Seamless Copper Gutters?

Thunder1

Dose anyone know if there is an outlet for copper sheet metal that will form in a standard seamless machine?

Edited this post after looking around the internet a bit.
I found there are numerous sources and options but if you guys would let me know about any copper experiences you've had I would appreciate it.

AaronB.

I know there must be cuz we get seamless copper gutters delivered.

__________________
http://www.roseroofing.net/
Seamless Industrial and Commercial Roofing Systems, Residential Repair. For Those That Demand Quality!
Free roof inspections within 12 miles of our locale.

Grumpy

The gutter machines my subs use are capable of handling 16 oz copper coil easily. However not all gutter machins are capable of these guage metal. Typically an aluminum only machine and a machine capable of running out galvanized and copper will vary in price a good few thousand dollars.

Want my advice? Rule #1 solder your copper. No caulk.

red_cedar

I would think that any machine that can run .032 aluminum could run 16 oz copper. 16 oz copper ( apx. .022 ) is slightly thicker than .019 aluminum ( trim coil )

gutrman

Thunder, where are u from. I deal with multiple suppliers in the MidWest. I would venture to say that most machines will handle copper. Copper does run through the machines a bit tougher. We have our machines powered by the batteries on the truck but when we run copper we must plug them in.

Grumpy, caulk not work well with copper?

Thunder1

I live and work in Northern California.
I recently subbed all the metal work on a large shingle job because the HO requested copper everything. None of the local rain gutter specialist could provide copper gutters so I went with a bonafide sheet metal shop that said they had experience with copper. They charged 3 arms and 2 legs but the customer agreed to the expense for the upgrade and that was that.
The gutters were pop riddled (riveted) every 10’, sealed with calk and looked like hell, with smudges from oily hands and smeared calking. Two days later it rained lightly and the gutters leaked at every joint. They installed one of the valley pieces 2" short of the eave. Other than the obvious problems this would create it was in an area with no overhang and would have filled his wall with water in a matter of minutes. I had to correct the valley before roofing of course but the rest of the repairs they had to do with my roof in place and a threat billing for any damage to my shingles hanging in the air. They installed one short length of gutter extending 4" past the gable, all the downspouts were almost an inch too short in the eave length and the list of errors or just poor work goes on and on and by the time all the problems were addressed we still had some pretty ugly gutters. The HO was satisfied with a small refund and my promise never to use that shop again (I had already made that decision). And thank the roofing gods for understanding customers because he probably could have stuck it to me.

Am I correct in assuming that calking won’t bond well with copper because of the rapid electrolysis underneath of the calking? Or is it an oil film problem? Either way I agree that a solder joint is best.

The whole thing got me thinking that If I got a machine and could sell seamless copper to a percentage of my customers to help pay for it, I would be the only guy in town with decent looking copper gutters.

Grumpy

In My Opinion a person who would caulk copper is a person who doesn't know their trade. Why would you install an 80 year rated product then caulk it with a 25 year rated product?

The smudges are nothing to worry about. There is really no way to avoid them. They will weather away after a few seasons.

Rivets too are ok (all joints have to be mechanically fastened some how before sodlering), but 10' sections yeesh! I can carry 30' sections on top of one of my ladders easily.

AaronB.

I would say buy the machine and market direct to upcscale homes in your area.

__________________
http://www.roseroofing.net/
Seamless Industrial and Commercial Roofing Systems, Residential Repair. For Those That Demand Quality!
Free roof inspections within 12 miles of our locale.