COPPER
There are very few downsides to choosing a copper roof
Light weight
Natural material
Fire-resistant
Highly durable
Low maintanence
Long lasting
DESCRIPTION
Copper roofs are very long-lasting, with a lifespan of 60-90 years or more when properly maintained. They are resistant to cracking, shrinking and eroding, and can also withstand extreme weather conditions including heavy snow, hail, and wildfires. With this high durability, some homeowners may earn lower insurance rates. Additionally, this material can yield as much as a 90% return on investment in home resale value.
Copper roofs are installed unfinished and acquire a protective green patina with age. Also, because it can become expensive, copper is often reserved for special home design features, such as the roof of a prominent window or dormer.
Investing in copper will increase the resale value of your home. Copper may also be the worth the cost if having it installed means you can lower your insurance rates and lower your monthly utility bills.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Unlike many other metal roofing materials, copper requires no painting or finishing. Copper does have the potential to expand and contract during weather changes which can cause the fasteners to become loose and require repair. However, this is not a major concern and is an easy fix even when it comes up as far as regular maintenance goes.
Copper roofing can lose its beautiful shine after many years, but there are methods for cleaning to restore its natural copper appeal both through DIY methods or by hiring a professional.
Preserving Roof Color
You can preserve the shine of your new copper roof by coating the entire surface with a clear polyurethane coat or a clear lacquer. This will postpone the natural green color that comes with natural oxidization as seen below.
TYPES & STYLES
Copper Roofing Types
There are two types of copper roof systems: flat seam copper and standing seam copper.
Flat seam copper roofs have non-soldered seams and are intended to shed water. When the joints are soldered, they become weatherproof.
Standing seam copper roofs have vertical panels with raised seams running from the roof ridge to the roof's eaves. The seams are interlocked giving it a distinctive look.
Types of Copper Roofing
Copper roofs come in several different styles/types. Here are the most popular options for homes, along with their average costs:
Standing Seam Copper Roofing
This common type features long, interlocking copper panels with raised seams that create a distinct vertical profile. Standing seam roofs provide excellent durability, weather resistance, and a sleek, modern appearance.
Copper Shingles
Shingles offer a more traditional look and appear more similar in style to a wood shingle or asphalt shingle roof. They are individually installed and can be shaped to fit the desired design, making them a more versatile options than panels. Copper shingles are known for their elegant appearance, longevity, and ease of maintenance.
Copper Tiles
These are a popular choice for decorative or accent areas of a roof, such as dormers or other architectural features. They are available in various shapes and sizes, so are another versatile option for getting the exact look you want. Copper tiles are distinctive while still allowing your roof to benefit from copper’s durability.
Copper Panels
Panels are large sheets of copper that are custom-cut to fit the roof’s dimensions. These panels offer a seamless appearance when properly installed and can be used for both flat and pitched roofs. Copper panels are favored for their clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and ease of installation.
Flat Seam Copper
Requires soldering the seams of the copper panels to create a wwatertight roof barrier. Distinctive and customized look depending on the size and shape of the copper panels. Because the copper seams are soldered together using lead sticks, an open flam on the roof is required. Making flat seam copper one of the more exspensive and riskier options of the copper roof types.