Why Choose Copper For Roofs
Copper has long been a revered roofing material, and for good reason. Its unique combination of durability, beauty, and sustainability makes it an excellent option. Let’s take a quick look at the reasons a copper roof may be the right choice for you.
- Exceptional longevity. With a lifespan of 50 years or more, copper can last a lifetime, requiring minimal maintenance and delivering long-term cost savings.
- Resists corrosion, extreme weather conditions, and fire. If you live in an area that experiences wildfires, hurricanes, and other harsh weather conditions, a metal roof may be the best choice for you. Copper is a fantastic metal roof option to consider.
- Aesthetically appealing. Over time, the metal develops an attractive patina that enhances the overall charm of a building.
- Sustainable. Copper is fully recyclable and can be reused without any loss in quality.
- Energy-efficient. Copper reflects sunlight — and thus, heat — away from your home. This keeps your indoor temps more comfortable and means you run your air conditioning less frequently, resulting in lower utility bills.
We will explore each of these reasons plus copper roof costs below so you can decide if this is a good option to explore.
Is Copper Roofing Worth the Cost?
A new copper metal roof costs a national average of $57,336 for a 3,000 square foot roof as of 2024.
Copper Roof
Average Installation Cost $40,608 - $74,064
Cost Breakdown
- Materials 65%
- Labor 35%
This is a starting cost. If you opt for a special style or design, if your roof is particularly tricky to work on, or if your roof needs a lot of preparation work, you can expect your cost to increase. Unless you are installing your roof on a new-build home, you will also want to budget for the demolition and removal of your old roof. Underlayment, drip edge, fascia, and gutters may be required during your roof replacement, which will also make the cost go up.
However, investing in copper will increase the resale value of your home. Across the country, homeowners who invest in metal roofing get an average ROI of 85.9%.
Metal roofing can also lower your insurance rates because of its fire resistance, especially in states like Texas and California that are vulnerable to wildfires.
Copper may be the worth the cost if having it installed means you can lower your insurance rates and lower your monthly utility bills.
Types of Copper Roofing
Copper roofs come in several different styles/types. Here are the most popular options for homes, along with their average costs:
Standing Seam Copper Roofing
This common type features long, interlocking copper panels with raised seams that create a distinct vertical profile. Standing seam roofs provide excellent durability, weather resistance, and a sleek, modern appearance. The average cost for standing seam copper roofing ranges from $20 to $30 per square foot.
Copper Shingles
Shingles offer a more traditional look and appear more similar in style to a wood shingle or asphalt shingle roof. They are individually installed and can be shaped to fit the desired design, making them a more versatile options than panels. Copper shingles are known for their elegant appearance, longevity, and ease of maintenance. The average cost for copper shingles is approximately $10 to $15 per square foot.
Copper Tiles
These are a popular choice for decorative or accent areas of a roof, such as dormers or other architectural features. They are available in various shapes and sizes, so are another versatile option for getting the exact look you want. Copper tiles are distinctive while still allowing your roof to benefit from copper’s durability. The average cost for copper tiles ranges from $10 to $20 per square foot.
Copper Panels
Panels are large sheets of copper that are custom-cut to fit the roof’s dimensions. These panels offer a seamless appearance when properly installed and can be used for both flat and pitched roofs. Copper panels are favored for their clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and ease of installation. The average cost for copper panels is around $15 to $25 per square foot.
Pros and Cons of Copper as a Roofing Material
When it comes to new metal roofing, copper is considered top-of-the-line. Its durability and aesthetic appeal is unmatched. Copper is neither coated nor painted because it weathers without corroding. They are a very popular roof type to have installed in small sections for aesthetics.
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Pros
- Unique, stunning appearance
- Superior durability, lasting 60 years or more
- High return on investment for home's value
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Cons
- Can get very expensive with larger roofs
- Patina comes with age, so the roof may turn green
- Not all contractors will offer copper roof materials
Copper roofs are very long-lasting, with a lifespan of 60 years or more when properly maintained. They are resistant to cracking, shrinking and eroding, and can also withstand extreme weather conditions including heavy snow, hail, and wildfires. With this high durability, some homeowners may earn lower insurance rates. Additionally, this material can yield as much as a 90% return on investment in home resale value.
Copper roofs are installed unfinished and acquire a protective green patina with age. Also, because it can become expensive, copper is often reserved for special home design features, such as the roof of a prominent window or dormer.
If you are unfamiliar with metal roofing, you may have concerns about the potential for noise from rain and wind. However, proper attic insulation (which is a best practice no matter what type of roof you have) will keep your home quiet even during heavy storms.
Additionally, copper roofing will not increase your likelihood of a lightning strike. While copper does conduct electricity, electricity is not drawn to it. In fact, because copper is fire resistant, if your home is struck by lightening, your risk of fire is actually decreased.
How Long Do Copper Roofs Last?
New copper roofs can last from 60 to 100 years with little maintenance needed throughout their lifespan. That’s much longer than traditional roofs such as a replacement asphalt shingle roof.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Unlike many other metal roofing materials, copper requires no painting or finishing. Copper does have the potential to expand and contract during weather changes which can cause the fasteners to become loose and require repair. However, this is not a major concern and is an easy fix even when it comes up as far as regular maintenance goes.
Copper roofing can lose its beautiful shine after many years, but there are methods for cleaning to restore its natural copper appeal both through DIY methods or by hiring a professional.
Preserving Roof Color
You can preserve the shine of your new copper roof by coating the entire surface with a clear polyurethane coat or a clear lacquer. This will postpone the natural green color that comes with natural oxidization as seen below.
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- New copper roof
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- Copper roof after oxidation
It will start to go green at around 20 years after installation. You can talk to a roofing contractor near you to have a copper roof cleaned or replaced if need be.
The Bottom Line
If you can afford a copper roof and love the look of it, there are very few downsides to choosing this material. Though the final decision will likely come down to cost, you should consider getting quotes from contractors for a copper roof if you live in an area that regularly sees high temperature, wildfires, and/or hurricanes. The safety features, durability, and energy-efficiency of copper all may mean this material makes the most sense for your home.
One last note: Modernize recommends getting quotes from three to four contractors. Not only will this help ensure you find someone you enjoy working with and who has experience with installing copper roofs, but our research shows this is also the magic number of quotes to get to negotiate the best price for your project.
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