What You Need To Know About Copper Roofing
Copper roofing looks great. Many old historical buildings that are being restored are getting copper roofing. Copper first was used as a roofing material successfully over 2500 years ago. And you can get copper roofing in different colors other than copper. Is copper roofing suitable for your home, though?
Whole Roof Or Part?
Copper roofing is popular because it's light, it works and looks pretty. However, it is also more expensive than other roofing materials – but not as expensive as slate shingles. Why is it more expensive? Well, copper is not as abundant a metal as iron, tin or aluminum, for example. Because of the costs, you may decide on only to get part of your roof made with copper, such as the down-spouts, gutters or trim.
You have to shop around not only for a good roofer, but for copper roofing materials. Fortunately, copper is a recyclable and roofing supply companies can melt down other unwanted copper products to make sturdy copper roofing. Sometimes these recycled copper roofs can be cheaper. Hussey Copper Ltd of Leetsdale, Pennsylvania, for example, makes recycled copper roofing from copper coils.
How Hard Is It To Install?
Unlike slate roofing, copper roofing is a lot easier to install, which cuts down on labor costs for you. Copper roofing tends to come in shingles and is installed exactly like asphalt roofing shingles, which are the most popular kind of roofing in the world. Any good roofer will know how to install shingles. Compare roofers before deciding on one. Even the best copper roofing cannot do its job if installed wrong. So, if you've never installed roofing shingles before, now is not the best time to learn. Leave it to a contractor.
How Strong Is It?
Hoe strong is copper roofing? There are copper roofs still "standing" in hurricane-prone Florida. When installed properly, copper roofing can last a century or more. It is mostly impervious to severe weather conditions. Copper roofs work well in tropical areas and areas with winter.
You need to do your part to help your copper roofing do its job. It's good to have it inspected once a year by a roofer (perhaps the one who installed it) to see that there hasn't been any damage from flying tree limbs or hailstorms or whatever God chooses to drop out of the sky. Getting the roof inspected can save you a lot of money and headaches in the futire.
Recommended Reading
- What Types of Roofing Materials are Available?
- What You Need To Know About Tin Roofing
- What are Roofing Shingles and Why Should a Homeowner Use Them?
- The Various Types of Roofing
- Roofing Tips For Your Leaky Roof
Comments on What You Need To Know About Copper Roofing »
As Manager of Architectural Services for Revere Copper Products, Inc., I found your September 29 article “What You Need To Know About Copper Roofing” interesting.
Before commenting on the article I would note that Revere is the largest producer of architectural copper in North America. Approximately 60% of all the architectural copper produced in the U.S. is made by Revere. We are also the oldest copper company – actually the oldest manufacturing company – in the States. We were founded by Paul Revere in 1801.
As I noted, the article is interesting but, it contains several statements that could be confusing to homeowners and others not familiar with copper:
1) It is true that copper can be chemically colored or aged (you can get copper roofing in different colors) but, these colors are transient. All copper will eventually develop a natural green patina. It just takes longer in some areas (I.e., pristine, arid environments) than others (i.e. urban, marine locations).
2) All domestic architectural copper contains recycled material. Revere’s architectural copper is made of 90% to 95% recycled copper. However, unfortunately, this does not result in it being “cheaper”. The current demand by China and India for copper has resulted in scrap prices being essentially “on par” with cathode (virgin copper).
3) Copper shingles are certainly available but most copper roofs, including those on single family residences, are “standing seam” roofs. Because of the tools and skills needed to install these roofs (and to properly flash a copper shingle roof), we do not suggest “any good roofer” be retained to install a copper roof.
A copper roof is a sizeable investment. An experienced, reputable contractor who is familiar with architectural sheet metal work should be retained to install any copper roof.
4) Yearly inspection of a properly installed copper roof should not be necessary. Hail may dent a copper roof but it will not penetrate or otherwise harm it. If a tree limb large enough to damage the copper strikes the roof, the owner will know it immediately.
Overall the article is good and correctly points out the benefits and beauty of copper roofing. If your readers have questions regarding copper roofing, need help with details, installation, etc., Revere would be more than pleased to help them. They may contact Revere’s Architectural Services Department by e-mail at archcopper@reverecopper.com or call (800) 448-1776, extension 2474 or 2707.
David L. Hunt
Manager Architectural Services
Revere Copper Products, Inc.
One Revere Park
Rome, NY 13440