Copper Rain Gutters are the Exceptional Choice for Rain Gutter Systems

Copper Rain Gutters are the Exceptional Choice for Rain Gutter Systems
Copper Rain Gutters are Durable and Add Curb Appeal
The Benefits of Installing Copper Rain Gutters System

Rain gutters may not be the first thing people look at when building or shopping for a new home or business. But they play a crucial role in protecting the building from water damage — from roof to basement.

Rainwater can cause roof damage. Even with as little as one inch of rainfall, 600 gallon of rainwater can collect on the average roof. That same single inch of rainwater could fill a 54-gallon rain barrel.

Rainwater weighs eight pounds per gallon. Without rain gutters, the stagnant water could cause damage to the roof, building exterior, foundation, basement and garden.

Rain gutters have been around since the Middle Ages. However, during the early 20th century, rain gutters began being mass-produced, thus developing the gutters that are more commonly recognized today.

Types of Gutters

There are two basic shapes to choose from when looking at rain gutter types: K-style gutters and half-round gutters.

K-style gutter have a flat bottom and are shaped similar to the top half of the letter “K.” They have double the capacity of the half-round gutters, but are available in the same widths.

Half-round style gutters have the appearance of half tubes and are generally found on older houses.

Types of Gutter Material

Once made of wood, rain gutters are now made of a variety of materials.

1. Copper gutters
2. Aluminum gutters
3. Steel or stainless steel gutters
4. Vinyl gutters

Rain gutters for a commercial building may also use galvanized steel or zinc.

Why you should get copper gutters

When selecting new gutters, copper gutters are an exceptional rain gutter system. They offer beauty, style and through oxidation may develop a patina — a film formed on the outside that usually darkens the color, which usually creates a more natural match of the house or office building’s earth tones. While most gutters blend in, copper gutters can help a house of building stand out among its neighboring houses and/or buildings.

Benefits to Copper Gutters

Copper rain gutters are durable and remain functional for decades with little maintenance. Key benefits include:

1. Rust resistant
2. Never needs to be painted
3. Rarely sag
4. Remains functional in subzero weather
5. Withstand extreme heat waves

How Long do Copper Gutters Last?

Copper rain gutters should last 100 years and can endure any climate and harsh temperatures. They generally outlast most rain gutter systems.

Copper Gutter Installation Tips

Its best to have a professional contractor install copper rain gutters for proper installation, due to its high expansion and extraction rate. However, if you chose to install the rain gutters, here are some tips to remember:

1. Install a downspout along the gutter every 30 to 40 liner feet.
2. Additional downspouts increase the capacity of the gutter system.
3. The water from the downspout extensions should be directed to flow away toward your back yard, back lane or road and from your house, but not toward a neighbor’s house.
4. Downspout extensions should be set 5.9 feet or 1.8 meters away from the wall of the building’s foundation.

Caring for Copper Gutters

Copper gutters require minimal maintenance, but building owners should remember to clean gutters at least twice a year. Otherwise, clogged and overflowing gutters can cause roofs and gutters can become weighed down with thousands of pounds of water and debris.
Clogged and overflowing gutters can cause water to hammer into the ground from the roof, penetrating cracks in the walls of the basement causing water damage in the basement. It is the leading cause of basement water damage.

Keeping Gutters Clean

1. Wear long sleeves, gloves and goggles.
2. Use a small scoop or trowel to remove the debris and gunk.
3. Place debris and gunk into a plastic bag, plastic tarp or bucket.
4. Start by clearing out the downspout and strainer.
5. Clear out the gutter, the drop outlet and any existing leaf screens.
6. Flush gutter with a garden hose from top to the drain spout.