Gutters are one of the most important parts of your home’s roofing system, which effectively work to remove rainwater and snow melt far away from your home’s foundation. If you’re in the market for new gutters, there are a few different options out there with regard to gutter material. Here, we’ll dive into more detail about copper vs aluminum gutters so you can determine which one is the right choice for your new gutters.
Copper Gutters Overview
Copper gutters in Northern Virginia are considered a luxury upgrade for homes. They’re a popular choice for historic homes, high-end residences, and other properties where aesthetics are just as important as function. Copper offers a very unique appearance that starts as a bright and shiny finish that eventually develops into a natural greenish-brown patina.
Aluminum Gutters Overview
Aluminum gutters are the common choice for many homeowners due to their vast affordability and great performance. They work on all different styles of homes and provide a lightweight alternative to other options like copper. Aluminum is available in a wide variety of prefinished colors that can match seamlessly with your existing roof, trim, or even siding.
Side-by-Side Comparison
To determine the best gutter material for professional gutter replacement in Chantilly, VA, it can be helpful to do a side-by-side comparison. By contrasting both materials over the same factors, it can help you better determine which may be the right choice for your unique situation. Below, we’ll discuss both copper and aluminum gutters pros and cons for your utmost convenience.
Cost
One of the most obvious areas of comparison is upfront cost. There’s no doubt that aluminum gutters can be significantly cheaper than their copper counterparts. In fact, copper can be four to five times more expensive per linear foot than aluminum when installed. Those who are budget-conscious about their new gutters will typically find aluminum is a better choice. However, those looking for premium quality alongside enhanced aesthetics may find that copper better suits their needs.
Lifespan
Knowing how long your new gutters will last has a significant impact on what type of material you purchase. Aluminum is a rust-resistant material that can have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years with proper maintenance and upkeep. There’s simply no other gutter material than copper that can last between 50 and 100 years.
Durability
If you live in a climate that experiences a lot of strong wind gusts or your home is surrounded by trees that occasionally experience falling branches, the durability of your gutters is key to their longevity and performance. While aluminum is certainly rust-resistant, it’s a much softer metal material that’s more prone to bending, warping, and dents. On the other hand, copper is a very heavy-duty material that resists denting, warping, and even corrosion. It’s a resilient material that can withstand severe weather conditions over the long term.
Curb Appeal and Aesthetics
When it comes to purchasing any material for your home’s exterior, it’s always important to take into account its overall effect on your home’s curb appeal. Initially, aluminum gutters can do wonders for enhancing the curb appeal of your home, as they come in a variety of different color options.
However, it’s important to know that aluminum gutters can fade over time and require refinishing or touch-ups to stay in good-looking condition. Copper offers a very stunning and unique appearance that is both rustic and timeless. It creates a luxury-like feel that will definitely enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your home’s exterior.
Maintenance Requirements
Both aluminum and copper gutters require routine cleanings to work effectively. However, copper is a set-it-and-forget-it type of material that simply oxidizes over time. This creates a beautiful patina that doesn’t require any sort of upkeep to maintain its look. Contrarily, aluminum gutters will fade over time and require repainting to prevent unwanted corrosion. Additionally, aluminum gutters tend to require more repairs than copper because they aren’t as durable.
Resale Value
Due to the uniqueness and overall longevity of copper, it has a significantly higher boost on your home’s resale value than aluminum gutters. While basic aluminum gutters will increase the resale value of your home slightly, opting to go with a seamless aluminum gutter system can boost the value even more.
Climate Considerations for Northern Virginia
One other factor that you don’t want to overlook is the unique Northern Virginia climate and how it can affect your gutters’ performance. Northern Virginia experiences some very hot and humid summer weather and very cold winters. This can cause aluminum to naturally expand and contract with the weather, which can loosen joints over time. Copper isn’t as prone to this expansion and contraction, allowing it to remain more stable throughout the seasons.
Professional Gutter Installation in Northern Virginia
Both aluminum and copper gutters can be a great choice for any homeowner. Those who are looking for a cost-effective gutter solution that gets the job done and is available in a wide variety of color options will typically go with aluminum gutters. These can also be a great option for homeowners who don’t plan on staying in their home for over 30 years.
Copper is seen as a more premium and long-term investment that’s best for homeowners who plan on living in their home for life. Their natural patina can give any home more character to boost its curb appeal and provide virtually maintenance-free performance.
One thing to keep in mind when getting new gutters for your home is that they should be installed by a professional. It’s never a good idea to do DIY gutter installation, as doing so could leave your home more susceptible to water damage. Having our gutter professionals do the installation for you will ensure that your new gutters are installed correctly for long-term performance.
Custom Gutter Solutions
Beyond Exteriors offers custom gutter solutions for both residential and commercial customers in the Northern Virginia area. We understand the importance of choosing a gutter system that matches your home’s exterior aesthetics while fitting within your budget. This is why we offer custom gutter solutions for all.
We can conveniently fabricate the look of your new gutters to fit your property’s unique dimensions and architectural design. Our seamless gutter systems are a popular choice for those looking for long-term performance without the large price tag that comes along with using copper.
Beyond Gutters – Complete Exterior Protection
We also offer gutter leaf protection systems. You can choose between metal and plastic screens that fit over your new gutters. These gutter guards work effortlessly to keep leaves and other unwanted debris from entering your gutters and clogging your roof’s drainage system.
Upgrade Your Gutters With Beyond Exteriors
Beyond Exteriors is a trusted gutter expert serving the entirety of Northern Virginia home and business owners. We offer free estimates and have over a decade and a half of hands-on industry experience. We always put our customers first, and we provide more than just gutter installation, repairs, and replacement. We’re a full-service exterior contractor that provides world-class customer service and long-lasting products we stand behind.