Copper is a system, not a single piece, and on this Lititz home the downspouts and roofline details carry the look all the way to the ground. We formed and hung copper downspouts and detailed the eave so the whole rainwater system reads as one cohesive, high-end feature. On a home that will be kept for the long run, copper is often installed once and never replaced.
What the Lititz copper project involved
Downspouts take the water the gutters collect and carry it safely to the ground, so they have to be sized, routed, and secured correctly. The scope covered:
- Copper downspouts formed and routed along the exterior
- Soldered joints and secure, weight-appropriate hangers
- Clean roofline and eave detailing to match the gutters
- Compatible fasteners and flashing to prevent corrosion
- A finished look that will develop a protective patina over time
Why copper downspouts last
Copper is heavier than aluminum, so the hangers and supports have to account for the weight, especially under snow and ice. Done right, a copper system serves for decades with essentially no maintenance and never needs painting, because its finish is the metal itself. Managing where all that roof water ends up protects the foundation and walls, a point emphasized by Building Science Corporation.
Considering a copper system?
Copper gutters and downspouts are part of our copper work service, and our guide on copper gutters and downspouts covers why they are worth the investment.
Investing in a home you plan to keep? Get a free estimate and let us talk copper.
