Though copper is clearly more expensive than other materials, it is cost-effective in the long-run, as it will last for up to 80 years.  You can't say that about aluminum.  In fact, aluminum gutters can corrode if they come in contact with any metal, stucco, concrete, brick mortar, or treated lumber.  And we're not just talking about material replacement costs; we're talking installation labor.
 
Galvanized steel has also fallen from our favor in recent years as the quality of galvanization has declined, meaning that the steel corrodes more quickly.  Bonderized steel (galvanized steel coated with zinc phosphate), however, is an acceptable product for flashing and gutters that require painting.  Kynar, a polyvinyl, colored coating applied to galvanized steel, is also an acceptable substitute for gutters and flashing that do not have to be painted.

 
We typically install custom-made half-round copper gutters, secured by means of brass hangers. Like copper, the brass hangers are non-corrosive.  In addition, they are mounted to the gutters with brass screws, which can be tightened or loosened to adjust the height of the gutter-a critical feature for ensuring proper water flow. 
 
For clients on a budget who simply can't afford copper, there is still one application that we encourage them to consider in copper:  doorpans.  These are metal trays placed under the threshold that drain water away from the house.  They typically are custom-made to fit the space, and are hidden from view, so you really want a material that is not going to corrode--in other words,  copper.
 
We rely on Felipe Anguiano and his crew of craftsmen at The Shop for our custom metal-working needs.  In addition to flawless flashing and gutter work, we've seen them do standing seam copper roofs, copper eyebrow eaves, cupolas, and sinks and countertops.  We've always been impressed.