How to Seal Copper Gutters

Copper gutters can provide a unique look to a home or other building. The copper will start out shiny and new looking and then slowly age and tarnish until it's green and brown. Sealing copper gutters is done using solder, which flows between the joint, hardens and creates a barrier that prevents water from leaking through unintended areas. Proper preparation of the copper is essential to allow the solder to stick.

Sandpaper
Flux
Soldering iron
Solder
Wet rag

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the surfaces you wish to solder. Vigorously rub each surface with sandpaper. They should be nice and shiny where they will join.
- 2
  Coat each surface you sanded with flux. Make sure the entire surface is covered as the flux will finish cleaning the surface and help the solder stick.
- 3
  Heat up your soldering iron and coat the tip in solder. Place the soldering iron on the seam and apply a small dab of solder. Do this every few inches along the entire seam.
- 4
  Go back to the start of the seam and slowly work your way down its entire length with your soldering iron and solder. Allow a portion of solder to melt near the soldering iron and then use the iron to flow the solder down the seam. When no more flows, melt a bit more solder on to the iron.
- 5
  Wipe down the entire seam with a warm, wet rag. This will remove excess flux and also help finish cooling the seam. Flux that is left on the copper gutter will prematurely turn the copper green.

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