Why copper is the best material for rainwater gutters.
14 August 2015
Leaky, broken, old or poorly maintained gutters can cause many, if not major problems.
A properly installed gutter system can reduce and in most cases eliminate the damage caused by drainage problems, but the material chosen for any rainwater system is equally as important.
But why choose copper for gutters and downpipes?
One reason is that copper is a wholly natural material present in and essential to plants, animals and humans. Copper has a mild disinfecting effect on rain water and besides its high corrosion resistance and attractive appearance copper also acts as an algaecide and fungicide, keeping growths such as moss and lichens to a minimum meaning that gutters stay clean and free flowing, which makes it perfect for rainwater harvesting too.
Today, when choosing guttering and down pipes, architects, contractors, and property owners are faced with having to make decisions about material performance, life cycle cost, finish, recyclability, environmental friendliness, and ease of installation. Copper is more often the material of choice, because of its advantageous characteristics in all of these areas compared to other architectural materials.
Approximately only 12% of the current known reserves have ever been mined making copper one of the few materials that is classed as fully sustainable. It is also 100% recyclable and no other metal, much less plastic, can come close to matching copper in these vital areas. Copper is considered a green metal and not just for its colour.
But these are not the only incentives for choosing copper. Unlike cast iron, copper is a very lightweight material and therefore easier to install, reducing labour costs and health and safety issues on site. Copper guttering can be installed by any competent trades person with no specialist tools required. The gutter profiles are joined together quickly and with the minimum of effort simply using copper pop rivets and silicone sealant.
Once installed, the gutter will last in excess of 100 years being extremely durable and resistant to corrosion in any atmosphere. Copper does not require any surface decoration or cleaning and minimal maintenance, making it particularly suited for areas that are difficult or dangerous to access after completion. It also has unique changing visual characteristics as the copper develops an oxide film, changing the colour from bright orange to a deep russet brown, eventually developing a beautiful green verdigris patina after many years.
Coppa Gutta offers three styles of gutter in two sizes, to suit all styles of home for refurbishment or new construction. For more information contact Coppa Gutta on 01489 797774 or visit their website: www.coppagutta.co.uk
Other Press Releases By This Company
- 14/07/2022 - Zinc Guttering Installation
- 20/05/2022 - Copper Roof Ridges for new build
- 22/03/2019 - Eco-friendly guttering for new Café at Neyland Yacht Haven
- 22/03/2019 - Verdigris finish copper guttering for Grade II listed Manor House
- 14/08/2015 - Nine reasons why every property owner should know about copper guttering.
- 14/08/2015 - Copper – for rainwater harvesting and roof ridge flashing.
- 05/11/2012 - Coppa Gutta launches new copper roof ridges at Grand Designs Live 2012
