Copper gutters are perhaps one of the best choices for any home style. They also are known for their excellent quality. For those reasons (and more), this type of gutter comes at a price.

Even professional installation will factor in the total investment you put into your home. If you have experience and the know-how, you can perform DIY copper gutters. Hopefully, you are aware of what the entire process entails.

If you do not have the experience or skill of installing copper gutters, that’s when you need to enlist the help of a professional. With that said, we’re going to discuss several topics in this guide including copper gutter costs, DIY gutter installation, and DIY gutter repair to name a few.

Let’s take a look now at answering this burning question that might be on your mind right now: How much money can you save installing DIY copper gutters?

Understanding Copper Gutter Cost

Before we get deep into it, let’s discuss the cost of installing copper gutters. To begin, it’s important to reframe this. Instead of looking at it as a “cost”, think of it like an investment. It’s an investment you are putting into your home. You could be increasing its overall value – whether you decide to sell it or not in the future. With that in mind, it’s important to be aware of the premium quality and longevity of copper gutters.

These are two major factors as to why they command a higher price point compared to other gutter types and their respective materials (like vinyl and aluminum). There are also other factors worth considering:

• Gauge: Copper gutters are available in different gauges. In plain English, this is the thickness. Keep in mind that the thicker the gauge, the more durable. As such, these will command a higher price point.
• Style: The type of copper gutter profile you choose can also play a role in the cost. Consider if K-style or half-round styles are the best option for your home.
• Length: The total linear footage required for your home’s gutters is also a factor that will be considered.
• Accessories: These include hangers, downspouts, and end caps among others. The more components you need, the more it adds up.

With all of this in mind, you want to shop around and obtain multiple quotes. These include visiting with local suppliers and installers. If you are looking to install a copper gutter on a budget, you need to know the numbers before making an informed decision.

DIY Copper Gutter Installation

As mentioned before, you must have the experience and know-how to install copper gutters. It’s a complex process that includes planning, measuring, soldering, and more. The room for error will be small to non-existent. As such, the best way to save money on copper gutter installation is doing it yourself. Another way is procuring the material and simply investing in professional installation (should you decide to not “DIY it”). For the sake of this guide, we’ll discuss the former.

For those who want to do it themselves, you’ll want to do the following steps:

• Measure and Plan: This must be done with a great deal of accuracy. Measure the length of your roofline and plan the layout of the gutter system to where it can be the best fit for your home.
• Purchase Materials: Next, you will need to purchase the necessary materials. This includes your copper gutters, downspouts, hangers, and other applicable materials depending on your measurements.
• Safety First: This should always be prioritized. Further, you need to wear protective gear and follow safety guidelines.
• Installation: At this point, you’ll want to attach the downspouts and gutters according to the plans you have laid out. The goal here is to ensure a proper slope for water flow.
• Sealing: Seal the joints and seams with copper sealant or soldering to ensure the prevention of leaks.

Maintenance: Be sure to perform regular inspection and maintenance. Check for any leaves or debris that may clog up water flow. This will be critical as it will be an excellent preventative measure against water damage.

DIY Gutter Repair

Installation may be one thing, but DIY copper gutter repair is another. At the same time, it’s another way that can help you save money in the long run. While their durability is legendary at best, there may be instances where such repairs are needed.

This can include but limited to the following:

• Leak Repair: If there are any leaks that exist, they can be repaired by way of copper sealant or soldering.
• Sagging gutters: You can reinforce these sagging sections by adding an additional amount of brackets or hangers.
• Cleaning: Of course, regular removal of debris to ensure proper water flow is key. Be sure to prevent clogs and damage by performing regular maintenance.
• Painting: This is entirely optional. But it might be better to leave it in its original state. Especially when it develops a patina over many years. One thing you may not be aware of is that the development of patina will give it that aesthetic charm. At the same time, it can help increase the value of your home.

Just because copper gutters are the most durable, doesn’t mean you have to neglect the responsibility of repair and maintenance. Improper installation may result in repairs. Likewise, poor maintenance can lead to repairs as well.
Final Thoughts

The upfront costs of copper gutters may seem intimidating at first. However, there are potential ways to save money while going the DIY route. Take these tips listed above and use them accordingly when you are considering the idea of installing copper gutters yourself. This may be one of your most challenging DIY projects to date. And it is not for beginners. If you need any additional assistance, you will always have a professional gutter installer on hand.

We hope this guide has been helpful. And we wish you the best in a successful project.