How Does A Copper Guttering System Age?

HOW DOES A COPPER GUTTERING SYSTEM AGE?

If a copper guttering system is left to age naturally, it will go through multiple stages of colour throughout its lifecycle. When purchased and first installed, your copper gutter’s colour will be similar to that of a newer one pence coin. This however will not last long in the grand scheme of things.

After a couple of months, a copper gutter will start to fade into a darker and dirtier looking brown colour. Soon after this you will also notice small dark greyish green patches developing in areas of the material. The small patches are the beginnings of the development of patina. Patina is a thin layer of green that develops on various materials including bronze, brass and of course copper. This layer is formed as a result of the material protecting itself from the elements. Below is an image of the approximate timeline of the copper gutter ageing process.

As shown above, copper will start to turn visibly green after roughly seven years of being exposed to the elements. There is no way to stop copper gutters from turning green and we recommend that you do not try and paint over the greening gutter, as this will make for an uneven finish and will negatively affect copper’s water cleaning properties.

CAN I SPEED UP THIS AGEING PROCESS?

Yes, in fact, you can achieve the “twenty years” copper colour within a matter of hours! Coppa Gutta provide a Verdigris solution that can is sprayed onto the guttering system with a spray applicator, ideally within a week of installation. Once fully sprayed on, the solution will get to work immediately, and your gutter should look as if it has aged twenty years within approximately two hours.

SAFETY DURING VERDIGRIS APPLICATION

• Safety glasses should be worn at all times when applying the Verdigris solution. If the solution does come into contact with your eye, flush the eye with lots of water for at least ten minutes and seek immediate medical assistance.
• You should not allow the solution to come into contact with your skin. If this does occur, wash the area of contact with plenty of water and removed any contaminated clothing. If the skin starts to redden and looks damaged, please call for medical assistance.
• If the solution is swallowed, drink plenty of water and seek immediate medical assistance.

To view the full downloadable PDF guide on applying the Verdigris solution, click here.