As a homeowner looking to replace their roof as well as boost their home’s curb appeal, you may be wondering what your options are. There are many different types of roofing materials you can choose from, and metal roofing — specifically copper roofing — is becoming increasingly popular for a variety of reasons.
Copper roofing is considered a premium metal roofing material, which means it comes with a hefty price tag as well as superior functionality and longevity. However, after reading through this guide, you’ll find that it can be worth the cost.
Why Choose Copper Roofing?
Aesthetic appeal isn’t the only reason why copper roofs have become so popular among architects and homeowners alike. Aside from its stunning looks, copper comes with a number of benefits that make it arguably the best type of roofing material you can choose as well as one of the best investments you can make for your home.
Copper roofs come with the following benefits:
- It’s essentially maintenance and repair-free. Unlike other types of metal roofing, a copper roof requires much less maintenance and very rarely needs repairs. This is because copper doesn’t rust or corrode, and it doesn’t usually require any re-coating or re-painting throughout its lifetime. What’s more, copper roofs develop a very unique green patina over time, which acts as a natural protective coating that works to prevent oxidation. The only type of maintenance you’ll need to do is a regular hosing down to get rid of debris, bird droppings, and dirt.
- It offers superior weather protection. From the sun’s harsh UV rays to high winds and severe snow storms, copper roofs are able to withstand the worst of the worst for years. In fact, the more copper ages, the more it builds up a protective patina, making it incredibly durable.
- It lasts forever. Believe it or not, copper is the longest-lasting roofing material you can get your hands on. While regular metal roofing is known to last up to 70 years, copper roofing is known to last for centuries. (Yes, you read that right — centuries!)
- It’s fire-resistant. Copper roofs will not catch on fire. Because of this, it will prevent fires from spreading further, making it one of the safest roofing materials out there.
- It’s lightweight. Surprisingly enough, for its durability, copper roofing is very lightweight, which means that a copper roofing system will put a lot less stress on your home’s structure. This will also help you save money on installation costs, as copper roofing requires less supportive beams.
- It’s sustainable. Copper is also one of the most sustainable materials. Not only does copper roofing last for hundreds of years, more copper here in the US is recycled and reused than it is newly mined, which saves a ton of energy and precious natural resources.
- It’ll increase your home’s overall value. Having a copper roof will automatically increase your home’s resale value due to all of the above. So, if you’re planning to sell your home at any time in the future, having a copper roof will easily give you an advantage in the market.
The Different Types of Copper Roofs
Another upside to switching over to copper roofing is that there are a handful of different styles you choose from. The most common types of copper roofs include:
- Copper shingles. Copper shingles are the most common type of copper roofing as they’re the most affordable option. The shingles are carefully applied by hand, and the installation is completed using copper fasteners to prevent metallurgical reactions that typically happen when copper comes in contact with other types of metals.
- Continuous copper roofing. Continuous roofing is the most expensive type of copper roof as it requires a special application. To install the continuous roofing, the roofer will have to lay out sheets of copper on your roof’s surface to assemble it in one piece for a totally seamless appearance. This means no seams and no joints — just one large smooth sheet of copper.
- Copper panels. Copper panels are in the middle of the shingles and continuous roofing price-wise. They consist of standard sheets or panels that are also installed by hand with visible seams. Some of the seams are either welded or brazed on-site, while the rest are crimped via the standing seam process.
How Much Does Copper Roofing Cost?
The average cost of a copper roof ranges between $30,000 and $53,000.
- Copper roofing installation generally costs between $14 and $30 per square foot
- $9 to $20 per square foot is allocated to material costs
- $5 to $10 per square foot is allocated to installation costs
The primary factor in the price of a new copper roof is the total area that needs to be covered. Therefore, an average-sized roof — which is approximately 1,700 square feet — will cost around $36,000.
The copper roof costs are also broken down by roof type:
- Copper shingles range from $9 to $15 per square foot
- Copper panels range from $17 to $20 per square foot
- Continuous copper roofing will range from $15 to $30 per square foot
Other costs regarding copper roof installment include:
- Removing your old roof: $1-$1.50 per square foot
- Disposal of your old roof: $400
- Roof inspection: $120-$300
- Labor and equipment $5-$10 per square foot
- Building permits: $440-$1,820
Lastly, there are a few other factors that will affect the ultimate cost of your new copper roof:
- The time of year
- Availability of materials
- The complexity of your roof
- The accessibility of your roof
- Special requirements, such as complex patterns and roof obstructions like vents or skylights
Are You Ready to Upgrade to Copper?
Copper roofs come with a whole host of benefits and zero downsides — except for the cost. So, if you’re thinking about using copper as your next roofing material, you can’t go wrong.
When you’re ready, get in touch with the roofing experts at Level Edge Construction. We’ll walk you through your options and provide you with a free estimate for the work. You can also visit our site to book a free roof inspection.