Copper Gutter Guards: Types, Fit and the Metal Rule
Updated · By the Roof to Footing editors
Copper gutter guards are leaf guards made of copper mesh, perforated copper sheet or a solid copper hood. People buy them for one main reason: they're the only guard that belongs on copper gutters. They weather from shiny to brown to green along with the gutter, and they avoid the corrosion problems that come from putting aluminum or steel guards on copper. They aren't a good match for aluminum or steel gutters, for the same reason.
Why the metal has to match
When two different metals touch with water present, the less noble one corrodes faster. That's galvanic corrosion. Copper is more noble than aluminum, zinc and steel, so:
- Aluminum guards on copper gutters corrode where they touch.
- Copper guards on aluminum or galvanized gutters make the gutter corrode, and copper-laden runoff keeps attacking it downstream.
The rule is simple: copper guards on copper gutters, with copper or stainless steel fasteners.
Types
| Type | How it works | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro-mesh | Fine copper or stainless mesh on a copper frame | Pine needles, seeds, shingle grit | Fine mesh can mat over with pollen; needs brushing |
| Perforated screen | Copper sheet with punched holes | Large leaves | Small debris passes through |
| Hood (surface tension) | Solid curved cover; water follows the curve into a slot | Heavy leaf fall | Overshoots in very heavy rain; must match roof pitch |
| Expanded copper | Diamond-pattern stretched copper | Budget copper option | Catches twigs and seeds |
Fit and sizing
Guards are sized to the gutter opening: 5, 6 or 7 inch, and for K-style or half round. Half round guards need to follow the curve or rest on the bead, so buy guards made for half round if that's what you have. Ask how the guard attaches:
- Under the first course of shingles: grips well but can void some shingle warranties and lifts shingles. Avoid on slate and tile.
- To the front lip and the fascia or drip edge: doesn't disturb the roof. The preferred method on most copper jobs.
Do they stop all cleaning?
No guard does. Expect to brush off the top of mesh guards once or twice a year, and to check downspouts and outlets. Hood guards can let fine debris into the slot over time. What guards do is stop the heavy clogs that cause overflow, so a twice-a-year cleaning becomes a quick once-over.
Copper and moss
Copper ions in runoff discourage moss and algae, which is why copper strips are sometimes installed along roof ridges. A copper guard won't clean your roof, but it does stay cleaner than aluminum in shady, damp spots.
Is it worth it?
On copper gutters, yes. Copper guards protect an investment that can last 50 years or more, and anything else would look wrong and shorten the gutter's life. On aluminum or steel gutters, choose aluminum or stainless guards instead. If you're still choosing a gutter style for copper, see our guide to half round gutters.