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If you were to create a list of the most popular and sought-after roofing materials in the U.S. market, a copper roof would undoubtedly be near the top. Copper roofing systems are likely to excel regardless of the roofing parameters you choose for them. This is due to their durable nature, long lifespan, and exceptional looks that raise the curb appeal of any home.
In this blog, we will examine the buzz that copper roofs have generated in the industry. This will include the benefits and drawbacks of copper roofing, and also provide you with alternatives that offer a similar look at a much lower cost. By the end of this article, you’ll better understand the options available to you so you can achieve the look of a copper roof without breaking the bank.
What Makes Copper Roofs So Popular?
Before deciding to replace your existing roof with a new system, it is important to know about the benefits of the material you will ultimately choose.
In the section below, we will take a closer look at each advantage a copper roof has in more detail.
Durable
If there is one quality that homeowners cannot sacrifice in a roofing material, it is the virtue of durability. One of the main advantages of copper roofing is its durability and lifespan. Copper is a naturally occurring metal that is resistant to corrosion and weathering. These qualities make it an ideal choice for roofing. The material is also fire-resistant and reflects sunlight.
This means that your copper roof can last for decades, even centuries, without needing to be replaced. In fact, some copper roofs have been known to last over 100 years with minimal maintenance.
Low Maintenance
Another advantage of copper roofing is its low maintenance requirements. You will notice that the majority of roofing materials need to be painted, sealed, or treated to maintain their appearance.
These include the likes of asphalt shingles, architectural shingles, and tile roofs. Copper roofs, on the other hand, require very little maintenance. This makes them a suitable choice for you if you’re looking for a roof that looks great, and lasts a long time without needing a lot of time and effort to maintain it.
Unmatched Aesthetic Appeal
Durability or the amount of maintenance required are not the only factors you need to consider in a roofing material. The visual appearance of a roof is also a factor that you cannot ignore. A copper roof’s appearance is one of its strongest benefits.
Copper has a unique and beautiful look that can raise the aesthetic level of your roof. The natural color of a copper roof ranges from light brown to rich, dark brownish-red. This looks great on both modern and traditional type homes. If the home has dark or light-colored exterior elements, a copper roof will suit it well.
Over time, copper will naturally develop a green patina, due to oxidation, giving it a unique and distinctive look that is unmatched by any other roofing material.
Also Read: 8 Metal Roof Colors to Brighten Up Your Home
Increase Resale Value
Installing or replacing a copper metal roof on your home can certainly increase its resale value. Copper is considered a premium roofing material, and its unique appearance and durability make it a desirable feature for many potential buyers. Additionally, the longevity of a copper roof means that it is unlikely to need replacement anytime soon, which can also be appealing to potential buyers.
So, if you are considering moving to another city and selling your home in the future, having a copper roof may be seen as a valuable addition that increases the value of your home, helping you get a good deal.
Energy Efficient
Energy efficiency is a crucial aspect of home maintenance. If you know roofing trends, you know that most metal roofs are energy efficient. A copper metal roof is no different. The metal reflects light and heat, helping to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This can also help reduce your heating and cooling costs and make your home more comfortable year-round.
What Are The Problems With A Copper Metal Roof?
Every roofing material has its drawbacks. A copper roof, despite offering a wider range of benefits, suffers from some major problems such as a high cost and professional installation requirements. We have delved into each below.
High Up-Front Cost
The main disadvantage of copper metal roofs is their cost. As we have discussed above, copper is a premium roofing material that is more expensive than most other roofing options. The cost of a copper roof can be significantly higher than other popular roofing materials, be it shingles, or other metals such as steel or aluminum.
Since the cost is so high, it can make the installation project an unattractive option for homeowners who are looking for a more affordable solution and are under a strict budget.
Difficult Installation
Another disadvantage of copper roofing is that it can be difficult to install. Copper roofing requires specialized skills and tools to install correctly, which makes it a challenging option for homeowners looking for quick replacement or even a DIY roofing project. Additionally, if your roof is not installed correctly, it can lead to leaks, damage, and other problems that can be costly to repair.
Also, not many contractors offer copper roof installation services, and finding the right contractor in Pittsburgh can be challenging.
Copper Roof Cost: How Much Will You Pay For A Copper Roof?
As we know, the cost can be a concern when it comes to a copper roof, but how much does it cost exactly? Let’s find out.
You can expect a copper roofing system to cost around $14-$29 per square foot, however, this is just the cost of the materials and the final price may vary. The cost will depend on the type of copper metal roof you install on your home. For example, if you install copper tiles, then it can be around $15-$17 per square foot.
On the other hand, the cost of copper roofing panels or sheets may be higher. For example, a corrugated copper metal roof can cost around $19-$25. On the other hand, a standing seam copper roof is priced even higher due to its modern design and durability.
By considering other costs, such as the cost of labor and the size of the roof, the ultimate price can rise. The average cost to install a copper roof can range from $35,000 to $50,000, but there are much cheaper options available, which we will cover next.
Copper Roof Alternatives: Get The Look Of A Copper At A Lower Cost
As we have seen from the advantages, the popularity of copper roofs has been growing due to their durability, low maintenance, and stunning aesthetic appeal. However, the high cost of copper roofing has made them largely inaccessible as a roofing option to homeowners. But what if we told you some alternatives offer a similar look at a fraction of the cost? These are known as faux copper metal roofs.
What Is A Faux Copper Roof?
As the words suggest, a faux copper roof is a roofing solution that mimics the appearance of copper but is made from a different, less expensive material. The goal of a faux copper roof is to provide a similar look to a copper roofing system at a fraction of the cost.
So, a faux copper metal roof can offer a similar aesthetic appeal that a natural copper roof would without the high cost. Its affordability makes it an attractive option for homeowners who are looking for a more affordable roofing project.
Copper-Colored Roofing Materials:
One alternative to a natural copper roof is to use copper-colored roofing materials. These roofs are made from materials such as steel, aluminum, or vinyl and then are coated and pre-painted to give them the appearance of copper.
Use Copper Accents To Add Fine Details In Your Home
If you don’t want a complete roof replacement, you can use copper metal accents to bring out the best in your home. This can include installing copper gutters, flashing, or roof accents that will provide a touch of copper’s beauty to your home. All these options cost less than an actual roof, so you can still improve the appearance of your home without breaking the bank.
Copper can also be used to highlight certain features on your home, such as dormer windows or skylights.
When deciding which alternative is best for your home, it is essential to consider the overall aesthetic you are trying to achieve, as well as your budget and the condition of your existing roof.
Also Read: What Can You Do Make Your House Siding Less Boring?
Other Types Of Metal Roofs To Consider For Your Home
A copper roof is one of the finest roofing materials available on the market, but it is not the only option you have to get the roof of your dreams. There are a lot of other metal roofs that have been popular for some time now.
Below we have listed some of them.
Aluminum Roofs
Aluminum is one of the most popular metal roofing materials that is commonly used throughout the United States. Aluminum is a lightweight, durable material that is resistant to corrosion. An aluminum roof is, therefore, easy to handle and install. It is also available in various colors and finishes, so you can coat the roof to match the color of your home. These types of roofs are also one of the most affordable when it comes to metal. You can install them on both residential and commercial buildings.
Steel Roofs
Steel roofing is a durable and cost-effective roofing option that is also available in a variety of colors and styles(standing seam and corrugated steel roofs). After aluminum, it is the next trendiest material used for roofing.
Steel roofs are long-lasting but do have an issue with being prone to corrosion. However, this problem has been taken care of by newer variants such as galvanized and stainless steel options. Galvanized steel is made from steel that has been coated with zinc to provide added protection against corrosion.
Zinc Roofs
You may not have heard much about zinc metal roofs, but these are also gaining popularity at a steady pace. Zinc roofs are a premium roofing material that is known for its durability and resistance to corrosion. It is often used in high-end residential and commercial buildings and is available in various shapes and sizes. One of the key advantages of zinc roofing is its aesthetic appeal. Zinc has a unique color and texture that can add a distinctive look to your home.
Conclusion
When deciding whether copper roofing is the right choice for your home, it is essential to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages and consider your budget, desired aesthetic, and long-term goals. If you are looking for a roof that will last for many years, add value to your home, and provide energy savings, copper roofing may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking for a more affordable solution, other roofing options may better suit your needs.
If you are considering a copper roof, it is a good idea to get multiple quotes from reputable contractors to get a better understanding of how much your project will cost.
Best Metal Roofing Services In Pittsburgh
We hope that we have helped you learn all about copper roofs, faux copper roofing systems, and the benefits they can offer your home. If you also want to improve the quality of your current roof and install a new copper one, then all you need to do is get in touch with the team at McClellands Contracting & Roofing LLC.
We have years of experience offering the best metal roof replacement services in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. Not only do we do copper roofing, but we can also help you with other types of metal roofs, such as aluminum, steel, and zinc roofing systems.
Contact us today, at (412) 353-5660 and schedule a free roof inspection so that our team can advise you on the next steps to take.
