Selecting a roof that works for a lifetime is a difficult decision. The plethora of choices available in the market makes it a tall order to choose one. To some, the durability of a metal roof is the preferable choice, while for some, the allure of a copper roof is what captivates them the most. So, in this article guide, we will help you decide if a copper roof should be your optimal solution for roofing in your house. We will cover detailed pros and cons along with its general costs. Let’s go through its details without further ado.
Copper Roofing as A Guide to Durability
Among all the roofing options, copper metal roof stands out due to its perfect blend of practicality and allure. I mean, who would not like to install a roof that is as beautiful and functional as it is? Copper roofing is a premium roofing material renowned for its endurance, strength, and beauty. It has been used for centuries and is frequently observed in eminent homes, churches, and ancient structures. When considering an investment in a visually stunning and long-lasting roof system, copper is a highly sought-after material due to its unique qualities, which include its ability to develop a green patina over time naturally.
What is a Copper Roof?
Using copper panels or copper shingles as the main component of the roof covering is known as copper roofing. Because of its extreme malleability, the metal can potentially be fashioned into a wide range of patterns and shapes. Copper roofs turn an attractive greenish-blue color over time due to the development of a protective covering called a green patina. This turning green improves the roof’s resilience to weathering and corrosion while also improving its visual appeal.
Total Costs for Copper Roof Installation
Now that you have become aware of copper on the roof, you might want to install one in your house. Before that, a rough idea of the budget and expenditures regarding copper roof installation is essential. So, let’s discuss the general cost of the copper roof. Due to the expense of copper and the specialized labor needed for roofing installation, installing a copper roof can be substantially more expensive than other metal roofing materials.
A copper roof typically costs homeowners $15 to $25 per square foot, including labor costs and supplies. This comes out to between $30,000 and $50,000 for a house of typical size. The thickness of the copper sheets, the location, and the intricacy of the roof design are some of the factors that affect the price.
Benefits of Copper Roof
Installing a copper roof on the house not only adds to the aesthetics but also comes along with several benefits that are to be discussed below:
Sturdiness and Lifespan
Copper roofs require very little upkeep and are extremely robust, with a lifespan of over 100 years. The metal is one of the longest-lasting roofing materials available because of its resilience to corrosion, severe weather, and fire resistance.
Visual Appeal
Copper roofs have a distinctive and lovely look. The roof’s unique and changing appearance is due to the metal’s ability to acquire a green patina, which is a result of the natural aging process. Because of this feature, copper roofs are extremely sought-after by homeowners who want to improve the aesthetic appeal of their homes.
Energy Efficient
Folks, it is noteworthy to mention that copper-colored metal roofs help keep dwellings more relaxed in hot weather by reflecting heat instead of absorbing it. This can result in lower air conditioning energy expenses, which makes copper roofs a greener choice.
Copper Roofs Require Minimal Upkeep
Copper roofs require minimal upkeep after installation. The protective layer of green patina that develops over time stops environmental influences and corrosion.
Pros and Cons of Copper Roof
Pros
- Longevity: Copper roofs offer exceptional value in the long run, with a lifespan of more than a century.
- Aesthetic Value: The roof has a distinctive and appealing appearance owing to the changing green patina.
- Durability: Copper withstands severe weather, fire, and mildew.
- Energy Efficiency: Reflective qualities lower the cost of cooling.
- Low Maintenance: Following roofing installation requires little maintenance.
Cons
- High Initial Cost: Regarding material and installation prices, copper-colored metal roofing is among the priciest metal roofing materials.
- Specialized Labor: Roofing installation necessitates the expertise of qualified specialists, like a roofing contractor, which could increase the overall labor costs.
- Noise: When it comes to rain or hail, copper roofs can create more noise than other roofing materials; however, this can potentially be reduced with the right insulation.
- Theft Risk: Because of its high value, copper is susceptible to theft, particularly when the roofing project is underway.
Alternatives to Copper Roof
Although copper roofing has several advantages, there are roofing materials that are less expensive upfront and give the same advantages.
Aluminum Roofs
A strong and lightweight substitute for copper is aluminum. It can be coated to resemble copper and is corrosion-resistant. With prices ranging from $4 to $9 per square foot, aluminum roofing is also more reasonably priced.
Zinc Roofs
Many of the characteristics of copper, including lifespan and patina development, are also shared by zinc roofing. Cost-wise, it is less expensive than copper; on average, it costs $6 to $10 per square foot. Additionally, zinc is very durable and low maintenance.
If you want to know about the differences between zinc and copper roofs, check out this article.
Steel Roofs
Steel roofing is an additional affordable option. Coated and galvanized steel options offer superior weather resistance and longevity. Steel roofs can be made to seem like more expensive materials like copper and zinc, and they can be erected for $5 to $12 per square foot.
Asphalt Shingles as Alternative to Copper Roof
Asphalt shingles are a frequent and reasonably priced roofing choice for people with a limited budget. While they may not be as long-lasting or visually pleasing as copper, they are inexpensive, between $1 and $5 per square foot, and simple to install and maintain.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, the article covered a detailed discussion on copper roofs, a premium roofing option for durability and beauty. If you are looking to install a new roof, opting for a copper roof is a premium choice. Just have a look at the pros and cons and make an informed decision.
