November 28, 2022
COPPER GUTTER GUARDS – ARE THEY WORTH IT?
Every fall the trees around your home will shed their leaves and some leaves will inevitably find their way into your home’s rain gutters. When winter arrives with the inevitable heavy rain, snow and ice. Clogged gutters and rain are a recipe for disaster. You may find that it results in leaks in your roof and water pooling around your foundation which can affect the structural integrity of your house!
Gutters play a very important role in defending your home from water. Keeping them clear and clean is very important. One way to ensure that your gutters are clean and protected from all the leaves and debris swirling around in the wind is to install gutter guards.
In addition to leaves in the fall, birds love nesting in gutters each spring, and regardless of the season, sticks and pine needles also clog downspouts and gutters. The correct gutter guard will protect your gutters from these issues – birds, leaves, sticks, and pine needles – and prevent your gutters from clogging.
- Types of Gutter Guards. Which to choose?
- Why Copper Gutter Guards Are Your Best Choice? Take a Look.
- Copper Gutter Guards: Worth the Cost? Let’s See.
Why Are Gutter Guards Important?
As previously mentioned, Your drains are part of your house’s defense system preventing leaks and moisture from damaging your house. Something as minor as a blocked gutter could lead to water in your foundations and the structural integrity of your home being compromised. It is the gutter guards that function to keep your gutters clear and unblocked and able to protect your home.
What Are Gutter Guards and What Do They Do?
Gutter guards sit on top of gutters and prevent leaves and other debris from entering the gutter and causing clogged gutters, while at the same time, allowing water to pass through and flow away from your home. They are made from various different materials and come in various designs; some work better than others, but the principle is generally the same.
If you have copper gutters installed, then there are copper gutter guards also available. Using any other material gutter guards may give you pause, firstly as they will affect your home’s aesthetic and also because copper gutter guards are more durable and long-lasting compared to other materials, like foam, plastic and even aluminum.
Common Types of Gutter Guards
Gutter guards can come in different forms including:
- Gutter screens,
- Gutter covers which includes: reverse curl gutter guards and fine mesh gutter guards.
While the materials and design of each can vary, they all work on the same principle of stopping leaves and debris from getting into the gutter. The several types of gutter guards vary in their quality, the material they are made from, competency and price.
- Vinyl & PVC Gutter Guards
These are the cheapest type of gutter guards, they can be purchased at home improvement centers and can be installed via DIY. The general consensus is that these types of gutter guards are not very good at their job, they’re great at preventing leaves from entering the gutters but they stop everything else as well including the water!
- Gutter Screens
This type of gutter guard is one of the most common types, they have been used for years. There are several different types of specific gutter systems. They come in various materials and at affordable prices. These are easy to install and competent at keeping leaves out of your gutters.
Drawbacks of these are that they are not durable or long-lasting, easily damaged by branches and sunlight, difficult to clean and need regular maintenance in order to work well.
- Gutter Covers
These are also commonly found, they are similar to a cap that fits over the gutter. There is a trough on the front cover of the edge, when it rains gravity causes water to flow into the slot and then into the gutter.
- Reverse Curve Gutter Guards (also known as surface tension gutter guards)
These are strong and durable, good at preventing leaves from getting into the gutter and can withstand branches, ice, wind and snow, they handle other types of debris well. With the exception of the micro mesh guards, they have been the most durable and effective gutter guards. No maintenance is needed.
Drawbacks, they are expensive both to buy and to install, and professional installation is also needed. They do not perform well in heavy rain and also birds favor these gutter guards in order to build nests.
- Fine Mesh Gutter Guards (Micro Mesh Gutter Guards)
These are the most expensive guards on the market. Fine mesh gutter guards are very effective at preventing entrance to anything into the gutters. They sit inside your gutter so are not as affected by weather as the gutter covers. They are easy to install and can be used with all roof types. In comparison with screen guards, they are easy to clean.
Drawbacks, these need cleaning and maintenance, if left leaves can accumulate on top of the guard. More expensive micromesh guards that are produced from metals, stainless steel, aluminum and copper require professional installation.
Are Gutter Guards Available In Copper?
Yes! Gutter guards are available in copper. In the past there wasn’t much choice for homeowners when it came to copper gutter guards, the only available types were copper metal screens and copper reverse curve gutter guards that have been around for a long time. Recently, however, gutter guards have evolved and industry has produced copper micro-mesh gutter guards which have been reported to be very effective.
Copper is a very popular material for gutter guards as it has so many advantageous properties. These properties have made them move to the top of the gutter guard market. They may be costly to buy and install but their many advantages make up for this in the long run.
Advantages of Using Copper Gutter Guards
- Durability
Cooper gutter guards are more durable than all of their other metal counterparts, including aluminum. Copper is dense in comparison to aluminum and stainless steel, so it has an advantage compared to other metal guards. It is heavier. It is not affected by adverse weather conditions including strong winds, or physical damage such as branches falling on the roof, or animals walking across it. This resistance to damage and high durability means that you won’t have to worry about frequent gutter repair.
- Minimal maintenance is needed.
Copper is well known in that it resists rust and corrosion and instead develops a patina over time that many people find attractive. It does not crack warp or wear out. So minimal maintenance is needed.
- Increase the value of your property
Perhaps one of the more important advantages of buying and installing copper gutter guards is that they will increase the value of your home. Copper gutter guards are the most expensive gutter guards on the market and for good reason. In fact, copper as a metal has always been a good investment. The copper guards alone are valuable and are an investment and could be resold for more than other gutter guards cost. Their installation increases the curb appeal of your property which will make it more attractive to potential buyers. In addition, it gives your exterior a luxurious high-end appearance.
- Longevity
Copper gutter guards are going to last for a very long time. The lifetime of copper is up to 100 years and more. So you don’t have to worry that you will have to be replacing these guards every few years! They will outlast the other metal gutter guards many times over! Installing copper gutter guards is an excellent investment for the future of your home.
- Patina
As copper ages, it reacts with gasses in the atmosphere to form a patina. Its surface is transformed from a bright orange color to a very attractive green. The purpose of this patina is that it protects the copper from oxidation. Many people prefer this color. However, if you’re not a fan, it’s not a problem, the patina can literally just be cleaned from the surface and the copper will return to its original color.
Are Copper Gutter Guards Worth It?
Copper gutter guards are a smart investment, not only will they look fantastic, protect your gutters and make sure you don’t have to worry about leaks, they are going to add value to your home!
Are Gutter Guards a Waste of Money?
Gutter guards are only a waste of money if you intend to buy cheap gutter guards that are known for being flimsy and breaking easily. Buying a more expensive guard means that it will be better quality and better at doing its job. Copper gutter guards are durable and long-lasting they will add to the aesthetic of your home.
Where Can I Get Copper Gutter Guards From?
The best place to get your copper gutter guards Chicago is the specialist roofing companies that provide copper gutters. If you use these companies you know that you are dealing with professionals and that the quality of the gutter guard is going to be high and that they will be professionally and correctly installed. Also, if they don’t stock what you are looking for they will be able to direct you to someone who can provide you with quality products.
