Metal roofs are quickly becoming one of the most popular roofing materials available, and many homeowners are making the switch because they are more durable and long-lasting than other roofing materials. If you are having a new metal roof installed on your home, there are a few different options that you will need to consider. Out of all the options available, copper stands out!
Copper is one of the most durable and beautiful roofing materials available! It is arguably the oldest form of metal roofing, and it remains popular today. There are many different factors that homeowners consider when they are choosing a roofing material, and for many reasons copper has remained a popular choice for both new construction and home renovation projects.
At Nick’s Roofing & Siding, we strive to give our customers the best and most trusted information possible. In this article, We will go over everything you need to know about copper roofs—why they’re so popular, how they work compared to other types of roofs, and any concerns related to this type of roofing system. If you are considering having a copper roof installed on your home, this article will help you understand everything you need to know.
What Is A Copper Roof?
Copper is one of the oldest metals used in roofing, and its usage traces back thousands of years. It also has a variety of other applications, but one thing that every homeowner should know is that a copper roof is a great way to increase your home’s curb appeal.
Copper roofs are known to stand the test of time. The metal is usually brownish-orange, and it is widely used throughout North America and Europe. When you install a copper roof on your home, you will get a shiny roof that looks beautiful.
Different Types Of Copper Roofs
There are different types of the copper roof. Each type has its own unique properties and characteristics:
Continuous Sheets
This is the most expensive type of copper roof, and it involves a one-piece sheet made according to your roof’s square foot area. The contractor lays out the sheet to cover the area without any joints or seams.
Copper Panels
This type of copper roof involves the use of sectional panels. The copper panels come in a certain width, and they have visible seams. This type of copper roof is not as costly, but it does require careful installation. Copper roofing panels come in many different styles and colors.
Copper Shingles
Copper shingles are made from rolled copper sheets. They’re more cost-effective than other types of copper roofs because they can be installed by hand, and they are the most cost-effective out of the three.
Benefits Of Installing A Copper Roof On Your Home
Installing a copper roof on your home can be an excellent investment. It will add value to your property and increase your home’s curb appeal, but it also offers some other benefits you might not have considered.
Copper Is A Highly Durable Material
Durability is one of the most critical factors you must consider when you are installing a new roof, as the primary purpose of any roofing materials available is to protect your home from harsh weather conditions.
Strength is where copper excels, and it has remained a popular choice because it is so durable. Metal roofs can resist damage from impacts, such as hail or debris. They’re also more resistant to weathering and abrasion than most other materials used in construction.
Long Lasting
A copper roof has a life expectancy of over 100 years! It’s incredibly durable and can last for generations if it is properly maintained. Many experts refer to this as a material that can last for a ‘lifetime.’ A copper roof will last much longer than other roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, tile roofs, and other metals.
Copper roofs are fireproof, so they won’t burn like other roofing materials in the event of a fire. Copper has been used on many buildings throughout history because it resists damage from impacts such as hail or debris. If you want to install one of the longest-lasting roofing materials, a copper roof might be the right choice for you!
Enhances Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is crucial, and the type of roofing material you choose can play a pivotal role in improving your home’s appearance. One of the significant advantages of copper roofs is that they look visually stunning.
Copper has a bright, premium appearance that can ultimately elevate your roof’s look. Outside of the many other benefits associated with copper roofing, the visual appeal is one of the most common reasons homeowners choose to install a copper roof. A copper roof can look great on any type of home, whether you have a traditional-looking property or a more modern, architectural home.
Fire Resistant
Like most other metals, copper is fire-resistant. This property is extremely important, especially when you live in an area where fires can be a problem. These metal roofs are fireproof and are rated class A, which is the highest rating for fire resistance.
Metal roofs are also resistant to extreme temperatures, which means they can withstand high temperatures without breaking down. This is a great roofing material if you live in an area that experiences extremely high temperatures throughout the year.
Sustainable
Copper is an environmentally-friendly roofing material. As a matter of fact, copper is 100% recyclable. This means that old copper roofing can be recycled into a new copper roof.
By recycling your old roof, you help to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills and you help protect the environment from harmful chemicals and pollutants released when materials are disposed of improperly. As people become more environmentally conscious, this is a feature that helps copper roofing outperform the competition.
Are There Any Cons Of Copper Roofing?
We have seen in the section above that copper is a smart and beautiful roofing option. It’s durable, resists corrosion, and can last for decades with minimal maintenance. However, there are some disadvantages you must consider before you install a new copper roof.
Copper Roofs Are Expensive
The biggest disadvantage of copper roofs is that they can be expensive. A copper roof costs much more than all the other metal roofing materials in the market. The cost of a copper roof can be as high as $25-$30 per square foot. If you are on a budget, then a copper roofing system might not be best for you.
Due to its sublime properties and applications, copper roof costs have constantly been on the rise. Copper roofs are also expensive to repair, and even though they are extremely durable, this is something homeowners should consider.
Tough To Install
Apart from being high-end, another disadvantage is that copper roofs are relatively tougher to install. While most contractors install aluminum and steel metal roofs, not all roofing contractors are adept at installing copper roofs due to their complexity. This can make finding the right roofing contractor more difficult, and it will also increase the cost of installing a copper roof in some cases.
Copper Roof Maintenance
As we have discussed above, a copper roof requires little maintenance. One of the many benefits of copper roofing is that you will not have to worry about regular cleaning and repairs to improve your roof. However, if you are a homeowner who wants to make sure your copper roof stays in good condition, then you can do the following:
- Clean the roof with a soft brush once a year. This will remove any dirt or debris accumulated on the roof’s surface.
- Use an organic roof cleaner to keep your copper roofing system clean.
- Avoid using a power washer when you are cleaning a copper roof
What’s Patina In Copper Roof?
Patina is the process in which copper roofs turn green or blue-green. A coating forms on copper surfaces when exposed to air and water. This natural process happens over time as the metal oxidizes, and it can be accelerated by exposure to acids, salt water, and other contaminants.
The patina that forms on copper roofs doesn’t actually change the metal itself, but it does provide some protection from further corrosion.
Nick’s Roofing & Sidings Can Install A New Copper Roof
In conclusion, copper roofs are one of the best options on the market. Copper roofs outperform the competition in almost every important category, and homeowners will love them because they look beautiful. However, the price can be a concern. So if you have the budget and are looking for a once-and-for-all roofing solution, you can install a copper roofing system.
Nick’s Roofing & Siding specializes in copper roof installation in Chicago, IL. Our roofers have years of experience in the roofing industry, and we take pride in our work and providing the best experience possible. We also have years of experience working with other popular roofing materials including asphalt shingles. Contact us today and find out how we can help with your next roofing project!
