Is Copper Guttering Expensive? 

There’s no way around it, copper gutter systems are expensive. But given all their amazing attributes and benefits, copper gutters are worth the investment. Vinyl or aluminum gutters will protect your home from water damage – for a while. But because copper is so durable and can last up to 100 years, copper gutters will provide superior protection for your home while looking beautiful for the duration.

Installing copper gutters is pricey for several reasons. The cost of the gutter material, including fittings, is higher than more common gutter materials. Installation is expensive because it requires an experienced expert who understands the unique attributes of copper. However, even though copper gutters are expensive, you do get what you pay for.

Spout Gutter Pros breaks down the various components that add up to the expense of copper gutters:

Factors That Affect Copper Gutter Materials Costs

The cost of copper gutters can vary considerably based on a number of factors.

  • Source:  Copper prices vary from one region of the country to another and from one installation company to another based on their operating expenses and overhead. As a traded commodity, raw copper prices vary which in turn affects the price of copper gutters.
  • Size and Profile: Copper gutters are available in 5-, 6-, and 7-inch sizes. The most common profiles (shapes) are K-style and half-round. The larger the gutter, the higher the materials cost will be. And half-round gutters are quite a bit more expensive than K-style profiles.
  • Gauge: The gauge of the copper material is another factor that can affect the cost. Typically, copper gutters are made from 16-ounce gauge copper. But if you want heavier gauge stock, it obviously will cost more. 20-ounce copper coil stock is often recommended for homes in areas that get heavy snow and ice. To ensure your copper gutters will be able to withstand extreme climate conditions, paying for the heavier gauge will be worth it.
  • Fittings: In addition to the gutter material itself, the fittings required to hang the gutters need to be figured into the cost. Fittings include downspouts, brackets, hangers, end caps, mitered corners, outlets, and screws. You’ll need different brackets for different profiles. For example, if you choose half-round copper gutters, the external fascia mount brackets themselves can cost close to the material cost of a K-style gutter. 
  • Home size: Larger than average homes and homes with two or more stories will require more gutter material. Obviously, the more gutter material needed, the higher the job cost.

Factors That Affect Copper Gutter Installation Costs

  • Not Suitable for DIY: Some types of rain gutters are fairly easy for DIY installation, but not copper. Installation requires an experienced craftsman who understands how to work with copper. 
  • Contractor: An experienced contractor who is a copper expert will charge more than a handyman who claims to work with copper. You’ll pay more for meticulous craftsmanship such as properly soldered joints and fittings. Also, make sure the contractor you work with is properly insured and licensed. A professional contractor will be licensed and offer liability insurance to protect you and your home from the damage that could occur during the installation of your gutters. 

Cost of Copper Gutters Materials and Installation

In general, copper gutters cost between $18 to $40 per linear foot, installed. For materials and installation, expect to pay up to five times as much for copper gutters compared to other materials. 

  • Overall Cost: An average house requires about 200 linear feet of gutter but if your home is larger than average, two stories, or has complex rooflines, you’ll need more material and installation will cost more. In general, plan on spending between $3,500 to $8,000 for copper gutters, including installation.

Seamless or Sections?

Copper gutters are available in two types: custom-made seamless or 10- and 20-foot sections. Because each type has different manufacturing and installation requirements, the costs can vary quite a bit. 

  • Seamless Copper Gutters: Seamless gutters are custom made at your property with a special machine that forms copper coil stock into the gutter profile you select. The only joints will be where the seamless lengths are connected at corners or downspouts. Normally, seamless copper gutters cost more but the installation cost can be a bit lower because of the need to solder fewer joints. Seamless copper gutters are commonly available in K-style profiles.
  • Sectioned Copper Gutters: If you decide to go with copper gutter sections, there will be more joints to solder. This will add time to the job and increase labor costs. Half-round gutter profiles are more commonly found in 10- and 20-foot sections. 

Getting Estimates

When you start shopping around for copper gutters, get several estimates so you can compare costs. Be sure to compare apples to apples – make sure the estimates include both the material cost and the installation cost. 

  • Online: You can get cost estimates from some online copper gutter companies that base their pricing on national cost estimate manuals or use algorithms. Online quotes are commonly lower because they base their estimate on using standard materials such as a 5-inch K-style profile. 
  • A Contractor Near You: A professional contractor near you can provide the most accurate and straightforward estimate. They will come out to your home to assess the job, accurately measure, and discuss gutter profiles and sizes that are best for your location. This will be a good time to discuss the pros and cons of seamless copper gutters versus sectioned copper.
  • Initial and Final Estimates: Spout Gutter Pros is an excellent way to get initial and final estimates. After requesting a few initial quotes from professional copper gutter pros near you, you’ll be able to follow up by selecting a few contractors to come to your home for a final estimate. Estimates are most accurate when the job is measured carefully, a complete materials list is created, and the cost of labor is included. Try to get at least three final estimates. So you can compare costs, make sure the final estimates are for the same gutter gauge, size, and profile, and include installation. 

In Summary

When it’s time to start comparing estimates for copper gutters, Spout Gutter Pros is the fastest and easiest way to connect with expert copper gutter pros near you. At Spout Gutter Pros we vet all the professional copper gutter contractors in our network to ensure they’re licensed, insured, and will provide you with quality craftsmanship. 

When you invest in copper gutters, you want assurance that the job will be completed professionally and you’re happy with the work. Because copper gutters are so long-lasting and durable, they’ll likely provide a significant return on your investment. Spout Gutter Pros helps you find expert craftsmen who provide top-quality installation.

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Copper gutters are a worthwhile investment but finding the best installer can be a challenge. Get started by finding reputable, expert copper gutter installers from Spout Gutter Pros. Ask for your free quotes right now!