If you need a new roof for your home, comparing and contrasting different roofing materials is a good idea. If you’re considering a copper metal roof, it can be an excellent investment for your home. A copper roof comes with plenty of benefits which many homeowners desire. From its stunning look to low maintenance and 100-year durability, copper can be the best roofing material for your home.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 reasons why a copper roof may be the best investment you can make. So, get ready to discover the many perks of copper roofing and how to make the best of one for your home.
Why A Copper Metal Roof Is Worth Your Investment
Copper roofs have been used for centuries and are still popular due to their long lifespan and numerous benefits. Here are the top ten reasons why a copper roof is an excellent investment for most homeowners:
#1 Copper Roofs Can Last A Lifetime
One of the most significant benefits of a copper roof is its durability. Copper is a naturally strong metal that can withstand extreme weather conditions, such as hail, high winds, and winter storms. A copper roof can last 50 to 100 years, making it a wise investment for homeowners who want a long-term solution to their roofing needs. In fact, copper develops a protective patina over time that helps it resist corrosion, which further enhances its lifespan.
With a copper roof, you won’t have to worry about replacing your roof every few decades, so it saves you money on future roofing costs. Additionally, the durability of copper roofs makes them a popular choice for historic and architectural homes, as they can maintain their original beauty for generations to come.
#2 Copper Offers A Luxurious Aesthetic Appeal
When it comes to enhancing your home’s overall look and value, a copper roof can add an element of style and sophistication that is unmatched by other roofing materials. Copper develops a beautiful patina over time, which gives it a luxurious and timeless appearance that can make your home stand out in the neighborhood.
If you want to add even more character to your copper roof, you can choose from different styles, such as a copper penny metal roof or a weathered copper metal roof. A copper penny roof has a bright and shiny finish, while a weathered copper roof has a more rustic and aged look, perfect for adding a touch of vintage charm.
Copper metal also has the added benefit of being highly customizable to fit any architectural style or design preference. Whether you want a classic, modern, or rustic look, copper panels and shingles can be molded according to your preferences.
#3 Copper Roofs Are Low Maintenance
One of the most appealing aspects of copper roofs is their low maintenance requirements. Copper roofs don’t need a high level of upkeep. Copper is a highly durable material that can withstand harsh weather conditions, so you won’t have to worry about replacing damaged or missing shingles.
Additionally, copper metal roof panels are naturally resistant to rust, decay, and insect damage, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements. This also reduces the likelihood of moss and algae growing on your roof, which typically causes damage to other types of roofing materials. With a copper roof, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your roof is not only beautiful but also low maintenance. This will save you time and money on upkeep and repairs during the roof’s lifespan.
#4 Copper Is Highly Energy Efficient
Another key benefit of a copper roof is its energy efficiency. Copper is an excellent reflective material and will reflect a significant amount of the sun’s heat away from your home. This property of copper helps reduce a home’s need for cooling systems in the summertime. As a result, you may see a reduction in your energy bills and live more comfortably in your home. Along with saving energy, a copper roof can also help you become a more environmentally conscious citizen.
#5 Copper Roofs Promote Environmental Sustainability
Copper is an eco-friendly and sustainable roofing material that does not release harmful chemicals during manufacturing or installation. This makes it a safer option for your home and the surrounding ecosystem. Additionally, copper is highly recyclable and can be repurposed and reused after its time on a roof is over, leaving very little impact on the environment.
#6 Copper Metal Roofs Are Sturdy
Copper is a highly durable material that holds up well against heavy rain, strong winds, hailstorms, and even wildfires. This is due to the unique properties of copper, such as its flexibility and temperature resistance. Whether you live in a stormy area or someplace where it snows a lot, a copper roof can be an excellent upgrade for your home.
#7 Fire Resistance
Copper is Class A Fire resistant, which can be a crucial factor in areas prone to wildfires or lightning strikes. Unlike other roofing materials, such as organic asphalt shingles and cedar wood shakes, copper does not burn or support combustion. This means that in the event of a fire, a copper roof will help prevent flames from spreading to the rest of your home, providing an added layer of protection for you and your family. In addition to its fire-resistant properties, copper has a high melting point, which means it can withstand extreme temperatures without warping or melting. This makes it an ideal choice for homes in hot climates.
#8 Copper Roofing Is A Cost-Effective Choice
The cost of a copper metal roof is indeed higher than many roofing materials. However, this isn’t a drawback. Copper is very cost-effective as it can protect your home for a long time, while other roofs start deteriorating after 15 years. You will never have to replace a copper roof in your lifetime due to damage or withering. Plus, its features like minimal upkeep, sturdy composition, and energy efficiency allow you to live peacefully under the roof without worrying about cleaning, repairs, and high energy bills. Finally, a copper roof comes with an impressive warranty and insurance claim benefits.
#9 Copper Is A Versatile Metal
Compared to other durable roofing materials, like slate and clay tiles, copper doesn’t put stress on the roof deck or rafters. It’s lighter, more versatile, and can be installed on an existing roof structure (given it’s not damaged). Whether it’s a luxury home or a ranch-style house, a copper metal roof fits well with all types of properties. You can cover the entire roof with copper or use it on turrets and bay windows as a unique and eye-catching trim.
#10 A Copper Roof Increases A Home’s Value To A High Extent
Adding a copper roof to your home is one of the best investments you can make to increase its value. This luxurious upgrade attracts high-paying customers if you’re looking to sell your home in the future. Appraisers also consider copper roofs to be of great value as it doesn’t require the new owners to replace or repair the roof after buying the home.
So, these are some of the best advantages of copper roofing, but if you want to install a copper roof, you should also know about the designs and specifications in which this roofing material is available.
So, now let’s take a look at the different types of copper roofing available.
Types Of Copper Roofs
There are mainly three types of copper metal roofs based on their panel style. Each type comes with a unique set of features and benefits to suit a large variety of homes and buildings.
Standing Seam Copper Roof
The most popular style is the standing-seam copper roof. It features vertical panels with interlocking seams or a hidden fastening system. This style provides excellent water resistance and prevents rusting at the seams, as there are no exposed screws used to fasten the panels. This style is also more affordable and easier to install than copper shingles and tiles.
Copper Shingles
Copper shingles are smaller than panels and are the next most popular copper roofing style. This roofing system consists of individual shingles that interlock to create a watertight seal. This style requires more time and labor to install but offers a unique and striking look, and it can be molded and designed according to your preferences.
Copper Tiles
Copper tiles are another aesthetically pleasing copper roofing option. In this style, the copper tiles have a curved and raised profile, similar to clay tiles. It’s a great design for homeowners looking for a Spanish-style roof or exterior design but who also want a hint of uniqueness, luxury, or better durability.
If you are working with a budget, you can choose a faux copper roof. It’s an affordable option that looks like real copper but is made of a different material. Let’s learn more about it.
Faux Copper Metal Roofs
A faux copper roof is designed to mimic the appearance of a real copper roof without the high costs associated with natural copper. Faux copper roofs are designed to provide the aesthetic appeal of genuine copper roofing while being more affordable. Whether you like standing seam metal roof panels or tile design, faux copper materials can be molded to your specific requirements.
Copper-Style Metal Roof
One common type of faux copper roofing is made from metal, often aluminum or steel, which is painted to look like real copper. It is available in various finishes, such as a copper penny, patina, or verdigris. Copper-colored metal roofs are suitable for areas with mild climates and can last up to 40 years with average upkeep.
Artificial Copper Roof
Another type of faux copper roof is made from artificial or polymer materials, such as fiberglass. The material is molded and painted to resemble natural copper panels, tiles, or shingles. It is also given a similar shine or patina for a more authentic appearance using special paints and adhesives. Fiberglass offers around 30 to 50 years of durability and high weather resistance. This makes it an excellent option for homes in cold climates.
Copper-Plated Metal Roof
This is a mixed version of the traditional copper roof. The base material is usually a metal like steel or aluminum, but instead of painting the panels with copper-colored paint, they are coated with a layer of real copper using an electric current. This process of layering metal on another metallic surface is called electroplating. Copper plating can be a better option than a copper-colored metal roof. That’s because the natural copper layer will offer similar protection and age gracefully, forming a beautiful blue-green patina after a decade.
We understand that a roof replacement project is a big deal and that it can be confusing and overwhelming for homeowners. It’s also one of the biggest investments you can make for your home, so it’s essential to choose the right roofing system for your needs and ensure it is installed correctly.
For more help, we’ve shared some crucial facts to consider while getting a new roof for your home.
Things To Consider During A Roof Replacement Project
Homeowners need to learn the critical factors that will affect the cost, performance, and look of their roofs. Knowing these facts will help you avoid spending more money in the long run and avoid any installation faults.
- If you live in a storm-prone area, a copper roof is an excellent choice, but for mild to warm climates there are different types of metal roofs that can hold up for around 50 to 70 years. For example, aluminum and galvanized steel.
- Make sure your roofing contractor inspects the underlying structure of the roof properly. Before installing a new roof, they must repair or replace damaged wood and underlayment.
- It is essential to hire a metal roofing contractor who knows what type of panels, thickness, and fastening method is best for your home. Plus, it’s best to hire a local professional who knows the local building codes and is licensed to work in your area.
If you live in Western New York and are exploring metal roofing options for your home, we can help you!
Free Consultation On Copper Roofing
At OConnor Contracting, we’re proud to be among the top metal roofing contractors in Western New York. We’ve been improving homes in the area for many years, using high-quality materials and top-of-the-line workmanship. If you need more help, we’ll answer all your questions about copper roofs and help you determine if it’s a worthwhile investment. Call us at (716) 600-7663 for a free consultation and estimate on your metal roofing project.
