Deciding on a brand new roofing materials may be tedious, hectic, and costly. Whereas hiring a roofing contractor may help simplify that course of, you’ll nonetheless want to choose a fabric to your roof. With over a dozen choices in the marketplace in the present day, selecting one of the best sort of roofing to your house may be difficult.
So, which one do you have to select? Whereas I can’t reply that query for you, I can provide perception into copper roofing, a good looking and sturdy materials that may final you many lifetimes. This text evaluations the prices related to a copper roof and its professionals, cons, and the way it compares to different in style metallic roofing supplies.
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Asphalt Roof Set up
Typically, you’ll be able to count on to pay between $6,600 and $19,500 and is the most well-liked roofing selection for most owners.
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Steel Roof Set up
Typically, you’ll be able to count on to pay between $8,000 and $20,000 however final greater than twice so long as asphalt shingles on common.
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Slate Roof Set up
Typically, you’ll be able to count on to pay between $20,000 and $30,000 however can final over 100 years as a result of it’s superior sturdiness.
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What’s the Value of a Copper Roof?
Copper roofing doesn’t come low cost — it’s the most costly roofing materials in the marketplace. On common, a brand new copper roof prices anyplace from $20 to $30 per sq. foot when put in. The worth of copper roofing is considerably larger than the $10 per sq. foot common for various metallic roofing supplies.
Components That Have an effect on The Value of a Copper Roof
The ultimate value of putting in a copper roof differs for each house, as every home has varied options that have an effect on pricing. Components just like the roof dimension and form, the house’s location, labor prices, and materials sort can increase or decrease the worth.
The desk under outlines a couple of prices to offer you an concept of what to anticipate from a copper roof set up.
| Value Breakdown | Value ($) |
| Typical Value Vary | $50,000 to $70,000 |
| Common Value | $60,000 |
| Per Sq. Foot (Basic) | $20 to $40 |
| Labor (Per Sq. Foot) | $6 to $12 |
| Eradicating Current Roof (Per Sq. Foot) | $1 to $5 |
Roof Form and Dimension
The dimension and form of your own home’s roof will considerably have an effect on how a lot your copper roofing set up prices. Whereas common gable roofs are comparatively easy, they’ll grow to be difficult when there are quite a few steep peaks and valleys requiring sealing.
Except for this, the dimensions of your roof will even have an effect on the entire value. Bigger roofs require extra supplies and labor to get the job performed, in order that they are usually pricier than smaller installations.
Complexity
Steeply-sloped roofs and people with quite a few boots and vents normally value greater than gentle-sloped roofs with fewer boots and vents. That is primarily as a result of additional labor required to suit the roofing materials across the further options protruding from the roof.
Your contractor’s workforce might want to use flashing, sealant, caulk, and meticulous work to make sure the seams round these options are dried and watertight. Since this course of requires additional time and labor, you’ll face further prices.
Location
Most areas require residents to acquire permits earlier than constructing and finishing related tasks, like roofing. These permits can tack on further charges to the ultimate value of your system, to not point out the potential wait earlier than beginning the mission as you anticipate the approval.
On prime of this, you’ll have to be sure to can order the supplies to your space. Should you reside in a rural location, order and supply of roofing supplies can take time. Nonetheless, in case you reside in a metropolis, the fabric you want shall be extra readily accessible. Remember the fact that ordering the supplies you want may add additional charges to your mission.
Labor
Labor prices range from one location to the subsequent, so this may considerably have an effect on your mission. For essentially the most half, labor prices run between $6 and $12 per sq. foot for copper roofing set up tasks.
Roofing Sort
Though many roofing supplies are available a number of worth factors primarily based on the standard of the fabric, copper roofing sometimes fluctuates inside the identical vary for the fabric itself. Nonetheless, the kind of roofing you select will have an effect on the ultimate value of the system.
There are three widespread kinds of copper roofing: shingles, panels, and rolled. Copper shingles are the least costly at $13 to $16 per sq. foot. Copper roofing panels maintain up the center of the spectrum at $18 to $21 per sq. foot, and rolled copper is the most costly at $23 to $26 per sq. foot.
Except for the kind of roofing you select, the seam sort may also have an effect on the associated fee. This is applicable to copper panels, as shingles require completely different set up strategies. Should you determine to go along with a flat seamed roof, you’ll be able to count on to pay $18 to $20 per sq. foot. For a standing seamed roof, count on to pay $18 to $21— and for a batten seam roof, count on to pay between $19 and $21.
Copper Thickness
Copper roofing is bought in 16 ozand 20 ozvarieties. That is in reference to the load of the copper per sq. foot. 20 ozcopper means thicker and extra sturdy copper, however that doesn’t imply lighter weight 16 ozcopper is weak or makes for a worse roofing materials. Moderately, 16 ozcopper shall be barely much less proof against bodily impacts, like hail or falling branches, than 20 oz.
In my expertise, the distinction is sort of negligible, so I counsel that 16 ozis satisfactory for most owners. Nonetheless, I might heed the advice of the roofing contractor in the event that they counsel 20 oz.
Current Roof Elimination
Except you’re engaged on a newly constructed house, you’ll most likely should tear off an current roof to your roof substitute. It will add to your remaining invoice, as your roofers might want to strip the roof of the previous materials earlier than changing it with copper materials. Typically, that is comparatively cheap, ranging between $1 and $5 per sq. foot for removing.
Nonetheless, it’s essential to pay for the disposal of the previous materials, which provides a lump sum to your invoice. In my expertise, that is additionally comparatively cheap — a couple of hundred {dollars} — but it surely’s value retaining in thoughts.
As you sift by means of potential roofing supplies to your constructing mission or re-roofing course of, it’s important to contemplate the professionals and cons of every choice. Like each constructing materials, copper has its checklist of advantages and disadvantages.
The chart under outlines the ups and downs of copper that can assist you determine if it’s a good selection to your house. Proceed studying past the chart for an in depth take a look at every level.
What Are The Advantages of Copper Roofs?
Copper is a superb materials for quite a few purposes, together with roofing tasks. The next sections define the notable advantages of copper roofing:
Lengthy-lasting
In contrast to many roofing materials options, copper lasts for many years. Usually, copper lasts nicely over 60 years with correct care and upkeep (generally upwards of 100 years). So, regardless of the preliminary value, the funding pays off in the long term.
Sturdy
Copper is a robust materials that not solely lasts for many years however holds up nicely as time passes. It’s fire-resistant and withstands injury from hail, heavy snow, mould, mildew, and bugs. Resulting from copper’s inherent energy and sturdiness, some owners could possibly safe decrease insurance coverage charges.
Will increase Dwelling Worth
Including a copper roof to your own home works wonders for its worth (although different components can detract from its total worth). Many householders can recoup as a lot as 90% of their preliminary funding towards their copper roof after they promote their properties. In fact, in case you don’t plan on promoting, this may not be a deciding issue for you, but it surely’s one thing to remember.
Recyclable
Copper is a recyclable materials, making it an environmentally pleasant choice. As a substitute of throwing the roofing materials away on the finish of its lifespan, owners can promote it or reuse it in one other method. Many different roofing supplies, like artificial roofing tiles, find yourself in landfills and might take as much as 300 years to decompose.
Copper may be value almost twice the recycled worth of aluminum and virtually a whopping 4 instances the recycled worth of stainless-steel. So, in case you determine so as to add copper roofing to your own home, you’ll be able to proceed with peace of thoughts figuring out you’ll be able to recycle it on the finish of its lifespan.
Distinctive Look
Owners who recognize a putting, eye-catching function on their properties could benefit from the look of copper. The rosy amber shade creates important curb attraction and units the house aside from surrounding homes. So, copper may be the proper choice if you’d like a definite, beautiful, and distinctive roofing materials.
Power Environment friendly
For essentially the most half, metallic roofing supplies are power environment friendly, and copper roofing isn’t any exception. As a substitute of permitting warmth from daylight into the house, the roof displays gentle, which helps hold the home cooler by means of the summer season months. This may help cut back heating and cooling prices, making your own home extra power environment friendly.
Light-weight
In contrast to different in style roofing supplies, comparable to tiled roofing, copper is light-weight. This makes set up far more manageable (although it’s finest to have knowledgeable deal with this half). Additionally, the light-weight nature of copper doesn’t require further roof help, so that you shouldn’t want so as to add additional help to your roof (except the roof construction is already failing).
Low-maintenance
Copper roofing is nearly maintenance-free, because it doesn’t require any portray or sealant coating. As soon as you put in the roof, it normally doesn’t require any upkeep for years on finish. In fact, it doesn’t harm to verify the fasteners and non-copper elements to ensure they’re in good condition, however a copper metallic roof itself could be very low roof upkeep (however it’s going to flip inexperienced except you take away the patina).
What Are The Drawbacks of Copper Roofs?
Though copper roofing has a prolonged checklist of advantages, there are a couple of drawbacks to contemplate. Notable downsides to copper roofing embody the next:
Costly
Copper is actually the roofing business’s model of gold. It’s pricey in comparison with different types of roofing choices, even different sheet metallic roofing supplies (that are normally lower than half the price of copper). Plus, in case you’re getting a copper roof, you’ll probably need copper gutters to match it. This drives up the entire value considerably. This will deter of us from putting in copper as a roofing materials, as the worth creates a barrier to entry.
Stainless Metal for Photo voltaic
If you wish to incorporate photo voltaic power into your own home, utilizing stainless-steel for the brackets on the roofing system when you may have a copper roof is vital. Different metals can react poorly with copper, so it’s important to make use of one thing that doesn’t react.
Whereas this facet isn’t essentially a downside for everybody, it’s one thing to contemplate.
Not Accessible From Each Contractor
Some contractors don’t provide copper roofing, and a few may not set up one of these roofing. The set up course of may be finicky (comparable to standing seams), as it’s essential to keep away from utilizing sure kinds of metallic which may react poorly alongside copper. As a result of potential complexity of installations, some contractors may not provide copper merchandise or set up providers. So, in case you determine on copper to your roof, confirm your contractor affords their providers for this materials.
Modifications Over Time
Whereas copper’s lovely, shiny, amber hue is a promoting level for the metallic, it normally doesn’t stay the identical shade. Many individuals recognize the “reside” floor of copper that modifications over time by means of oxidation, however some may not like the teal look of patina. So, if you wish to forestall patina in your copper roof, you’ll have to comply with particular preservation measures.
As you browse for the proper roofing materials, it’s a good suggestion to sift by means of all of your choices. Should you desire to put in a metallic roof, the chart under outlines a couple of metallic roofing options to copper and key options like value, sturdiness, and set up. In fact, you all the time have the choice of a conventional shingle roof too, which is lower than any metallic roof value.
| Roofing Materials | Sturdiness | Value | Set up | Fashion Selection |
| Copper | Glorious | Excessive | Tough | Good |
| Zinc | Glorious | Excessive | Average to troublesome | Good |
| Metal | Good | Low to medium | Tough | Good |
| Tin | Good | Low to medium | Average to troublesome | Good |
| Aluminum | Glorious | Low to medium | Average to troublesome | Good |
Copper Roof vs. Zinc Roof
Like copper roofing supplies, zinc is an costly choice to your new roof. Though it’s barely cheaper (about 10% much less), zinc continues to be a lot pricier than different choices in the marketplace, but it doesn’t provide the identical advantages as copper.
Nonetheless, each supplies are sturdy, proof against mould (and different organism development), and long-lasting. Over time, each supplies develop a patina, though copper’s patina turns it greenish blue, whereas zinc’s patina turns it bluish grey.
Copper Roof vs. Metal Roof
Metal is one other various to copper roofing. Like copper, metal requires little or no upkeep, making it a good selection for these seeking to keep away from costly upkeep prices.
Nonetheless, with a median service lifetime of 25 -30 years, metal wants changed extra usually than copper. Whereas it’s upfront value is decrease, this frequent substitute as in comparison with copper can imply that, over the course of the home’s life, metal roofing may be costlier.
Copper Roof vs. Aluminum Roof
Owners may also use aluminum as a metallic various to copper roofing supplies. Like copper, aluminum roofing can final for many years, though its lifespan is shorter than copper (it lasts about 50 years). Aluminum is light-weight, like copper, so it normally doesn’t require additional roof help.
Aluminum is a superb choice for coastal areas, because it’s proof against rust. It’s sturdy and long-lasting, so it’s a strong various to copper for these on a price range.
So, Is the Value of a Copper Roof Proper For Your Dwelling?
Sadly, I can’t let you know whether or not it’s proper or unsuitable. Copper is a good roofing materials, and what I can let you know is that this: Crucial consideration about value is the associated fee over a number of a long time of homeownership. Whereas copper has a excessive up-front value, it wants changed much less usually than different supplies, so it’s vital to mission these longterm prices. In doing so, you may discover that copper is much more inexpensive over the longrun than on first impression.
Except for that, there are a couple of further points it’s best to contemplate. The perfect roofing materials varies primarily based on quite a few components, so it’s important to look at your wants and expectations from each angle.
Shade Matching with Siding
Though copper contains a hotter shade, it matches most siding colours. You may select from siding colours, like cream, tan, white, brown, crimson, black, or blue, to convey out the amber shades of the roof. Nonetheless, you may not like the mixture of particular siding colours with a copper roof, so ensure you verify this earlier than putting in a copper roof (or new siding).
Cleansing and Sustaining A Copper Roof
Copper roofing is extremely straightforward to take care of, as cleansing and routine upkeep are nearly pointless. In fact, you’ll have to confirm that different components of the roof (fasteners, flashing, and many others.) aren’t failing, however the roof itself needs to be nearly maintenance-free for a few years.
You don’t want to complete or paint copper, however in case you desire the shiny look of latest copper, it’s possible you’ll want to make use of a particular copper cleaner to revive the shine. Many people that don’t benefit from the look of the inexperienced patina select to have knowledgeable clear the roof and restore the shiny amber shade to the copper sheets.
Nonetheless, apart from this, there isn’t any cleansing essential. Rainwater is normally sufficient to rinse off extra dust and dirt, however you’ll be able to rinse off the roof with a backyard hose if the rain doesn’t take away all the pieces. Nonetheless, it’s finest to keep away from heavy washing (comparable to energy washing), as this may injury the protecting coating of the patina.
Article Updates
August 15, 2023
Reviewed for accuracy, value knowledge, business finest practices, and professional recommendation by Doug Sluga.
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