Copper gutters – buckled guttering

Causes

Insufficient allowance for thermal movement – copper guttering moves more than steel when temperature changes 

Ladder or snow damage

Listed under: metal, copper, Roof, gutters

Cause

Insufficient allowance for thermal movement – copper guttering moves more than steel when temperature changes 

Repair

  • if the copper gutter was installed recently (within the last few years) by a tradesperson, call them back to make the repair

  • straighten gutter if possible

  • ensure that there are sufficient expansion joints at spacings recommended by the gutter manufacturer/supplier

  • metal eaves gutters must have a minimum fall of 2 mm per metre

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Cause

Ladder or snow damage

Repair

  • straighten gutter if possible

  • where the damage is caused by a ladder, get a stand-off bracket for your ladder (or buy a ladder with a stand-off bracket) so your ladder does not lean against the guttering

  • with snow damage, repair or replace damaged gutter, ensuring there is a sufficient number of brackets close enough together (300 mm). Copper is softer than steel of an equivalent gauge, so copper brackets should be spaced at centres recommended by the supplier for the snowfall/rainfall expected

  • metal eaves gutters must have a minimum fall of 2 mm per metre

  • consider installing snow straps to give the gutter extra strength. Snow straps are attached to the gutter (between brackets) and the roof

  • another option is a snow board on the roof that takes the weight of the snow

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