The pros and cons of copper gutters

Copper gutters are one of the most timelessly beautiful touches you can add to a home. Starting with a distinctive, reflective sienna coloration, copper gutters oxidise with exposure, turning a rich green and mottled brown.

Copper gutters aren't just a visual statement; they also provide remarkable longevity, lasting for 50 years to a century, much like metal or slate roofs . That said, while these home fixtures are high-quality and aesthetically appealing, copper gutters have downsides , too, including risk of theft, a lack of associated insurance coverage and high prices.

We talked to roofers, home insurance experts, and a lawyer about the pros and cons of investing in copper gutters.

The pros of copper gutters

Longevity

Copper gutters are a premium choice for your home, much like slate, tile and standing seam metal roofing . As with these high-end roofing types, copper gutters provide premium longevity, sometimes lasting up to a century. This is because, unlike steel and aluminum, copper doesn't rust.

"I've seen copper gutters that are older than me. That's not an exaggeration," said Aaron Christy, founder of Indy Roof and Restoration . "Old homes, original copper, still doing their job. They patina, they darken, they don't rust away, and if they were installed by someone who knew what they were doing, they can last a really long time."

Andre Kazimierski, president of HomeHero Roofing , a roofer in Downer's Grove, Illinois, told us that "copper gutters can have a lifespan of well over 50 years. By comparison, aluminum gutters (which are the most common) typically have a lifespan of 20 - 30 years." While copper gutters are much more expensive than aluminum, if they last three times as long, that investment stands the test of time.

Aesthetics

Most people who decide on copper gutters will do so for their premium, beautiful appearance. With a bright earth-orange tone at first, and a slow oxidation to the classic green tone we're all familiar with from the Statue of Liberty, copper looks great.

Christy told us that people ask about copper gutters "all the time, usually because they saw them on a house they liked or a neighbor installed them and now their house looks a little cooler than everyone else's. And honestly, yeah, copper looks great. It just does. I've been on houses where the roof is plain, the siding is nothing special, and the copper gutters are still the best-looking thing on the exterior."

Home value

With their premium looks and durability, copper gutters can add value to a home, much like a new roof does . So while the initial expense is high, these gutters provide lasting value that can increase the sale price of a home down the road.

Downstream home value may not be the reason to invest in copper gutters in its own right, but it can certainly tip the decision over the edge. Unless they're stolen, the notable durability of copper gutters means that they retain their value for decades.

The cons of copper gutters

Expense

The main con of copper gutters is their high expense. As with slate roofing , these are a premium option and are priced like it. Copper gutter guards can increase the cost even more. AGR Roofing and Construction , a roofing company in Omaha, wrote that the average cost of copper gutters runs from $3,000 to $8,000; however, the website Chris Loves Julia writes that their home renovation with copper gutters cost $32,000 for materials.

"Copper is expensive: Material, labor, and maintenance/repairs," Aleks Krylov, President at Stern Gutters and Roofing , said. "It requires soldered joints (not sealant) and is often custom-fabricated, which drives up installation costs. We rarely recommend it for standard residential homes unless it's either a high-end renovation or a historic property where aesthetics and preservation are key."

"You're paying for the material, and you're paying for skilled labor because not everyone installs copper," Christy added. This also means that repairs are less straightforward and more expensive than with other materials. "And when something goes wrong, you don't get a cheap fix. There's no quick patch that costs a few hundred bucks."

Thievery and insurance concerns

Hand in hand with copper's extravagant expense goes its resale value. Yes, copper attracts thieves. Copper gutters have a high scrap value.

Theft is a risk in its own right, but the headache of theft doesn't always stop with the crime. Sadly, when thieves strike, getting your insurance to pay for replacements is no easy task.

Fran Majidi, an insurance expert at Modotech , told us that when insurance does pay, it's usually a complex process. Homeowner's insurance will often cover replacement and damage to the eaves , roof edge and siding. However, the payment will depend on your deductible. She said that "if the cost to replace standard gutters is close to or less than your deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim."

"Valuation matters, especially if the gutters are copper. If your policy is Replacement Cost Value (RCV), the insurer should pay to replace them with like kind and quality (i.e., copper), minus the deductible." However, she noted that, "If your policy is Actual Cash Value (ACV), depreciation applies, which can significantly reduce the payout — even though copper has scrap value."

She said that because copper theft is so common, insurance companies will usually require a full police report as well as documentation. For this reason, documenting copper gutter installation with photos is important in much the same way that documenting roofing work is important . It proves the value of the materials.

Majidi also said that "Some insurers apply special sub-limits or exclusions for theft of metals if the home is vacant or under construction." So sometimes, it's deemed your fault if you leave your home abandoned and a theft happens.

Are copper gutters a good investment for your home?

Copper gutters are a beautiful addition to your home and can add real value. While the material's durable nature ensures it can last much longer than other materials like aluminum, its expense is a deterrent as well as a liability.

Christy said that, before you choose to invest in copper gutters, it's important to do your research and think through the risks. "If someone is thinking about copper gutters, the smartest thing they can do is slow down for ten minutes and make a phone call. Ask your insurance agent how theft is handled. Ask if there are limits on exterior metals."

If you do decide to invest in copper gutters, remember that you've now put an expensive asset on the exterior of your home. It's worth installing a DIY security system to protect it.

See more Yahoo Local-approved U.S. roofers

Best California roofers

Bakersfield / Fresno / Los Angeles San Diego / San Jose / San Francisco

Best Florida roofers

Cape Coral / Clearwater / Fort Lauderdale / Fort Myers / Jacksonville / Lakeland / Miami / Orlando / Pensacola / Sarasota / St. Augustine / St. Petersburg / Tallahassee / Tampa / West Palm Beach

Best New York roofers

Brooklyn / Buffalo / New York City / Rochester / Staten Island

Best Texas roofers

Arlington / Austin / Conroe / Dallas / Fort Worth / Houston / Katy / Lubbock / San Antonio / Sugar Land / Tyler

• Best national roofers in the U.S.

• See all Yahoo Local roofing