MN Seamless Copper Gutters, Downspouts, and Gutter Covers
Most people know that pennies are made of copper, but are you aware that the Statue of Liberty is also constructed from this timeless and durable metal?
The Statue of Liberty is the most famous example of copper patina. This notable New York harbor landmark is known for its bright green hue.
The Statue of Liberty gets its green color from the natural patina formed on its copper surface. This is due to the unique chemical composition of copper ( called the patina process) which results in oxidation, patina formation, and eventual color change.
- Oxidation: Oxidation refers to the chemical changes that a substance undergoes when it is exposed to the elements. Iron, for example, forms rust when it is oxidized. When copper is oxidized, however, it forms a unique patina layer that, in addition to the color change you can see, provides a protective barrier that you cannot see. While oxidation leads to the corrosion and corruption of some materials, it does not affect the stability of copper.
- Patina: While patina can refer to the layer that forms as a result of oxidation over any metal, the patina of copper has unique properties. The patina that forms on copper protects the copper and results in color change. The patina is responsible for the dramatic difference in appearance between a brand new penny and the century-old Statue of Liberty.
- Color Change: The color change that results from copper’s oxidation, patina formation, and aging first tends to be a darkening to a deeper brown or rust color. Only after three to four years does that brownish hue begin to fade and eventually the lighter, greener hues emerge. This color change process can be stopped by treating copper before it oxidizes, and it can also be hastened by treating copper in a different manner which will speed up the oxidation and result in an aged look much faster. For an idea of how your copper additions will look over the next few years, check out this color chart: (Natural Weathering Color Chart)
Perhaps the most interesting part of this process is that it changes over times and takes years to fully develop. During the first 5-10 years of exposure copper will change colors gradually, but that process speeds up after about 10 years eventually resulting in the bluish-green color many people recognize.
One of the main characteristics of copper is that it is corrosion-resistant. This means that it fairs well in many different environments. A copper gutter system can withstand any type of weather. It can withstand subzero temperatures or temperatures that are over 100 degrees. And because Minnesota sees a lot of snow, it is important to have a very strong gutter system that can take on the weight of the snow. There is also the fact that ice will thaw and refreeze repeatedly over the course of the winter.
Yes, you will need to take a look at your copper gutters once in a while to make sure they are not clogged with debris, but the maintenance on Minnesota copper gutters is quite minimal. Copper Downspouts, and Gutter Covers are also available. Otherwise, you really will not have to do much of anything to your copper gutters. They more or less take care of themselves.
But know that you don’t have to have a million dollar home in order to have copper gutters. The truth is that any home can work well with copper gutters, especially when you want to decorate your home and make it look even more expensive than before.
Metal roller technology has made it possible to have seamless copper gutters. Seamless copper gutters are more affordable and do not require expensive upkeep like the older more labor intensive copper systems of the past.
