A metal such as copper has been around for thousands of years. According to archaeologists, expert artisans smelted orangey-brown materials into tools and weapons during the Copper Age. Over the years, metallurgy advanced in leaps and bounds.
Copper quickly became a popular building material, notably on the tops of high-end structures such as sky-reaching cathedral roofs and stunning domes.
Copper panels for roofing
Copper is excellent roofing material. It develops a durable oxide-sulfate patina that protects the underlying copper surfaces and resists corrosion in all forms. Copper is also very bendable, making it one of the quietest metal roofing options.
Its malleability makes installation more difficult. As a result, it’s critical to use a contractor or installation with experience with this type of material. If you’re considering getting a copper roof, consider the environment in which you reside. Copper’s patina times are affected by many locations and climate conditions.
Is copper roofing a good investment?
A copper roof will increase the market value of your property. The average return on metal roofing for homeowners across the country is 85.9%. Metal roofing is fire resistant and can help homeowners save money on their insurance, especially in areas prone to wildfires like Texas and California.
- If you are wondering whether copper roofing is a good investment, it all depends on how much you value its attractive appearance, if you can afford a roof replacement, and if you are willing to benefit from its other advantages.
- Copper roofs may be found on some of the world’s most respected and iconic landmarks, including castles and cathedrals from the Middle Ages.
- The distinctive greenish-blue patina of ancient copper may still be seen on the roofs of many of America’s early homes and public buildings.
- Many of the country’s top architects instantly choose copper as the preferred roofing material for projects now in the works. Multiple restorations have been carried out on American residences and historic public buildings erected in the 1600s and 1700s.
- Siding, windows, and doors on the outside have all been fixed or replaced. Their interior finishes and mechanical systems have also improved.
- Except for the periodic cleaning and touch-up, their original copper roofs have remained unbroken. Copper roofs, when correctly built, are nearly indestructible.
The patina on copper roofs
Copper undergoes a chemical transformation in which it covers itself in a preservative known as patina. The weather where the project is located will have an impact on how copper patinas. After the patina process, the color might change from copper to aqua green, blue-green, or brown, among other things. While copper will ultimately patina, the rate at which it does so is not entirely predictable and depends on several factors.
- Copper changes color quicker in humid and wet environments, and the calcium in salt air aids the chemical transition in copper. Copper roofs near the water will provide patina faster than in other locations, usually in less than ten years.
- The copper that is exposed to acid ages more quickly than copper that is subjected to alkaline conditions.
- Patina finishes are available for purchase if you want to speed up the transition.
We recommend looking at panels that are not copper if you want to manage the look of the copper patina, have it look like it has a patina, and save a lot of money.
Read More: Galvanized Metal Roofing In New York: An Overview of Galvanized Metal Roofing
The Advantages of copper roofing
Copper roofs are low-maintenance and are proven to outlive the structures on which they are built. It will never corrode or rust. There is no need for painting, refinishing, or anything else because copper is used in its original form. Despite its higher initial cost, a copper roof will save you money throughout the life of your home or company.
While most roofing materials deteriorate and get weathered over time, copper improves appearance and strength. A copper roof takes on a variety of rich tones as it ages, reflecting its “story” of existence. The shimmering gold tones evolve to an earthy brown, deep mossy green, then lighten to a seafoam green after the first 30 years. It’s simply magnificent.
• A copper roof is a smart option
The advantages of copper roofing go beyond cost savings and aesthetics. It’s also a sensible option. Copper’s capacity to endure harsh weather adds a layer of protection to your construction. Copper is a non-flammable metal. It can also endure strong winds. Standing seam copper roofing provides increased water resistance and hence extra protection.
Copper is also lightweight, putting less strain on building structures and making them less prone to collapse in the face of heavy snowfall. A great advantage of aged copper is that it is often valued at 95% more than its fresh counterpart.
• Other copper roofing factors to consider
The cost of a copper roof is perhaps an essential factor for most homeowners. Remember that the cost of copper roofing might vary, but it will always be higher than the cost of asphalt roofing. With a copper roof, though, what you pay upfront is frequently the final money you spend. Texas Star Roofing will assist you with your copper roofing needs if you reside in Plano, Frisco, or the surrounding areas.
