Do Copper Gutters Turn Green

Why does this occur.

Do copper gutters turn green.

Taking your weathervane or copper gutters down and polishing is impractical. Depending on the environment that copper is in it will either turn green slower or faster. Here s what i did. One of the most unique characteristics of copper is the fact that it turns a distinct green with time.

The closer it is to pollutants like urban air or salt water the faster it turns green. This one took the shine off the copper and added some small and very subdued green areas. After a year or two they will be a tarnished mostly brown color. After a month or two they will really start to develop streaking discoloration and browning.

The only real debate about copper gutters is in regards to aesthetic aging. In many more years they will turn green and black. In other words the patina extends the useful life of your gutters. It turns green because of the reaction to the elements that form on its surface.

1 made a solution with the following ratio. When copper is left unprotected in an open atmosphere as it is on the exterior of your home it will react with oxygen oxidation. 3 tablespoons white vinegar 5 45 ml 1 teaspoon table salt 5 ml 2 stirred very well until the salt dissolved completely. 3 let the copper soak for 30 minutes.

It s important to understand that the green patina that forms on your copper gutters is completely natural and it helps protect your gutters from corrosion. How long will copper gutters stay shiny. Within days the shine will begin to fade.