Copper roofing looks great. Many old historical buildings that are being restored are getting copper roofing. Copper first was used as a roofing material successfully over 2500 years ago. And you can get copper roofing in different colors other than copper. Is copper roofing suitable for your home, though?
Whole Roof Or Part?
Copper roofing is popular because it's light, it works and looks pretty. However, it is also more expensive than other roofing materials - but not as expensive as slate shingles. Why is it more expensive? Well, copper is not as abundant a metal as iron, tin or aluminum, for example. Because of the costs, you may decide on only to get part of your roof made with copper, such as the down-spouts, gutters or trim.
You have to shop around not only for a good roofer, but for copper roofing materials. Fortunately, copper is a recyclable and roofing supply companies can melt down other unwanted copper products to make sturdy copper roofing. Sometimes these recycled copper roofs can be cheaper. Hussey Copper Ltd of Leetsdale, Pennsylvania, for example, makes recycled copper roofing from copper coils.
How Hard Is It To Install?
Unlike slate roofing, copper roofing is a lot easier to install, which cuts down on labor costs for you. Copper roofing tends to come in shingles and is installed exactly like asphalt roofing shingles, which are the most popular kind of roofing in the world. Any good roofer will know how to install shingles. Compare roofers before deciding on one. Even the best copper roofing cannot do its job if installed wrong. So, if you've never installed roofing shingles before, now is not the best time to learn. Leave it to a contractor.
How Strong Is It?
Hoe strong is copper roofing? There are copper roofs still "standing" in hurricane-prone Florida. When installed properly, copper roofing can last a century or more. It is mostly impervious to severe weather conditions. Copper roofs work well in tropical areas and areas with winter.
You need to do your part to help your copper roofing do its job. It's good to have it inspected once a year by a roofer (perhaps the one who installed it) to see that there hasn't been any damage from flying tree limbs or hailstorms or whatever God chooses to drop out of the sky. Getting the roof inspected can save you a lot of money and headaches in the futire.
