At some point, all roofs will reach the end of their lifespan and need to be replaced. Asphalt roofs are the most common type of roofs among homeowners, but what about metal? Yes, there is always metal used during a roof replacement in some way, but using copper specifically comes with its own unique advantages. In fact, copper is quickly becoming one of the most popular types of metal amongst homeowners. While copper is becoming more popular, it is not meant for everyone, and that’s okay.

This article will specifically go over the advantages of incorporating copper in your next roof replacement. By the end of this article, you will have a much better idea about copper roofing and if it is right for your home.

Advantages of copper roofs

Incorporating Copper Into Your Roof ReplacementOne of the main perks of copper roofing is its lifespan since it’s considered a lifetime material. Copper can last up to a century or longer. Copper does age a bit over time after a while taking on a greenish hue which isn’t a bad thing, it just adds to its charm and proves its authenticity. While copper roofing can be more on the expensive side, the long lifespan alone is enough for most homeowners to decide to make the switch as it saves money in the long run. Metal roofing will never have to be replaced assuming it was installed correctly. Copper roofs are also extremely protective. However, it is important to note that if you live in an area that faces a decent amount of hail, your copper roof may become a bit dented up over time. Luckily, homeowners insurance often covers any type of weather-related damage to your roof regardless of the material it is made of.

Copper roofs are also great because they can be used for several different purposes. Copper is a very malleable material, meaning it can be bent out of shape into different forms. This makes copper a versatile material as it can be used in a variety of different ways on roofs. Copper is especially good for those houses that have sloped roofs, unique arches, or any other type of distinct shape/feature to them. Copper is most often used as an accent for roofs. You can commonly find copper over areas such as porches or large open windows, or any type of sloped section.

Copper roofing is also great for aesthetic purposes. Incorporating copper into your roof is a great way to boost your home’s curb appeal. If you are looking for a way to make your home more unique and stand out from the others, copper is a great way to do that. A strong curb appeal is also great if you ever decide to sell your home. A copper roof is a great way to stand out among the asphalt roofs in your neighborhood.

Copper roofing is also great because it is extremely weather-resistant. What’s cool about copper is that the greenish hue we mentioned earlier is actually called patina, and it helps protect the copper from any further corrosion. Over time, your copper roof will actually become even more resistant to any harsh weather thanks to its patina. Another perk to copper roofing is that it is extremely lightweight compared to the majority of other roofing materials. Using a lighter material is great because it means that there will be much less stress on the structure of your home.

Copper roofs are fire-resistant meaning they will never burn which differs from many other popular roofing options. Copper roofing also requires little to no maintenance at all. Unlike asphalt and more common roofing materials, not much can affect or damage copper roofs. 

The last thing we wanted to mention about copper roofs is how eco-friendly they are, especially compared to other roofing options. In fact, copper is one of the most commonly recycled materials on earth making it a great choice for those who are environmentally aware and friendly. You never have to worry about your roof ending up in a landfill somewhere when you have a copper roof. Copper is 100% natural and comes directly from the earth. This unique metal reflects heat instead of absorbing it as many other materials do. With that being said, you can expect your heating and cooling costs to be more controlled when having a copper roof.

Justifying the price

Having a full copper roof installed is a rather expensive job, in fact, that may be the only con of having a copper roof. The average cost of having a copper roof installed can cost up to 2-3 times more than the traditional asphalt roof. While yes, this is clearly a lot more money and seems scary at first, let’s think about why this can still be a better option.

One of the main reasons the installation price is so high is the materials. Copper is not the cheapest material, but at the end of the day, who wants a homemade of very cheap materials? In roofing, price tends to equal quality, and copper roofs are some of the highest quality roofs money can buy. As we discussed earlier, copper roofs require hardly any maintenance and have extremely long lifespans. While copper roofs may cost a lot of money originally, you will be saving lots in the long run. It helps to view your roof as an investment, and when you have a copper roof installed it becomes a long-term investment.

Are copper roofs noisy during storms?

It is a common misconception that like most metals, copper roofs tend to be extremely noisy during storms but this could not be farther from the truth. When it comes to roofing materials, copper is the least resonant of the metal options. With copper being a softer metal it is automatically a lot quieter than most metals. Any rain will sound more like light droplets, nothing that is unbearable.

We’re here to help!

Copper roofing is slowly but surely taking over residential neighborhoods and there is no sign of that slowing down. With all of the benefits that copper roofs hold such as a long lifespan and very limited maintenance required, the rather expensive material is definitely worth the investment. Copper is a great way to make your home look more unique. Having a copper roof also increases the resale value of your home, making your house very marketable if you ever decide to sell it. Overall, there are a lot of advantages to having a copper roof and anyone can enjoy these perks.

At Liberty Roofworks we work with a wide variety of roof types and materials. If you or someone you know is interested in either learning more about copper roofing or having it installed, we would be happy to help. Feel free to contact us to schedule an estimate or have any questions you may have answered. We do our best to keep costs down and are always sure to go over all of your potential options with you, ensuring you are 100% satisfied with your new roof.

Copper roof FAQ

How long does copper last on a roof?

Copper roofs can last anywhere from 65 to over 100 years. With copper roofs requiring very little maintenance, not much can affect these types of roofs to the point of needing a replacement. Copper is one of the longest-lasting roofing materials and is definitely worth the investment.

How many years does it take for copper to oxidize?

Copper oxidizes due to exposure to moisture over time. In dryer climates, it can take at least 20 years to see signs of oxidation. If you live in a more wet climate then you can expect this time to be sped up.

What is the biggest con of having a copper roof?

We may sound like a broken record now, but we mean it when we say that cost tends to be the biggest con. While this roof style is considered luxury and more expensive than others, you have to think long-term and remember that copper can last for over a hundred years and you will very rarely ever need to have maintenance done on it. For those who can afford it, the pros of copper roofs far outweigh the cons.

How do you take care of a copper roof?

As mentioned before, copper roofs require very little maintenance throughout their lifetime which is a huge selling point for many homeowners. For those who want to take the extra step in preserving their copper roof, there are a couple of things you can do.

To keep your roof clean you can sweep it off, being sure to clean any debris, dirt, and leaves. If you want to clean the actual metal you can mix equal parts of white vinegar and salt and scrub your roof with a bristled brush lightly to remove any surface dirt. Be sure to always rinse the salt and vinegar mixture off of your roof when you are finished.

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