How Much Do Copper Gutters Cost to Install?

Copper Gutter Pricing per Linear Foot

The easiest way to estimate the price of copper gutter installation is by looking at the typical copper gutters cost per foot. On average, copper gutter prices fluctuate between $18 and $40per linear foot, installed.

In general, gutter installations cost between $3 and $40 per linear foot, with basic gutters ranging between $3 and $8, fully installed. That means copper gutters are significantly more expensive than the most basic vinyl gutters.

The table below explores typical project costs on the low and high end of the spectrum:

Sectional vs. Seamless Copper Gutter Costs

Seamless gutters cost more than sectional gutters (also called seamed gutters), no matter the material. While prices can vary, sectional copper gutters typically range between $18 and $30 per linear foot, while seamless copper gutters run between $26 and $40 per linear foot.

Sectional 

Material prices for sectional gutters are lower than seamless. You can purchase sectional gutters in standard sizes (usually 5-, 10-, and 15-foot sections) and connect them to one another during the installation. Because there are seams along the gutter system, these types of gutters are more prone to leaks.

Seamless

Because seamless gutters come in long, single pieces, it’s easier to customize to your specific home. When properly installed, seamless gutters are less prone to leaking. To achieve proper installation, you should hire a gutter professional; they can cut the gutter on site using special equipment and join the pieces together correctly.

Copper Gutter Costs by Style

Copper gutters generally come in two styles: K-style and half-round. The two are nearly comparable in price, but you can usually find K-style copper gutters a little more affordably.

• K-style gutters are the most common style of gutter in the U.S. They have flat backs and undersides with decorative fronts. Many are elaborate, containing details like those found in crown molding.

• Half-round gutters are shaped like cylinders cut in half. This older, classic style works well on historic homes or rounded designs.

If you're looking for a more distinctive style in your gutters, you’ll find some manufacturers produce unique types; some may even customize copper gutters for your project.

Copper Gutter Installation Labor Costs

The total copper gutters cost per foot referenced throughout our cost guide ($18 to $40) includes the cost of gutter installation labor. However, the bulk of that cost is the copper material alone. Of that $18 to $40 per foot price, $1 to $7 per foot accounts for labor costs.

When collecting quotes for your gutter installation, ask how their rates differ for sectional versus seamless gutters.

Copper Gutter Cost Factors

Additional cost factors can affect your upfront installation costs and your costs over the duration of home ownership. Take these into consideration as you price out your new gutters.

Maintenance

Regular gutter cleaning costs $125 to $225 but doesn’t cover polishing. Since most copper owners want the aged green patina copper (even going so far as to speed up the oxidation process), it’s difficult to put a price on polishing. The polish itself costs $15 to $50, but you’ll pay more for labor, which changes by location.

Contact your local gutter cleaning professional for rates. If you attempt it yourself, make sure to wear gloves since your natural oils can damage copper.

You can reduce the need for regular gutter cleaning by having a gutter guard installed. Gutter guards cost between $0.50 and $20 per linear foot; copper gutter guards are typically on the higher end of that range.

If during basic gutter maintenance, you realize that repair work is necessary, you’ll need to plan for about $175 to $575 for the cost of gutter repair.

Gutter Removal

You’ll spend about $0.65 to $0.85 per linear foot to remove old gutters. For a 200-linear-foot gutter project, that’s $130 to $170 in extra labor costs to factor in.

Some gutter companies may include this cost in their estimates, but it’s a good idea to ask if the contractor offers that service and has accounted for it in their quote before moving forward.

Thickness, Length, Size, and Pitch

You’ll spend more for thicker metal and larger gutters that use more copper. How much you pay depends on where you get the copper from. Ask your contractor what thickness, sizes, and lengths they offer.

Copper gutters aren't one size fits all. Once you've chosen a style and calculated the length, select a gutter size. Talk to your contractor to decide whether 4-, 5- or 6-inch gutters work best for your house and budget. The annual rainfall in your area determines the size of your gutters and downspouts, with higher rainfall requiring larger gutters.

“Larger and grander homes require larger gutters, even in low-rainfall areas,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “But in those construction projects, budget is usually less of an issue.”

If your gutters are positioned incorrectly, they won't collect and redirect rain. Downspouts must also direct water away from your home's foundation. The company you choose should be well-versed in accurately calculating your roof's pitch.

Copper vs. Aluminum: Which Is Right for You?

Many homeowners debate between copper and aluminum gutters. Both can be excellent choices, depending on your budget and project needs. Aluminum might not last as long but costs far less and even comes in copper look-alike colors.

When to Choose Aluminum Gutters

At $6 to $12 per linear foot, aluminum gutters cost significantly less than copper gutters. A 200-foot project would cost roughly $1,200 to $2,400 installed. However, copper’s longer lifespan usually offsets the cheaper upfront costs for aluminum gutters. Aluminum gutters typically only last for 25 to 30 years, and they demand at least as much maintenance as copper over time.

Choose aluminum gutters if:

• You want to spend less money upfront.

• You’re looking to suit a simple, contemporary home design.

When to Choose Faux Copper

If you want the look of copper, but it's not in your budget, consider metal gutters with copper finishes. Finishes can be shiny and new, brown or darkened, and patina or blue-green. Ask your pro about “copper aluminum” gutter systems to learn more.

When to Choose Copper Gutters

Copper gutters cost more than aluminum gutters but last more than twice as long. They also have a more upscale appearance.

Choose copper gutters for:

• Coastal areas. Copper doesn’t corrode, which makes it a great material for coastal, saltwater environments.

• Durability. Copper gutters cost more than other gutter types but are attractive and durable. They’ll last 60+ years, which makes them one of the cheapest lifetime costs of any gutter system.

• Neighborhood designs. Many homeowners choose to install copper after comparing the value and style of their home with others in the neighborhood. Since copper makes a bold statement, be sure that it will fit in with your neighborhood or stand out in a good way before proceeding with the installation. When you choose copper gutters, bear in mind the theft potential associated with this material.

• Home ownership timeline. If you plan to stay in your home for decades, copper may be an excellent choice. Not only will the gutters last as long as you live in the home, but they will patina to give your home a nicely-aged look over time.

DIY Copper Gutter Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

Some gutter materials are easy enough for DIYers to install, but copper isn’t one of them. Installation requires a highly skilled contractor who offers experience with the delicate hanging and careful soldering this material demands. If you want to install copper gutters, get quotes from several gutter installers near you and move forward with the best fit in terms of cost, experience, and timeline.

FAQs

Are copper gutters worth it?

Copper gutters are worth the cost if you’re looking to upgrade the appearance of your home or want a long-lasting gutter material. They’re especially good for coastal areas with saltwater air that eats through most other metals. Regardless of location, copper gutters have the longest lifespan of any gutter material, over 60 years.

It can be difficult to calculate your copper gutter ROI (return on investment). If you want to know how copper gutters will affect your home’s resale value, you can hire a property appraiser to discuss.

How long do copper gutters last?

Copper gutters last up to 100 years with proper gutter maintenance. This means that copper gutters might cost more initially, but they have the lowest lifespan cost of any gutter system. Copper’s long life comes from its resistance to corrosion, which deteriorates other metals. Because of copper’s longer lifespan, copper gutters are a good investment if you plan to stay in your home for several decades.

Do copper gutters turn green?

Copper gutters turn green as they oxidize, giving them their distinctive patina. This doesn’t happen overnight, however. Copper starts out with a shiny reddish bronze tone and changes to a darker gray over time, with some green highlights. Eventually, this will become a full green or greenish blue. Think of the Statue of Liberty in New York City—entirely skinned in copper with a beautiful, aged green patina.

How long does it take copper gutters to oxidize?

Copper gutters will transform from their warm metallic shine to a soft, matte green. This process first goes through a grayish brown phase that can last for 20 years.

It’s common to accelerate the patina process with commercial solutions costing $10 to $100. You can also mix your own oxidizing solution with Miracle-Gro plant fertilizer and vinegar to form a patina within 30 minutes of application. Be sure to test on a part of the gutter that can't be seen first.

Should gutters match your roof or house?

Gutters should generally match the design of your roof or home, but this is more about style than color. Usually, it’s not necessary that gutters match the roof or house in color. This makes copper gutters a smart decision, as their color will change over several years. If you’re unsure, talk to a local architect for ideas.

What’s the best material to use for gutters?

The best material to use for gutters depends on your location, budget, current home design, and your neighbors’ aesthetics. You’ll want to compare gutter types before you choose. Vinyl gutters are the most affordable to install, but copper gutters last the longest and can give your home a more upscale design.