A copper roof is an excellent option for your home. Whether you want to enhance your home’s curb appeal or want a more sustainable roof, a copper roof will give you both aesthetic and practical benefits for years. Here’s everything you need to know about this durable and beautiful material—from its styles to how much it costs.
At RST Roofing and Renovations, we have been helping homeowners learn more about their homes so they can make better home improvement choices. This article explains the following points:
- Pros and cons of a copper roof
- Copper roofing costs
- Popular copper roof styles for homes
- Siding color suggestions
- How to clean a copper roof
Let’s start with a quick introduction to copper roofs.
Introduction To Copper Roofs
A copper roof is a wonderful investment that can increase your home’s value. Copper roofs are incredibly durable, so they are a great choice to keep your home looking beautiful for decades. Copper is a metal that has been used for thousands of years because it’s easy to work with, lasts a long time, and resists corrosion. If you’re thinking about installing a copper roof on your house, here’s what you need to know.
Copper material comes in several different alloys, which is the process of combining other materials with pure copper, each offering different properties for various applications. The most common type of alloy used in building construction contains 88% pure metal (copper) mixed with 12% zinc (or another metal), which helps prevent corrosion from moisture or oxygen exposure over time. A mixture consisting of 80% pure metal will have higher flexibility that allows it to be bent into the shape of panels, sheets, and shingles for roofs.
Benefits Of Having A Copper Roof
The biggest benefit of having a copper roof is its cost-effectiveness. Copper has been used for thousands of years, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most durable materials on the market today.
So if you want something that will last for decades, and won’t require excessive maintenance in order to keep it looking great, then you should definitely consider getting yourself a copper roof!
Another reason homeowners choose this material over others is that it doesn’t need replacement during your lifetime! This means that if you purchase a new home with an existing copper roof already installed on top of your house, then there’s likely no need for a new installation. But do inspect flashing around the copper roofs and other roofing components. This will give you peace of mind.
A Copper Roof Can Last For Decades!
Copper roofs form one of the most durable roofing systems for homes. This is because copper is an extremely conductive metal and is also resistant to corrosion. A typical copper roof can last for up to 100 years before needing replacement. In fact, an aged copper roof becomes even more appealing when it develops a shiny greenish color that gives the metal its distinctive look. The copper patina offers even more protection from environmental withering, as well as damage caused by flying debris such as hail stones or tree branches during high winds or storms.
Copper Roof Panels Are Resistant To Weather And Temperature Damage
Copper is a luxurious metal that’s highly resistant to corrosion, which means it won’t rust or deteriorate over time due to water or other compounds in the atmosphere. Since copper roofing material is resistant to the elements, you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged by rain or extreme heat.
Not only does copper roofing keep its color for years, but it also won’t be damaged by extreme weather like other roofs (such as asphalt shingles or wood shakes). This keeps your home looking newer for longer, saving you money in the long run by reducing maintenance costs.
Copper Is More Energy Efficient
Copper is an excellent material for insulating your home. It doesn’t absorb heat or cold, so you can relax in your home without worrying about cold drafts or high HVAC bills. In the summertime, this means that your home will stay cooler because the sun’s rays bounce off the copper roof and don’t become absorbed by the roofing material, which then retains the heat and dispurses it to your attic space and interior. In other words, you won’t have to worry about getting sweaty in your own home!
Copper Roofing Is A Sustainable Choice
If you choose to install a copper roof, you’ll be making an environmentally friendly choice for your home. Copper is a renewable resource and can be recycled 100% of the time. In addition, homes with solar panels installed that use copper in their installation are eligible for LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Common Concerns Associated With Copper Roofs
Copper roofs can be heavy, so you may need stronger roof sheathing or foundation if you have an old standard one in place. If you live in an area where rain, wind, or hail is common, use good quality metal roof insulation after discussing it with your roofing contractor. A house with a copper roof can cause the sounds of weather elements like hail to echo across your home if the roof insulation isn’t properly installed.
Finally, the cost of copper roofs can be expensive when planning to cover the entire house. If you want the luxury of a copper roof, while saving money, you can cover your cupola, dormers, chimney, porch, or patio with a copper roof instead of the entire house.
To make final decisions about your copper roofing option, you may have more questions or doubts about the metal and its costs. To help, here are some of the most frequently asked questions from U.S. homeowners who want to learn more about copper roofs.
How Much Does A Copper Roof Cost?
If you have an average-sized home, you can expect to pay between $38,100 to $66,400 for a copper roof or $52,900 on average. Your final copper roof cost will depend on your location, copper quality, panel design, and more factors.
Which Copper Roofing Style Is Best For A Home?
Copper roofs can be molded into many different styles and shapes. Most houses with a copper roof spot standing seam panels or traditional tile shapes. Many historic structures also have copper sheets that are developed into a designer and architectural look.
Copper Standing Seam Roof Panels
Standing seam copper roof panels are pre-shaped, straight, and ready to install. Panels come in a variety of lengths and thicknesses, and they are installed using hidden fastening methods such as interlocking panels and concealed screws, giving a seamless appearance.
Copper Sheets
Copper roofing sheets are usually thinner than the standing seam panels. Many homeowners admire this option because it gives creative control over a roof’s look. You can explore different shapes and designs, including scallops, coves, pentagons, and more.
Copper Roofing Tiles
Copper tiles are similar in appearance and function to clay roof tiles, but have different installation requirements. Copper tiles are more common than copper sheets, and homeowners prefer tiles as they have an aesthetically pleasing appearance at a lower price than designer copper roofing sheets.
What Color Siding Goes With A Copper Roof?
For a luxurious and distinct roof like copper, it is best to select a subtle design that doesn’t make your home look overdone. If you want to make a modern statement, you can pick a bold siding color for your copper roof, such as black. This soothing color will contrast with the orange tinge of a copper roof, then compliment the shiny patina that develops over time.
How To Clean A Copper Roof
If your copper roof becomes stained, it’s easy to clean it. You can hire professionals to do this to ensure the roof does not become dented or damaged. An expert will use particular cleaning solutions and brushes to repair scratches and tarnish from the surface of your copper roof. If you hire inexperienced handymen for the job, there is a high chance of mistakes occurring, like improper cleaning, dents on the panels, and other superficial issues.
Also, the copper roof patina is different. It’s a protective layer that doesn’t need cleaning. It’s actually a characteristic of aging that shields the copper underneath from rust and corrosion.
Free Consultation On Copper Metal Roofing
If you live in Atlanta, Georgia, or the surrounding regions, we can help you choose the right type of copper roof for your home. At RST Roofing and Renovations, we’ve been installing the most beautiful and durable copper roofs in the area. Our metal roofing experts are vastly experienced in improving homes with utmost care and efficiency. We can also guide you through a free consultation if you want to learn more about copper or other metal roofing systems.
Call us at (404) 548-8901 to discuss your copper metal roofing needs. We promise to help you without any obligations because RST Roofing and Renovations takes pride in being a company that offers guidance and 100% customer satisfaction.
