These are photos of a house we worked on in Newton, Massachusetts. The house has a slate roof. Originally it had wooden gutters, which rotted from a lack of maintenance. A previous contractor convinced the homeowner to install aluminum gutters in order to save money. Here’s why copper gutters should be used with slate and metal roofing.

Unfortunately, the aluminum gutters were torn off of the home multiple times, for several reasons.  First of all, the snow slides off of the slate roof, putting pressure on the gutters and breaking them. Secondly, there was interior leaking which was caused by the ice damming. As a result, the homeowner came to us for help with a long-term solution. 

Aluminum gutters are a practical choice for roofs with asphalt shingles, as the snow does not slide off. However, they should NOT be installed on slate or metal roofing.

We Solved the Problem with Copper Gutters

First, we improved the insulation to help minimize future ice damming from heat loss. Then, we fabricated and installed custom-made, 20 ounce copper gutters with a copper belt and new flashings. The copper gutter is reinforced with a 1″ copper bar. The bar has hangers that extend onto each copper panel. Then we fastened them with stainless steel screws. Next, we installed a soldered copper cover plate over the screws of each hanger.

Finally, we installed snow guards on the slates and copper panels in order to help hold the snow in place.  Snow will now melt gradually from the roof, protecting the new gutters and the shrubbery below from damage.

These gutters are very strong, and are designed for slate and metal roofing.

If you or someone you know has slate or metal roofing, give us a call to find out more about copper gutters.