A common question we get asked at Elite Exteriors, is copper good for roofing? Short answer: yes! In fact, copper is one of the most popular types of metal used on roofs today. Homeowners love the aesthetic appeal of copper, as well as its durability, longevity, and resistance to the elements.
Copper may not be right for everyone, however, which is why we want to discuss the advantages of copper roofing to determine if it’s the best option for you. Your roof is a huge investment, and we want you to be confident in the materials that you choose to use on your new roof. So, is copper good for roofing? Keep reading to discover the most important advantages of using copper on your roof.
Table of Contents
– Advantages of Copper Roofing
– Versatility
– Curb Appeal
– Longevity
– Cost of Copper Roofing
– Is Copper Roofing Right for Me?
Advantages of Copper Roofing
Copper roofing is a smart choice for many reasons. Most homeowners choose copper materials for their roofing projects due to its aesthetic appeal, but it’s just as practical as it is beautiful. In fact, with regular care and maintenance, copper roofing can exceed 50 years!
With your new roof being such a large and important investment, you want to know that your investment will last. This is just one of the many reasons why copper is good for roofing. Below are a few more advantages of copper roofing, in order to become an informed consumer when it comes to your next roofing project.
Versatility
To answer the question is copper good for roofing, one must consider versatility. Copper roofing can be used for multiple purposes, and its ability to easily bend into any shape means it can be installed on a lot of different areas.
You can use copper roofing for your entire metal roof system, or even to accent a certain part of the roof. Many homeowners will choose to use copper over bay windows or a front porch, in a flat area, or even for their gutters.
Another factor that makes copper good for roofing is the flexibility of the metal. This means that it works especially great over arches, and with unique roofs with different shapes and slopes. Copper roofing is most popularly used as flashing on luxury asphalt roofs, slate roofs, and cedar shake roofs.
With that being said, it’s important to note that like other metals, copper goes through thermal expansion. If you get a copper roof over a heated surface, you will want to be sure you hire an experienced roofing contractor to do the job. They will know how to install the metal properly in order to avoid any potential problems when it comes to heat expansion.
Curb Appeal
Is copper good for roofing? When it comes to curb appeal, definitely! Everyone wants their home to stand out from the rest, and adding a copper roof or copper accents is a great way to achieve that. Having copper accents is sure to turn heads, and can even add value to your home when it comes time to sell.
This is significant because many people become intimidated when they see the price tag that comes along with a copper roofing project. And while the upfront cost may be hefty, you will more than likely get that money back, and then some, if and when you decide to sell your home. A copper roof is a great way to increase your curb appeal, the value of your home, and to attract attention in the process.
Longevity
There are many factors for homeowners to ponder when it comes to deciding which roofing materials are best for them and their needs. Some may make their decision based on looks or on price, but for those looking for something that will last, copper is a great choice. Copper is known for its longevity, making one of its biggest advantages its lifespan.
While most metal roofs will last a long time, copper can last for a lifetime. This makes copper roofing a great investment, because you should never have to replace it as long as it was installed properly by a professional roofing contractor. Even when other areas of your roof need to be replaced or repaired, the copper areas of your roof should be good to go.
The only caveat to this is if you live in an area that experiences a lot of hail storms. In this situation, there is a chance that the copper parts of your roof may get dented or dinged. However, as long as you have homeowners insurance, the insurance company should cover any hail damage your roof sustains.
Cost of Copper Roofing
So, is copper good for roofing? As you can see, there are plenty of advantages when it comes to copper roofing. From long-lasting quality, to show-stopping curb appeal, copper is the premium choice for many homeowners looking to upgrade their roof. The only disadvantage, however, can be the cost and how to pay for your new roof.
If you’re wanting to add copper standing seam panels to your home, it will cost around $40.00 per square foot. If you’re looking for aesthetic accents that require the copper to bend, fold, or be cut, you’re looking at about $50.00 per square foot. Especially when there is a lot of cutting involved, the waste and labor makes it more expensive.
Another aspect to consider is the oxidation process. Copper experiences oxidation over time, creating a patina look. So if you don’t like the green-blue look that comes along with copper’s oxidation process, then this may not be the right material for you. With that being said, if it’s in your budget, a copper roof is a wonderful investment that is sure to stand the test of time when installed properly.
Is Copper Roofing Right for Me?
When answering the question is copper good for roofing, we’ve discussed a variety of pros and cons. While it may be expensive and obtain a patina look with time, it’s also long-lasting, looks gorgeous, and is versatile for a variety of roofing styles and designs. It really just boils down to what your wants and needs are as a homeowner.
It’s also important to mention here that copper is one of the most fireproof materials out there, and is resistant to heavy rain and mildew, creating peace of mind. Copper is also a more environmentally-friendly product, as it reflects heat instead of absorbing it, which can help when it comes to heating and cooling costs. Copper can also be recycled, which makes it highly recommended when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint.
Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier residential and commercial resource for unparalleled service, superior craftsmanship and incomparable quality, and it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty! The experts at Elite are highly experienced and trained when it comes to copper roofing, and anything else you may need when it comes to roof repair, roof replacement, solar panel installation, and insurance claims.
Give us a call today at 470-350-3024 for a NO-COST initial consultation and inspection, and let us help you transform your home and reach your roofing goals! Fill out our online contact form for more information.