If we want the gutters to last long enough to patina, solder is the low or no maintenance solution. the solder will flow only after the copper gets hot enough. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Usiffng an angle grinder fitted with a flap disk, start to clean o any remaining caulk and remove all patina from the areas being soldered. Light copper solids are any copper sheeting that is less than 1/16-inch thick. You need a very high power one since the copper soaks up heat. But, I'm wondering if I picked up few extra feet of gutter for practice, I'd be able to figure it out. But you can solder the seams to create a permanent seal. Not something you WANT to do if avoidable. 1:15. Not having ever soldered copper gutter specifically ( but have soldered copper, brass, bronze, tin, etc parts and sheets, etc ) I would think it would be a fairly easy job. GF Sprague & Company, Inc. 1:59. Website operating It takes a bit of skill when soldering copper gutters. To avoid any clogging or debris blockage, you can simply solder the copper pieces together and create a permanent seal. Even after tweaking hue and tone these colors are not a great match to the real thing. We made the choice by getting a couple of feet of the two metals we were considering, and taping them to the house in various places before making our decision. This article will help answer some questions about the differences between copper gutters and aluminum gutters. Exterior update with paint, copper gutters, rain chain, Historic copper gutters (but on the cheap). By contrast, the soldered joint will create a watertight seam that makes the entire section of gutter react to weather and temperature as a single piece of metal rather than separate … bars with 50 lbs. Contractor or homeowner hires a sub with soldering experience to peel out the failing caulk, grind the patina from the joints (we will go over this process … Copper gutters and downspouts are installed with fasteners made of materials compatible with copper, i.e. 3:47. hand press copper … When soldering copper gutters, you must observe complete caution. Install seamless weld elbows as necessary. Traditionally, lead alloys have been used for soldering copper, but these have fallen from favor in recent years due to lead poisoning concerns. No one solders gutters anymore unless, a) your loaded and are getting copper gutters and down pipes b) your doing work on a heritage listed property. Copper blends well with many roofing products and is a low maintenance option that does not require paint or cleaning. copper. We did it because we like the look and don't mind that the copper will develop a verdigris patina over time. Connecting PEX Tubing to Copper Pipe. The solder will be "sucked" into the copper joint but in the sheet metal joint it "flows". They use to use a lead based solder to seal gutters. Solder. Over time, the shiny surface of the copper gutters oxidizes, causing a patina to occur on the surface. Please note: The instructions here are specific to copper pipe soldering, which differs from the welding copper process. I use an acetylene powered soldering iron. Copper’s long life comes from its resistance to corrosion, which deteriorates other metals. Metal Roof install today and looks awful. Why? Be aware of your position all the time to avoid falling to the ground. A gutter would be nearly impossible to solder, even if it was new and clean. Solder flow is limited by the available heat. Step 6 Why? the solder will flow only after the copper gets hot enough. Clean pads on a circuit board with a pencil eraser. My guy ordered a coil for out house and it arrived. Copper usually soaks up heat easily and a very high powered soldering iron will get the job done fast. Copper gutters are known to last a LONG time. Copper is a very expensive metal and has a lot of appeal to thieves for its resale value at scrap yards. Lifespan. Copper is not only elegant but also quite durable and widely considered to be the best long term investment. home improvement and repair website. Copper gutters can also last much longer than aluminum or galvanized gutters. Also, a large old fashioned soldering copper - a torch is too hard to control, and most soldering irons don't have the wattage that is needed. Once you have your supplies, use some sandpaper to remove the copper oxide on the outside portion of the tubing that will be inserted … Rivets should be a 3/16” diameter. If you take notice in pictures Step 33 & Step 36 the craftsman is melting the solder with the tip of his soldering … Posts Tagged "soldering copper gutters" December 2, 2019 Copper Fasteners / Copper Screws. So we've received a few options via mail a few where nixed right away. That being said perhaps weigh in with your preference. Secure it to the hangers by bending the front clamps first and then back clamps. It is advisable to practice on some scrap pieces first. For those critics, this is an under copper valley system and the gutters still have to be heated to carry the water to the ground. It is advisable to have an assistant for passing equipment and gutter handling. Cooper rain gutters add an attractive line to a roof's edge. In Auto. I was using decent solder but th... Solder not sticking while sweating copper. Those inexpensive vinyl ones need to be replaced every 10 years, and steel or aluminum ones need to be replaced every 20 years. Do not expect to master the proper way of soldering copper gutters right away. Copper gutters are half circle channels found below the roof line. Over time all things copper acquire a patina –first turning a rich brown and then that classic green-brown-blue coating. All 6" K Style 16oz. Traditionally, copper gutter installers rely on solder to seal joints because it’s a permanent solution. Do the math. per box and can be purchased by the pound. This guide will show you how to solder copper pipes to ensure there are no leaks in or around your home. In fact, they could last for many years even, if you don’t maintain paint them due to copper’s amazing durability. I would definitely suggest contacting a professional or a manufacturer of copper gutters. Half Round Copper gutters offer a distinctive appearance and traditional style appropriate for both historic restoration and new construction. I’ll include here some of the … Browse our wide selection of hangers, outlets, miters, and related components for this size copper gutter system. Slow leak at soldered copper T on outside hose bib. Here is a link that might be useful: Slate and Copper Sales Company. Patina – The copper will start to green over time when a patina develops on top of the copper. All information is provided "AS IS." Moreover, if you are going to do it yourself as a onetime project, you will have to buy special irons, which can be quite expensive. I asked my father about them, and he explained how they were installed. What are the right type of fasteners to use for copper gutters and downspouts? Roofing copper … Copper gutters develop a rich patina as it weathers and it's the patina coating that protects the copper from corroding and why copper often can last over 100 years. 1:58. Shown: Kevin Lyons fits a downspout elbow to a copper gutter. Gutters of cheaper materials have much shorter lifespans. Love how you picked up the colors in the stone in the house details. Soldering Copper Gutters at In-House Workshop Call GF Sprague Roofing 781-455-0556. A work apron will also allow you to keep small tools safely accessible. Another great advantage of copper gutters is that they do not need to be maintained regularly. Keep in mind, though, that soldering copper gutters is not an easy thing to do, especially for beginners. If you are going to solder your gutters, then you should be sure that you go over all corners and joints as well. Expansion joints allow for the segments of gutter to move freely during expansion and contraction; without them, solder seams can break and the metal itself can tear thus causing leaks to occur. Anyone have any pointers? The Gel is a mild acid that stays where it is applied. Richard Trethewey shows another effective way … Soldering still is a good way to seal water pipes that can be made with a very tight clearances, with much less room for any expansion and contraction. These are available at several angles and do not require soldering but tightly fitting them together as they overlap. Everybody is happy until a year later when all of the joint start to leak. Bob watches as gutters are installed along the copper-roofed breezeway. Use a Good Metal Polish – Sometimes you want your copper gutters to shine like they did … You'll need a solder kit, the pipes want to solder, an aceteline torch and a few other things. Our Reverse Bead Half Round copper gutter is typically fabricated from 16 oz. Any copper gutter repair done with caulk is basically ruined from the start, since caulk doesn’t expand and contract with the metal. Great idea to reduce the foundation plants hiding that gorgeous stone. If you can do the job on the ground, your chances get better. Today, copper water pipes are soldered with lead-free flux and silver alloys. First, you will need a soldering iron. Copper lasts for many years and you will need to check it just a few times, so it can be a great alternative to standard metal gutters. I added a link below for your reference. Copper is a also a natural fungicide and algaecide which will helps keep moss from growing around the roof. Some people used tar, and other people used lead joints like solder to join them. Step 7: Installing Downspouts. Caulk. Hope this helps! Note: bronze (the darkest one) has a slight irredescent sheen to it. These are available at several angles and do not require soldering but tightly fitting them together as they overlap. Solder flow is limited by the available heat. It will end up helping us in the long run because with expan-sion contraction over time this type of seam will outperform any sweated type seam for sure. Just not gutters. Step 6: Place Gutters. There are several types of soldering irons, but the most effective one is the acetylene powered soldering iron. Copper tubing that falls into this category includes burnt copper and copper with light tin coating, solder or brass fittings still attached; Scrap copper number three is light copper. I came here for some good advise. To all who might be thinking about that, you may want to consult a professional first. Made custom to match any radius. This … Are your gutters already tarnished? View our Privacy Policy here. Light copper solids are any copper sheeting that is less than 1/16-inch thick. Half Round Copper gutters offer a distinctive appearance and traditional style appropriate for both historic restoration and new construction. Copper gutters are known to last a LONG time. It’s very important for a strong solder joint to remove the brown patina finish and expose the raw shiny copper. Our solder comes in 1/4 lb. Pipe-Master Professional Soldering Tool. Place copper or zinc gutters into hangers. For bigger jobs a wore wheel on a drill cleans up the surfaces to be soldered, corrosive flux (plumbing type), then apply iron on one side of the sopper and bar solder on the other. Plan on an overlap with any joint - a butt joint will fail very fast. 1:05. You may freely link To my recollection, there was nothing special--just sand only the area where you want the solder to stick, flux only the area where you want solder to stick, and solder it with a bar of 60/40 and a soldering bolt. But they are also known for more than superior functioning. Also, a large old fashioned soldering copper - a torch is too hard to control, and most soldering irons don't have the wattage that is needed. I use a better caulk than all the other gutter installers. If you don't have a lot to do, how about "just for copper". Premium copper gutters offer an unparalleled level of protection along the eaves of your roof. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Sold in 1lb increments. Soldering Copper Wire Step 1 Clean solid wire with emery cloth and remove any enamel if it was used to coat the wire. how diy-able is it to solder a copper lap joint? Make sure the surfaces are spotless, including paint, squeeze it inside the lap, rivet it together making sure … irons each would weigh just 1 1/2 lb each. You need a very high power one since the copper soaks up heat. Copper tubing that falls into this category includes burnt copper and copper with light tin coating, solder or brass fittings still attached; Scrap copper number three is light copper. Our Reverse Bead Half Round copper gutter is typically fabricated from 16 oz. It is also important to be attentive when soldering copper gutters in high rooflines. Advice if anyone has some pl. Identify copper … When it starts to cool and stick, just add a little more heat. Step 1 Set The Pitch Photo by Matthew Benson. It takes a bit of skill when soldering copper gutters. Copyright© Thoughts? problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. It would be expensive for a professional to use it on every joint, but if you subtract the cost of the tools, and the time it takes to learn to do it right, this may be a practical alternative. It’s a carbonate … I always use a clean copper bolt for the actual soldering, heated by means of a butane torch. Copper gutters’ vintage look pairs perfectly with the decor of historic and high-end homes. Copper gutters can make the exterior of your house look more attractive. If you use steel fasteners with copper gutters, the steel will rust at an accelerated rate, and the copper will corrode as well. In fact, leaky, overflowing gutters can buckle basement walls in just a few years, so it pays to keep your system working properly. Going back and forth to the house to get the tools can be a hassle. I am attempting to connect two pieces of copper, vertical. This article will help answer some questions about the differences between copper gutters and aluminum gutters. The preferred method for mending a hole in a copper gutter is to use a piece of sheet copper on the inside of the gutter. It is found on roofs and gutters, and it may have tar or nails still attached. Only etch the area where solder is wanted or you will end up with an ugly mess of a job. Some manufacturers make adapter pieces made of plastic. Hello, we installed copper gutters in our So California home just recently. Soldering has long been the standard trade practice for joining seams in copper gutter and copper roofing applications. Install seamless weld elbows as necessary. Old, tarnished copper gutters will need cleaning first to remove the tarnish. We’re the leaders in commercial gutters, copper gutters, and leaf protection in the St. Louis area and have been for 15 years. Brush the area to be soldered with spirits of salts (hydrochloric acid). Historic homes get an extra touch of class when the copper gutters patina as well. More often than not, a leaky gutter is a result of a faulty joint between sections or a hole in the gutter itself. All rights reserved. Subscribe for more content like this, and please share … you can make your own flux or buy some for the copper.Lap the gutters about 1 1/2 " and put in copper rivets with a burr on the other side and then solder the seam. I’ll include here some of the things I’ve picked up during my time as… September 18, 2019 Copper Gutters – Top 6 Questions. This is a simple technique that's easy to get the hang of. The tried and true method for connecting copper pipes has always been soldering, but it’s a difficult skill to master. Caulk. We welcome your comments and Randee Hartwell. In your case less landscaping is best. Spread the flux over the entire surface with a brush. These gutters are attached to the fascia board using fascia brackets. 3. Solder - V - Caulk & Rivets. To solder copper tubing, you'll need lead-free solid core solder, some solder flux, and a propane or acetylene air torch. Keep in mind that you are handling dangerous equipment that can burn your skin. Seamless gutter subcontractor installs new copper gutters, and they look great. Just like the … Turns out the my old trusty propane/map torch I've used to sweat a lot of copper worked ok. Secure it to the hangers by bending the front clamps first and then back clamps. Press the ends of the gutters together, so that the two ends are firmly joined. If it dries, it can be refreshed with water on a brush. All gutter components are fabricated from high grade 16oz. Copper pipe needs to be cleaned before it can be soldered. Let’s take a look. Finish the Joints – If gray solder joints are ruining the look of your finished product use Super Brite to turn the joints from an unsightly gray to a shiny copper. Most likely the easy to reach pieces were stolen. Use 50/50 solder, because it has a fairly large plastic range. 4 Sticks to a pound. We are your expert source for Radius Gutters, we can meet your customers needs by producing a custom made Radius Gutter in Pure Copper, Zinc or .050 Mill Finished Aluminum, in Half Round or "K Ogee" style. Tried to take a photo in daylight but the color accuracy is not great in translation here. Copper blends well with many roofing products and is a low maintenance option that does not require paint or cleaning. You will also need at least two ladders in order to reach the roof line. Welding suppliers and plumbing wholesalers should have what you … This is a list of questions I’m often asked as a contractor that specializes in custom gutters and copper work. Traditionally, copper gutter installers rely on solder to seal joints because it’s a permanent solution. Its shine will fade, but this durable metal will last a lifetime. Yes, copper gutters may outlast you. Soldering Irons are sold in sets of two, like if you got 3lb. Solder a Leaking Seam. Copper will not rust, it is well suited for nautical environments and it … TJK | May 23, 2007 06:13pm | #9 Aluminum solders use a zinc alloy and have to be heated to around 550F, which is not much lower than the softening temperature of aluminum. It depends how the 2 color choices look with your other finishes: siding, stone, shutters, etc. Keep your Solder Clean — Solder bars are a bit like welding electrodes — they like to be kept clean and dry. The cost of relining the gutters with copper could be close to the amount one would pay for a new luxury car. What’s left is a seamless look you can be proud of. If you can do the job on the ground, your chances get better. Maybe using one of those colors for window trim would be something to try to make them pop. It's a glue type material, but it actually "solders" the copper. Because we want to make sure our soldered seam never leaks. Place copper or zinc gutters into hangers. You can buy one at your nearest home improvement shop. How to Restore Copper Rain Gutters. It takes time to learn to do it right. Sharee Buck. For info. to a box. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Call GutterPros today at (314) 656-7195 and we’ll help you decide if copper gutters are right for you. We don't suffer the variation in weather that you do, however. A lot of people have the conception that silicone is a bodgy fix, usually because they dont know how to use it properly and the joint fails. They would overlap the gutters in the direction of the pitch 2 to 3 inches. Once the metal is sufficiently heated, the solder melts and wicks along the join, following the flux. copper nails, stainless steel screws, copper-coated stainless steel screws, copper pop rivets, brass hangers, etc. Plan on an overlap with any joint - a butt joint will fail very fast. Our solder comes in 1/4 lb. Using maps, lead... Folks, In my efforts to remove a toilet water supply tap, as soon as I put ... Stop Overflowing Gutters With a Gutter Splash Guard. Lead alloys are still used for soldering wires, components on circuit boards and some other copper-joining applications. Alternatively, you can use a joint or decorative cap on the exterior, or a piece of gutter laid over the old gutter. Of course, you still have to check it from time to time and remove debris to avoid clogging. Once you get the metal hot and a puddle of molten solder, I removed the torch and used the solder stick to flow the puddle into other parts of the joint. Roofing copper generally falls into this category. Copper gutters develop a rich patina as it weathers and it's the patina coating that protects the copper from corroding and why copper often can last over 100 years. On a per-year cost basis, copper gutters don’t cost much more than steel or aluminum ones. What is the best way to clean old copper gutters? ), We have used the dark bronze as an option to copper. The fatter one is not … First, use sandpaper to clean the inside and outside of the pipes and fittings that will be joined. What are the right type of fasteners to use for copper gutters and downspouts?