Copper Gutters

Copper Gutters are without doubt the best option for any guttering system in Southern California. The climate is harsh due to the proximity to the ocean and the endless heat. We specialize in copper rain gutter installation, making beautiful custom designs to suit your tastes and your property.

As an experienced rain gutter installation company serving Orange County for over 15 years, we at Orange County Gutter cannot stress enough the importance of proper gutter installation and maintenance for commercial buildings. Improper drainage around your business property can lead to very expensive issues with water damage, flooding, foundation problems, landscaping troubles, and more. Trust us, you do not want to skip corners when selecting and installing gutters for your commercial building!

Our professional gutter experts recommend using heavy-duty copper or galvanized steel gutters and downspouts for most commercial applications. While aluminum gutters may save you money upfront, the durability and strength of copper and steel is far superior for the high rainfall levels we experience in Orange County. The last thing you want is your gutters becoming dented, misshapen, or pulling away from the building after a few heavy storms. This leads to drainage problems and the need for frequent repairs. With copper or steel gutters installed by our seasoned professionals, you can rest assured that your rainwater drainage system will stand the test of time.

When it comes to selecting rain gutters for residential and commercial properties, copper is truly the gold standard material. Although copper gutters carry a higher upfront cost compared to aluminum or steel, they are by far the most durable, longest-lasting, and low-maintenance option. There are many compelling reasons why smart facility managers invest in copper gutter systems. In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of copper gutters and provide an overview of proper installation.

Copper gutters can easily last over 100 years, even in harsh outdoor environments. No other gutter material comes close in terms of lifespan. Copper’s unique molecular structure makes it highly resistant to corrosion. It won’t rust, chip, peel, dent, warp, or sag over time. Even after decades of exposure to rain, wind, heat, cold, and ultraviolet light, copper gutters maintain their structural integrity and drainage performance. They are unaffected by expanding/contracting through temperature cycles. This durability saves you money in the long run by avoiding frequent gutter repairs or replacements.

Aside from occasional cleaning, copper gutters are virtually maintenance-free. They don’t require caulking, sealing, painting, or other protective coatings that other metals need to prevent corrosion. The patina layer that forms on the copper from rainwater exposure actually protects against further oxidization rather than damaging the material. Copper won’t accumulate debris or clog like vinyl or aluminum gutters. Given the high upfront cost of copper gutters, you want them to last a lifetime with minimal upkeep. Copper delivers on that promise.

Copper possesses excellent tensile strength and hardness properties while still being malleable enough for intricate shaping and joining during installation. This gives copper gutters superior resistance against deformation from impacts. They won’t dent or crack under the weight of falling ladders or debris. Copper is also non-combustible and poses no fire risk. Wind uplift is rarely an issue with properly installed copper gutters. Heavy rainfall, snow, and hail will not compromise copper systems. This strength and flexibility ensure proper drainage season after season.

Let’s not forget aesthetics! One of the other perks of copper gutters is how beautiful they look on commercial buildings. The distinctive copper patina finish gives buildings an elegant, timeless architectural flair. Copper provides a unique “pop” of color and texture against brick, stone, stucco, and other common commercial exterior wall finishes. Even after decades, the aged patina on copper still looks far more attractive than the faded, peeling paint of other gutter types. Curb appeal matters for businesses – copper delivers.

Copper is one of the most sustainable gutter choices given that it is 100% recyclable. At the end of its exceptionally long lifespan when replacements might be warranted, copper gutters can be fully recycled and made into new products. There is no waste or landfill burden. This recyclability also means most new copper today contains up to 85% recycled content. Overall, copper is an environmentally responsible gutter option.

Proper Gutter Sizing

As with any gutter material, correctly measuring and sizing copper gutters is crucial for proper drainage performance. Factors like your roof size, slope, and rainfall intensity determine the recommended gutter width. For most commercial buildings, 6-8 inch wide copper gutters are suitable. Downspouts must match gutter capacity as well. Our professional installers carefully measure and calculate the optimal copper gutter sizing before fabrication. Undersized gutters lead to overflow and water spillover. Oversized gutters are a waste of copper material.

 Good for Sloped and Flat Roofs

One of the advantages of copper gutters is that they work well on both sloped shingle roofs and flat commercial roofs. The flexibility and long-length sheets of copper allow installation snug against the roofline. For flat roofs, copper gutters integrated with the drainage system prevent ponding water issues. They come in lengths up to 30 feet for minimal seams. The strength handles snow/ice buildup on flat commercial roofs during winter. Copper complements modern roof types like standing seam metal.

Key Considerations for Copper Gutter Installation:

• Joining techniques like soldering ensure leakproof seams
• Allow a slight pitch for water flow while accounting for expansion/contraction
• Secure firmly with screw-fastened copper or stainless steel hangers
• Use proper outlets, elbows, and downspouts for complete drainage
• Direct water at least 5 feet from the foundation
• Select a reputable copper gutter fabricator and installer

Inspection Points:

• Visually check seams for proper bonding before hanging gutters
• Confirm consistent slope without low spots or sagging
• Ensure secure hanger attachment without gaps
• Watch water flow during testing to check for leaks
• Inspect outlets, elbows, downspouts for smooth joints