If you are buying a new home or are replacing your existing gutter system, you want the gutters to improve the appearance of your home’s exterior. Particularly when you’re in the process of upgrading, you might be looking at other gutter materials such as copper gutters, with their reputation for timeless beauty. Knowing the difference between aluminum gutters and copper gutters will help you determine which one is best for your home.
Pros and Cons of Aluminum Gutters
Aluminum is currently the most popular material for gutters since it is relatively inexpensive, simple to maintain and easy to install. Because the installation process is less complicated than installing copper gutters, labour costs are lower if you plan to hire a gutter contractor. Aluminum gutter systems or seamless aluminum gutters provide dependable protection for your home’s exterior at budget-friendly prices.
Aluminum gutters and seamless aluminum gutters are available in a variety of colours. This makes it easy to match the gutters system to the home’s exterior for better curb appeal.
Aluminum gutters can last up to 25 year or more depending on how well they are maintained, climatic conditions, and environmental factors (near the sea, next to a factory, house on a busy road, etc.).
They tend to rust faster than copper gutters and expand/contract more than any other type of gutter material.
The colour of aluminum gutters is applied by a baked-on enamel process, which is also designed to protect the gutter material from rusting. Since aluminum can easily be dented and/or scratched, it is important to make repairs as soon as possible to prevent rust from forming. Prevent possible damage from dents and scratched by trimming back trees, playing ball away from the house, and keeping the yard free of items that can be blown around in a storm.
Pros and Cons of Copper Gutters
Copper gutters are a popular choice for heritage, historic or traditional houses because they improve curb appeal by giving a home a classic appearance.
A copper gutter system has a timeless appeal for homes of any style because as it ages, the colour transforms from shiny copper to a beautiful blue-green.
Copper gutters naturally repel mold, algae, and other types of fungi due to properties in the metal.
Copper gutter systems are eco-friendly because copper is a sustainable gutter material and is totally recyclable at the end of its lifespan.
Copper gutters are strong, very durable, and don’t dent as easily as aluminum gutters. They typically last 50 years and have been known to still be the original gutter system on a building after 100 years.
However, a coppers gutter system is more expensive – typically up to 3 times more than aluminum gutters. It’s not just gutter material that raises the total cost of a copper gutter installation. Whether they are seamless copper gutters or not, they typically have to be customized to your roof’s configuration when they are being installed.
They can be more difficult to DIY than aluminum gutters, unless you’re in the construction industry. Copper gutters are heavier and require installation techniques different from those generally used to install aluminum gutters.
