The average cost to install copper gutters is $2,409
Copper gutter costs range between $250 and $8,000, depending on size and complexity.
Factors like materials, location, and installation approach will influence the total price.
Durability and a classic patina make copper gutters a solid, long-term investment that can significantly enhance a home's value.
Proper preparation and professional gutter installation will optimize performance and reduce maintenance needs.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Installing copper gutters is a long-term upgrade to your home’s drainage system. Expect to pay between $18 and $40 per linear foot, or $250 to $8,000 total, depending on your location, the style you choose, and the complexity of the job. Plan your budget with those ranges in mind and work with a qualified gutter installation professional to ensure the system is installed correctly and ready to withstand heavy rains for decades.
Several factors can impact the upfront cost of your copper gutters, as well as your long-term expenses as a homeowner. Consider these factors when pricing out your new gutters.
To estimate the cost of installing copper gutters, start by reviewing the standard price per linear foot. On average, copper gutters cost between $18 and $40 per linear foot installed.
Use the table below to see average project costs based on different lengths.
Length (Lin. Ft.) | Installation Cost Range |
---|---|
50 | $900–$2,000 |
100 | $1,800–$4,000 |
150 | $2,700–$6,000 |
200 | $3,600–$8,000 |
250 | $4,500–$10,000 |
300 | $5,400–$12,000 |
You can reduce the need for regular gutter cleaning by installing gutter guards. Gutter guard installation costs between $650 and $2,400, but you'll likely pay toward the higher end of that range with copper gutters.
If you need to repair your copper gutters, expect to pay $200 to $400.
Gutter removal, cleanup, and disposal comprise 1% and 4% of the job’s total cost.
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.
Expect the cost of prep work to range between $1 and $14 per linear foot, depending on the specific tasks required. This can include protecting or repairing the fascia before installation and any other site preparation your contractor deems necessary.
You'll spend more on thicker metal and larger gutters that use more copper. How much you pay also depends on where you source the copper. Ask your contractor about the thicknesses, sizes, and lengths they offer.
Select a gutter size after choosing a style and calculating the required length. Consult with your contractor to determine whether four-, five-, or six-inch gutters are best suited for your home and budget. The annual rainfall in your area determines the size of your gutters and downspouts—higher rainfall requires larger gutters.
If your gutters are positioned incorrectly, they won't collect and redirect properly. Downspouts also need to direct water away from your home's foundation. Ensure the company you choose has experience in accurately calculating the pitch of your roof.
Copper gutters come in two main styles: K-style and half-round. Both are similar in price, but K-style copper gutters are a little more affordable.
Style | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
K-style | $18–$30 |
Half-round | $19–$40 |
K-style gutters cost $18 to $30 per linear foot and are the most common style in the United States. They feature flat backs and undersides, with decorative fronts often incorporating elaborate details, such as those found in crown molding.
Half-round gutters cost $19 to $40 per linear foot and are shaped like cylinders cut in half. This classic style works well on historic homes or rounded designs.
If you're looking for a more distinctive style for your gutters, some manufacturers offer unique types or can even customize copper gutters for your project.
The total cost of copper gutters per foot ranges from $18 to $40, including the cost of hiring a professional installer in your area. However, most of that cost is attributed to the copper material itself. On average, you’ll pay $1 to $7 per foot for labor costs.
Seamless gutters cost more than sectional gutters (also called seamed gutters), no matter the material. While prices vary, sectional copper gutters range from $18 to $30 per linear foot, while seamless copper gutters cost between $30 and $40 per linear foot.
Material prices for sectional gutters are lower than those for seamless styles. You can purchase sectional gutters in standard sizes (five-, 10-, and 15-foot sections) and connect them during the installation. Because there are seams along the gutter system, these gutters are more prone to leaks.
Because seamless gutters come in long, single pieces, it's easier to customize them to your specific home. When properly installed, seamless gutters are less prone to leaking. To achieve proper installation, hire a local gutter professional to cut the gutter on-site using special equipment and correctly join the pieces together.
Many homeowners debate between copper and aluminum gutters. Both can be excellent choices, depending on your budget and project needs. Aluminum gutters may not last as long, but they cost significantly less and come in copper-like colors.
Aluminum gutters cost significantly less than copper gutters. However, copper's longer lifespan offsets the lower upfront costs for aluminum gutters. Aluminum gutters last 25 to 30 years and require at least as much maintenance as copper over time.
Choose aluminum gutters if you want to spend less money upfront and are looking to suit a simple, contemporary home design.
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 may exhibit a patina or a blue-green hue. Ask your gutter pro about “copper aluminum” systems to learn more.
Copper gutters cost more than aluminum but last more than twice as long. They also have a more upscale appearance.
Consider choosing copper gutters if:
You live in coastal areas: Copper doesn't corrode, making it an excellent material for coastal, saltwater environments.
You value durability: Copper gutters cost more than other types but are attractive and durable. They'll last over 60 years, making them one of the most cost-effective options in the long run.
You want to match neighborhood designs: If you're comparing the style of your home with others in the neighborhood, copper can make a bold statement. Just be sure it fits in or stands out in a way you desire. Be aware of the potential for theft associated with this material.
You're planning to stay in your home for decades: Copper gutters will last as long as you live in the house, giving your home a nicely aged look over time.
Plan for the long term: While copper gutters cost three to four times more upfront than aluminum, their lifespan of over 50 years means you'll save on replacements over the decades of homeownership.
Obtain at least three quotes: Prices can vary significantly between contractors, depending on their experience with copper and regional pricing differences.
Consider sectional copper: If seamless copper exceeds your budget, sectional copper gutters cost $10 to $12 less per linear foot while still providing most of copper's benefits.
Budget for proper downspout: Allocate 15 to 20% of your gutter budget specifically for quality copper downspouts to ensure proper water drainage and system longevity.
Factor in maintenance costs: While copper requires less maintenance than other materials, budget for professional inspections every two to three years ($150 to 300) to protect your investment.
While some gutter materials are easy enough for DIYers to install, copper isn't one of them. Installing copper gutters requires a highly skilled contractor experienced with the delicate hanging and careful soldering that this material demands. If you're considering copper gutters, obtain quotes from several gutter installers near you and select the one that best suits your needs in terms of cost, experience, and timeline. Hiring a professional installer ensures your copper gutters are installed correctly for lasting durability.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Copper gutters cost more upfront, but their 50- to 100-year lifespan and resistance to corrosion make them a practical long-term choice. They also develop a signature green patina that many homeowners like. If you plan to stay in your home for decades and prefer a low-maintenance system that handles harsh weather, the higher initial price can pay off over time.
With routine inspections and cleaning, copper gutters last 50 to 100 years. Over time, they change from bright copper to a muted brown and, eventually, a green patina that protects the metal from corrosion. Because the material resists rust and damage, you won’t need to replace the system as often as vinyl or aluminum, which last 20 to 30 years.
Exposure to air and moisture slowly oxidizes copper, transforming it from a shiny penny color to brown, then charcoal, and finally to the familiar green patina. In many climates, the full change takes approximately 20 years, although hot, humid, or coastal areas may experience color shifts sooner. The patina actually protects the metal, so you don’t need to polish or seal it unless you prefer to keep the bright copper look.
Gutters don’t have to match the roof or siding exactly, but they should complement the colors already on your home. Copper makes that easy—its color warms over time and pairs well with brick, stone, and most paint palettes. If you’re unsure which finish works best, ask a local designer or gutter professional to show you samples against your trim before ordering the materials.
The best material to use depends on your specific needs. Vinyl is the most affordable option and works well in mild climates, but it can crack in extremely cold conditions. Aluminum is an affordable and lightweight material that lasts approximately 25 years with routine maintenance. Steel handles heavy snow but will eventually rust. Copper costs the most, yet it can last a century with very little maintenance. Weigh life span, weather, and budget before making a choice.