Every building needs a new roof, and if you’re in the market, then you have some decisions to make. What kind of roof are you going to get? Which material is ideal? Is this a chance to make some improvements that raise the property value or lower energy costs?
It’s a lot to consider, and while you’re pondering, it might help to learn more about various roofing materials. One popular option is copper, and to help you on your journey, we have the most frequently asked questions regarding copper roofing listed below.
How Long Do Copper Roofs Last?
Copper roofs are known as the longest-lasting roofing material that you can find today. On the short end, they can last for 50 years or more, and you can actually find many examples of copper roofing that have lasted for multiple centuries.
One of the most compelling reasons to invest in copper roofing is that it is considered a lifetime roof. Barring extreme natural disasters and with appropriate maintenance, a copper roof should last for more than a generation.
Is Copper Good for Roofing?
Considering how long copper roofing lasts, yes. It’s great for roofing.
Copper is a strong material that can handle very high winds and resist most impact and puncture damage. Even if copper roofing is dented, it won’t be compromised. This is because copper is a soft metal that can withstand dents without developing holes, punctures, or breaches.
Copper is also extremely resistant to water damage and rust. Decades of weather tend to have little to no impact on the health of a copper roof.
On top of all of this, copper offers unique aesthetics that are quite beautiful for any roof.
Will a Copper Roof Rust?
No. A copper roof will not rust, but it’s important to understand why.
A brand new copper roof has the shiny, signature color that you expect from copper. Over time, this color will change as the copper metal patinas.
The patina does develop as the outer layers of the copper material oxidize, which is similar to the rusting process. The difference is that the patina ultimately forms a protective layer that prevents further oxidation. So the unique color that forms on the surface of the copper protects the metal’s interior layers, effectively making them rustproof.
If the patina is damaged, then oxidation can penetrate deeper into the metal, but it will naturally stop when the new patina forms. Because of this, copper never rusts through the way other materials (like iron and steel) are prone to do.
How Much Does Copper Roofing Cost?
Copper is one of the pricier roofing material options. The exact cost will depend on the metal quality, design of the roof, and other factors.
Despite the high startup cost, copper is usually a very cost-effective roof. It lasts so long that eventually, you save money by investing in copper.
That said, the absolute bottom price for a copper roof usually starts at $10 per square foot and goes up pretty quickly. The average price currently sits between $20 and $30 per square foot and mostly fluctuates according to the market price of copper.
For expensive builds, you can get above $40 per square foot, but that’s on the high end.
What Is a Copper Roof Made Of?
As the name suggests, copper roofing is made from refined copper. More specifically, the roofing panels are made from copper sheet metal. Depending on the fabricator and the order, the copper can be cut and mixed with cheaper metals to lower costs, but that always comes with other trade-offs.
Like any other roofing material, copper roofing is fastened to steel and/or wood support structures that actually hold it up.
Are Copper Roofs Energy Efficient?
Surprising to many, copper roofing is actually very energy efficient. Many copper roofing builds have been certified by Energy Star, and testing at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has proven that copper is more energy efficient than the majority of common alternatives.
There are two reasons for this. First, copper is a shiny metal, so it is good at reflecting sunlight. Solar reflectivity reduces the amount of energy that a roof absorbs from sunlight, and this reduces the amount of heat that enters a building through the roof, lowering cooling costs.
Copper is also a good radiator. This means that it vents heat very well when temperatures in the attic portion of the building are higher than outdoor air temperatures. This helps copper roofing cool off quickly during summer nights, for instance.
Get Copper Roofing From Alpine Sheet Metal Systems
If any of this sounds promising, you can get your copper roofing from Alpine Sheet Metal Systems. We fabricate the copper panels right here in Texas. You don’t have to worry about extended shipping or overseas supply chains. We can build your roof to order and on your timeline.
Contact us today so we can get started.
