Of all the options in metal roofs available today, none are more beautiful or desirable than copper. It makes a wonderful roofing material, offering a number of important benefits including a longevity that reduces the need for metal roofing repair. Before deciding on this option, homeowners should understand the advantages and disadvantages of copper and whether it is the right choice for their individual home.
Advantages of Copper Roofing
Those looking for durability and style can find that with roofs made from copper panels or sheets pressed to look like shingles. Consider these many advantages that copper can offer when used on a home:
- Beautiful and Stylish - The most striking feature that copper roofing offers is its unmatched beauty. This metal starts off a rich, shiny chestnut brown and then matures to a handsome darker brown as it ages. Like statues made from the same material, copper roofs will also gain a characteristic bluish patina over time that looks very distinctive. Available as seamed panels or panels that are pressed into different shingle shapes, copper can mimic other materials as well, offering a preferred look along with its many other features.
- Durable and Long-Lasting - Like other metal materials used for roofing, copper is long-lasting for more than fifty years. It is also durable as long as it has been correctly installed and well-maintained. This durability means less need for metal roofing repair over the roof's lifetime. Additionally, copper is fire-resistant, making it an ideal choice in areas where wildfires could be a concern.
- Environmentally Friendly - Besides its beauty and longevity, copper used as roofing is environmentally friendly in various ways. It is highly reflective, which provides excellent thermal efficiency by reflecting the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them. It is also biodegradable and can be recycled when removed.
- Lightweight - Along with all the positive features mentioned above, copper is also very lightweight in comparison to its durability. This makes it an ideal choice for homes where a heavier option would be unsuitable or a lighter material is preferred in colder climates that experience a lot of snow.
Disadvantages of Copper Roofing
As with any roofing material, copper does present a few disadvantages as well, despite how preferable it may be in most cases:
- Higher Initial Cost - In comparison to asphalt shingles and similar options, the initial investment on copper roofs is considerably more. Over the life of the material and its durability, it can still be a cost-effective roofing option.
- Maintenance Requirements - All metal roofing requires a bit of maintenance over time, mostly to ensure the panels stay well sealed. As metal will expand and contract with the temperature, this can sometimes lead to loosening of the fasteners holding it onto the decking. Preventing leaks and other problems requires regular inspection by experienced metal roofing repair contractors who will make sure the fasteners do not loosen, promoting a watertight fit over time.
- Noise - Like any other metal, copper can be noisy at times, especially in rainy or windy conditions. If noise may be a concern, inquire about noise-deadening underlayments and other products designed to make the sound less noticeable.
All things considered, copper offers many more positives than negatives, making these roofs highly desirable to many homeowners. Copper is long-lived, lightweight, environmentally friendly, and usually requires less metal roofing repair. Above all, it is a beautiful choice that can really improve the look of any home!
