Home › Learn From The Pros › Choosing Between Copper and Zinc Gutters: A Quick Comparison Choosing Between Copper and Zinc Gutters: A Quick Comparison June 28, 2022 When it comes to premium gutter choices, two materials come to mind: copper and zinc. Both are great options for resilience and longevity, but like most options, they differ in a number of ways. Advantage Seamless Gutters, one of the best installers of seamless and half round gutters, compares copper and zinc gutter systems. Copper Gutters This material is widely known for the rich patina that develops as it’s constantly exposed to weather elements over time. The coating is also what protects the gutters from corroding and is a natural fungicide and algaecide, preventing moss, mold and algae from growing on the surfaces. Because of its unique visual aesthetic and exceptional durability, this material has been in use for roofing and gutter applications for centuries and can even be found in several historical structures around the world. Copper gutters offer a classic and elegant appeal that can enhance your home’s exterior. Although it’s one of the most expensive gutter materials on the market, copper gutters can easily exceed their 50-year service life with regular care and maintenance. Zinc Gutters Unlike other metals such as steel and aluminum, zinc offers a natural defense against precipitation, all thanks to its zinc-carbonate patina, which is created when moisture comes into contact with the gutter surfaces. Moisture happens naturally when being exposed to alternating wet-dry cycles, eventually forming a natural layer of protection for the gutters. This layer keeps mold, mildew and fungus from growing on your roof, which makes it ideal for climates that have a lot of moisture and little sunlight. Whether you choose regular or seamless gutters, zinc is typically more affordable than copper. It’s also more sustainable as zinc gutters maintain their functional and surface health for many years with minimal maintenance. The material can even be reused as it doesn’t lose its physical or chemical characteristics throughout the recycling process. Which Option Is Better for You? Choosing between copper and zinc gutters is a matter of preference. You also have to consider your budget and your home’s architectural style before you settle on either one. Copper gutters provide a more rustic vibe to your home exteriors. Zinc gutters, meanwhile, come in a wide range of colors and textures, giving you more flexibility when it comes to mixing and matching home exteriors. Advantage Seamless Gutters is a leading local gutter installation contractor for your needs. Give us a call today at (218) 270-2663 or fill out our convenient online request form. We serve homeowners in and around Bemidji and Alexandria, MN.