Copper question

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mikejurasw

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I will post photos tomorrow, but...
I have a1921 brick home, with two bay windows downstairs. The windows are capped on the outside with curved sandstone "headers", which are in turn topped with copper trays, each fitted with two mini downspouts to collect and then discharge rainwater. (Since these bays are below the eaves of the house they get very little rain, but if the gutters overflow or (the current issue) the window unit AC drains into the pan we discover that we have water leaking inside.
So, clearly the copper is degraded (it's been tarred over many times), and there is inadequate sealing of the sandstone headers.
My questions are:
1. How expensive is this kind of hand crafted, "whimsical" copper work?
2. Can I do it myself? (How hard can it be?!)
3. Can I just get rid of the pans and lay a ramped-toward-the-street layer of mortar mix on top of the stone, and then seal that with roofing tar?

I know it will be helpful if I attach pix...waiting for the sun to come up!
But, and help from you coppersmiths will be appreciated.
Mike M.
 
Mile, roofing "tar" is not a long term solution to fixing leaks unless you like reapplying it every 6 months. It degrades when exposed to uv. Providing a photo or three will help identify some solutions for you.
 
Here are four pix of what I was trying to describe in the original post. Am trying to decide how expensive/ fussy it will be to replace these copper rain trays, or can I just 86 them and seal the stone headers with (what?) mortar mix, vinyl patch, a masonry sealer...any advice will be appreciated. Thanks!

image.jpg
 
If you take it off you still need a flashing, I would just replace it, I would not bother with the scupper and lip at the edge
 
Thanks, Neal. I had not thought about getting rid of the lip and scuppers. Makes it easier to tackle. Do you have a suggestion about what gauge of copper to use, and then how to attach it to the flat surface of the stone? I assume the edge that meets the house will go into a raked out mortar joint. Is that just a mechanical fit, or do I re-mortar the joint or use a tube compound to seal it?
 
As I have not done it myself, I can't give those details. But I would want the back raised one brick height and give it a good slope.
Oldog should be along, he will know more about it.
 
This what it should look like. I am sure with good measurements you could get a sheet metal outfit to make it in one piece for you to install.

HPIM0870r.jpg
 
The should be weep holes between some bricks up there and if you ave those I would change my suggestion.:p
 
mikejurasw said:
Thanks, Neal. I had not thought about getting rid of the lip and scuppers. Makes it easier to tackle. Do you have a suggestion about what gauge of copper to use, and then how to attach it to the flat surface of the stone? I assume the edge that meets the house will go into a raked out mortar joint. Is that just a mechanical fit, or do I re-mortar the joint or use a tube compound to seal it?
Click to expand...

Copper is not measured in gauge, ounces are used to describe copper sheet. The 3 most common available are 12, 16 and 20 ounce sheets. That's how much it weighs in a square foot. Reglet flashing detail should be used to secure it to the wall.

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/imagesvr_ce/oldhouseweb/uploadedfiles/blog-uploads/2009/06/reglet1.jpg
 
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