How Much Do Copper Gutters Cost

Copper is a premium building material used for various exterior areas of the home, including gutters, downspouts, flashing, fascia, and soffits. It’s also favored for dramatic roofing features like domes and spires. Many homeowners choose copper gutters for their unmatched visual appeal and durability, as they can last over 100 years and withstand harsh weather conditions.

Modernize has created this comprehensive guide to copper gutters, offering insights on installation costs, styles, maintenance, and benefits. Read on to discover why copper gutters are a preferred choice for high-end homes and how they outperform other types.

How Much Do Copper Gutters Cost?

Copper gutters are more expensive than other materials, with installation costs influenced by the size and number of stories of your home, as well as the amount of soldering required for seams and joints. Their weight also impacts installation; copper is heavier than aluminum, making it more challenging to install, especially at heights.

In the U.S. they cost between $22.55 and $70.80 per linear foot, while downspouts range from $322 to $588 each. Most homes require two to four downspouts, depending on size and structure.

In addition to gutters and downspouts, you’ll need copper end caps, fasteners, braces, and brackets to prevent corrosion. Each end cap costs about $11 to $32.50, with most homes needing four to eight.

Professional labor for installation averages between $6 and $20 per foot, depending on location and home structure.

The gauge of copper gutters affects pricing, with 20 gauge being the most common. Gauges range from 16 to 24, where lower numbers indicate thicker gutters; 16-gauge is recommended for areas with heavy snowfall.

Adding gutter guards, which protect your investment and reduce maintenance, can increase costs. Copper gutter guards typically range from $12 to $19 per linear foot, significantly higher than standard aluminum options.

Gutters Cost Calculator

Take Me There

Seamless Copper Gutters

Most copper rain gutters are seamless – they are formed into a continuous design from rolled copper stock, which helps eliminate leaking at joints. Sectional copper gutters, meanwhile, some in certain sectioned lengths, and all seams are soldered in place manually.

Gutter professionals recommend seamless gutters for all gutter replacement projects for the best durability and defense against the elements. They tend to be more prone to leaks and damage during inclement weather, which can lead to costly home water damage, clogged gutters, and other issues.

Especially if you are choosing a high-end type of gutters, it is in your best interest to protect your investment and install seamless gutters that are custom-fitted to your home.

Find Local Contractors

Benefits of Copper Gutters

Styles of Copper Gutters

There are two main styles of copper gutters: half-round and K-style. K-style gutters are a bit less expensive than half-round copper gutter styles. Cost aside, each style has its benefits and drawbacks worth considering. Here’s a closer look at each.

K-Style

K-style copper gutters are so named because the profile view looks like a capital letter “K.” The shape provides rigidity when the trough is filled with water. K-style copper gutters can be anywhere from 5” to 8” wide, but 5” and 6” are the most common gutter widths. This style of gutters is the most common for U.S. homes, but the pros and cons are worth considering.

Pros:

• Can hold a lot of rainwater, especially in wider widths.
• The shape makes them easier to install. The flat back can be nailed directly to the roof fascia. This may cut down on installation costs.
• They can be quite attractive, a bit like having crown molding on your roof fascia.
• The rigid shape means greater durability and a longer lifespan.

Cons:

• They can accumulate debris, especially during storms.
• Can be harder to clean. You will likely have to clean your gutters bi-annually.
• These gutters can retain some water due to their shape, which can lead to corrosion over time. However, corrosion is less of a problem with copper gutters compared to aluminum.

These gutters have a stylish appearance that works best with modern and contemporary architectural designs.

Find Local Contractors

Half Round

Half round copper gutters – so named because they are shaped like a half circle – typically work best in historical architecture and older homes. However, they also work well for modern residences that do not have angular roofs. Though they are not as common as K-style gutters, it is worth noting their pros and cons.

Pros:

• Rainwater flows more easily through the trough compared to the K-style.
• Water will not collect and pool as easily, so half-round gutters are less prone to corrosion.
• Tend to be easier to clean than K-style gutters.

Cons:

• Half-round copper gutters can be more difficult to install.
• They carry a lower volume of rainwater compared to the K-style. This means they may not be a good fit for areas prone to heavy rainfall.
• Availability can be limited since they are less popular than K-style gutters.

In addition to historical and older homes, half-round copper gutters also work well with homes clad in natural stone or brick siding.

Choosing Gutter Guards for Copper Gutters

Find Local Contractors

Installing Copper Downspouts

Copper Gutter Maintenance

Finding a Professional Gutter Installer

Once you are ready to start your gutter installation, it’s time to speak to the professionals. Copper gutters are an investment in the look and safety of your home, and it is important to use a licensed professional. Modernize can help you compare professional gutter contractors in your area so you can find the best professional and price for the job.

Compare Local Contractors