This private residence in Colorado Springs was originally built by the General of NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command).
Impressively, it was built to withstand a full-scale military attack. With 17 incoming telephone junction boxes (obsolete now, but big at the time), it was designed to act as a reliable communication hub as well. And while the building might withstand a missile strike, it was an uncommonly brutal hail-storm that damaged its copper gutters and slate roof. But slate is durable stuff and the roof was simply repaired. The gutters and downspouts, however, fared worse and were replaced with 20 ounce custom copper gutters with a high-back or a flange. These gutters are installed on top of the roof to prevent any leaks resulting from ice damming. To do this, the bottom three rows of slate were removed, gutters and new Ice and Water shield were installed, and the slates reinstalled.
In case of significant snow - say, 8 - 10' - we used super heavy brackets throughout. Worse, Colorado's temperature can vary drastically, ranging from 0 - 70 degrees in a single day. On warm days, copper gutters (which are excellent thermal conductors) can reach temperatures of 100 degrees or more. This demanded the careful placement of expansion joints to allow for the thermal movement. Expansion joints permit the copper material to swell or contract as temperature changes, without damaging itself or adjacent structures.
