As soon as we started our exterior trim makeover, we knew the gutters had to go. It was not even a discussion, really. (They were purple? I don’t even know how!) The old gutters were pulled down during the trim painting, and we worked with our contractors, Kennon Construction, to order the new copper gutters.
Outdoor Sconce (similar) | Urn Planters | Boxwood Topiaries | Door Knocker (similar) | Door Hardware (similar) | Kick Plate
The gutters were supposed to come in and get installed around the 4th of July, but they took an extra two months to come in. Cue a slew of rainy days with no gutters…whyyyy. But once the materials came in last week, the contractors were done installing everything in four days, including the gutters, copper gutter guards, all of the flashing, and a chimney cap. It was kind of wild — the team was shaping them and cutting the flashing in the driveway, right on-site! They also installed a copper grate over the gutters as a gutter guard, which will help us not have to clean them frequently.
I’ve been sharing some sneak peeks in Stories, and I’ve been getting tons of messages asking about them, so I thought I’d spill all the tea today and show the final reveal!
Why Choose Copper Gutters?
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The main reason we chose copper gutters is the look. They’re just captivating, aren’t they? Copper gutters fit right into the moody, modern, traditional look we’re creating in our home. But the other reason to choose copper gutters is their long lifespan.
Vinyl is the cheapest, but those gutters get worn down by UV rays, becoming brittle and cracking over time. They only last around 10-15 years. Aluminum is the most popular kind — it holds up a little better to normal conditions except for hail and ice, which can damage it. You typically need to replace them every 20 years. Stainless steel can withstand even more snow and strong winds, but the coatings can eventually fail, causing rust to set in. They last between 20-40 years.
And then there’s copper. Copper gutters are more resistant to corrosion and damage and can last up to 100 years. (There are faux copper gutters designed to mimic the look. They are coated with a finish that looks like new or aged copper, but they’re crafted from aluminum, steel, or vinyl.)
What to Consider with Copper Gutters?
The primary drawback is the cost, but you do get a much longer lifespan out of them, so keep that in mind! You may have to ask your HOA if they approve of the look. You’ll also need to decide on the shape — either a square shape or a barrel shape. I really wanted the barrel shape — it has a beautiful look to it. Our contractors warned us that because rain can be heavy here and the barrel shape has less capacity, it can cause overflow. We compromised on installing the squared-off gutters near the roofline, and the downspouts are the barrel-shaped pretty ones. Those are the ones you really see, so it works for me!
One big consideration is that copper gutters will naturally develop patina over time due to exposure to oxygen, moisture, and humidity. Some people like the patina, and some people want to keep it shiny. So if you like them closer to a penny, you’re going to have to put on a protective coating or clean them by sanding or using a tarnish remover. When we were first getting quotes for the copper gutters, I told one guy that I’d like them to patina a little and then stop the process. And he said, “We can’t do that.” And I said, “Well, I’ll have to find someone who can!”
In Idaho, we had copper gutters, and after a couple of years, they honestly had only a little bit of patina. They still were very, very copper. Here in North Carolina with all the rain and humidity, I know they’re going to develop patina a lot faster. They’ll go darker and darker, and then they’ll just go green (or the fancier official term, verdigris). Which is not really my vibe! My goal is to stop the oxidation process in a little bit. So stand by to see if I can accomplish this with an antioxidant coating! There is a product called Everbrite Protective Coating– it’s an extensive process, but I think it might work.
Related Post: Sealing the Copper Gutters—and Not a Moment Too Soon
How Much Do Copper Gutters Cost?
We paid $32,000 all-in for materials (including the gutters, downspouts, grid guards, flashing, and chimney cap) and labor. That comes out to about $40 per linear foot. We chose seamless gutters, which are generally more durable but need to be built on-site, adding to the cost. You can get sectional copper gutters, which will help save on costs because they’re easier to install, but they can be more susceptible to sagging and leaking over the years. Lots to consider!
My Final Verdict?
It feels like our house gained decades of tradition and history overnight — and will last for decades more! The copper gutters are the perfect crowning jewel framing our home. I just couldn’t love them more!
Although this looks really nice I think you could have gone with half round gutters. We installed them in north Texas where we get frequent thunderstorms spring and fall and they handle the water flow beautifully. Another way to elevate the look even further is to add collection boxes to your downspouts, especially in the front. One last thing, might I suggest you consider adding some nice shutters installed with hardware to make them operable and with shutter dog hold downs? Your house is a very nice traditional style but looks naked without them.
Love the gutters. I’m in Raleigh. Do you know any contractors in this area for copper gutters?
I am just getting started with a project like this. I have 2 questions. What color is your roof, we are replacing ours and i want it to go with the color choice for my trim. I chose the same color of your house. I noticed you dont see and inside window dressings in the picture. Do you have blinds or curtians and just have them pulled up for the pictures? I really dont want to see my white plantation shutters , im afraid it will ruin the overall effect. Thank You
Our roof is Grand Manor Gatehouse Slate and we usually keep all of our blinds/curtains open during the day!
We just moved into a beautiful red brick home (built in 1924) with copper downspouts and gutters, although ours have a heavy coat of verdigris. Our door and trim is painted a very similar color to the verdigris. I’m curious if you’d suggest sticking with that (to match the verdigris), or if it might work to introduce a new color such as an olive green?
I don’t think you need to match! Choose something you want to see greeting you every day.
Finding this has been my inspiration for my own home, as I have the same color brick and very similar front elevation! I would love to get the paint code from the cans of paint you used so my painter can get the exact one. Also adding copper gutters because of you and will also use Everbrite!
Our garage is a bit of a mess since we’re in the midst of a big renovation project right now, but I’ll try to find one and get back to you!