opted for a gutter type that can be installed without professional expertise. Otherwise, your best bet is to hire a professional roofer or contractor offering warranties/guarantees on their work. This will ensure the quality and durability of your gutter system. Moreover, you’ll be protected if something gets messed up or the materials are faulty.
Conclusion
To sum up, understanding the intricacies of copper gutters cost is crucial if you’re considering this elegant addition to your home because it can be a significant investment. You’ve already seen how copper gutter pricing measures up next to other common gutter types.
However, this is why we provided numerous money-saving tips on your copper gutter installation project after we’ve broken down how to estimate the cost per linear foot. These things should help make sure your budget for this project is realistic.
While copper gutters may come with a higher initial price, their benefits, including enhanced curb appeal and super long-term durability, make them a worthwhile and invaluable investment.
Contact our gutter professionals for a free estimate to get your copper gutter project started.
