Copper and Zinc Gutters Copper gutters and zinc gutters are often our of the price range for more homeowners. Copper gutters can cost up to three or four times more than aluminum or steel gutter systems. Within the gutter trade, copper gutters and zinc gutters are referred to as “exotic” metals. Yet copper is a gorgeous metal that patinas to a rich green or brown (depending on whether you live in a coastal or inland location) and will give your new custom home undisputed bragging rights—though at a five-figure cost. Copper prices have been quite high in recent years. And because the metal is so expensive, you’ll need a skilled specialty gutters installer who makes no mistakes and wastes no copper. Copper gutters are often used on older homes with finer architectural details. Classic home restoration often calls for copper gutters to remain true to the original design and construction of the home. Zinc is a popular gutter material in Europe and was introduced more than a decade ago to the U.S. market. Its blue-gray color blends with zinc or slate roofs and goes well with either Old World or contemporary styling. Zinc gutters cost less than copper but is more difficult to solder, has a higher rate of thermal expansion and contraction, and can become brittle in cool temperatures.
