A standing seam metal roof is a great choice for any roofing project. The same can be said for using copper roofing during a replacement.
But can you combine these two and get a copper standing seam metal roof? Whether you’re just curious or genuinely interested in a copper standing seam metal roof, we have the answer you’re looking for.
For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners understand what’s possible for their roofing project. Now we’ll give you the information you need to know about a copper standing seam metal roof.
I’ll start this article by breaking down if you can use copper for a standing seam metal roof. After that, I’ll give you 4 things you need to know about copper roofing.
Can you use copper for your standing seam metal roof?
Yes, you can absolutely use copper for a standing seam metal roof. While you can do an entire copper standing seam metal roof system over your home, it could easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
That’s why homeowners who choose a copper roof usually have it installed over covered porches or a flat area on their roof. Just know this will still be very expensive compared to the commonly used steel.
The thickness of copper panels is measured in ounces (16, 20, 30, 60, 90) instead of “gauges” like steel. For residential roofing, 16-ounce copper is the most commonly used today.
I know you’re here to learn if you can use copper for a standing seam metal roof. However, copper is also a great option for roof flashing, chimney caps, bay windows, arches, and more on premium roof systems.
4 things to know about a copper standing seam metal roof
Now you know you can use copper for a standing seam metal roof. But before making a final decision, there are some things you need to know to determine if it’s the best choice for you and your wallet.
Let’s get to the 4 things you need to know about a copper standing seam metal roof.
1. A copper standing seam metal roof is very expensive
I already talked about how an entire copper standing seam metal roof system over your home can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. I also mentioned one over a porch would be more expensive than steel.
The truth is, most homeowners won’t be able to afford copper anywhere on their roof. But if you’re serious about a copper standing seam metal roof, you need to know if it even fits your budget.
For copper standing seam panels, you're looking at a cost of around $40 per square foot. Just know this is a very rough price, and the cost of copper fluctuates frequently.
The price also depends on the roofing contractor you hire and if they have in-house metal panel machines. But no matter what, a copper standing seam metal roof will always be expensive.
If it does fit your budget, it’s absolutely crucial to hire a roofing contractor with experience installing copper and metal roofing.
2. Copper is a lifetime material
If you’re still here, you either determined copper is within your budget, or you're just curious about the other 3 things left. Either way, if you can afford a copper standing seam metal roof, it will be the last roof you ever install.
This is because copper is a “lifetime” material. As long as it’s installed properly, you should never have to replace it.
Even if the rest of your roof is ready to be replaced, the copper standing seam metal roof section shouldn’t need to be replaced. If you get it over your entire home, you won’t have to worry about this.
Just be aware the copper can get dinged and dented if your area experiences a lot of hail. But homeowners insurance should cover the damage to a copper standing seam metal roof.
If you have the budget, copper’s lifespan alone is well worth the investment. The important thing is not to break the bank to get a copper standing seam metal roof.
3. Your copper standing seam metal roof will patina over time
As copper ages, it goes through a chemical reaction called oxidation. When this happens, it results in a greenish, bluish look called patina.
Because of this, you need to be aware that a copper standing seam metal roof won’t stay the “copper” color forever. Just know patina is only an aesthetic issue and won’t affect the functionality.
But remember, copper is a lifetime material. So, a copper standing seam metal roof probably isn’t the right choice if you don’t like the patina look.
4. A copper standing seam metal roof boosts your home’s overall curb appeal
Curb appeal is the visual attractiveness of your home from the street. Getting a new roof will always increase your home’s curb appeal.
Depending on which roofing material you choose, your roof really boosts the curb appeal. But one of the best ways to increase your home’s look is by adding copper to your roof replacement.
Obviously, a copper standing seam metal roof over your entire home really boosts the overall curb appeal. Even if it’s only over a front porch, it has more curb appeal than other types of metal or asphalt shingles.
Using copper as roof flashing, over dormers, archers, and other areas of your roof also increases your home’s look. No matter where or how you use copper on your roof, it will make people turn their heads when walking by.
Is a copper standing seam metal roof right for you?
After learning about the 4 things you need to know about getting a copper standing seam metal roof, you should have a good idea if it’s right for you. If it is right for you and your budget, you’re ready to find a great local roofing contractor who has experience installing metal roofing.
But if it isn’t the right fit, you’ll need to find the right type of metal or even another roofing material altogether. Doing this is time-consuming and probably involves getting information from a lot of different places.
Wouldn’t it be great to have all the information needed to make the best roofing material decision in one place? If you answered yes, we have just the guide you need.
The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof has the advantages and disadvantages of the top residential roofing material, including cost, lifespan, and warranties. But that’s not all.
The buyer’s guide also helps you find a great roofing contractor in your area, how to pay for a new roof, and so much more. Make all the right purchasing decisions today by getting your free buyer’s guide.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has installed copper roofing for thousands of homeowners in Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas. Whether it’s flashing, a chimney cap, over an arch, or a full standing seam metal roof, you can count on our copper work to stand the test of time.
Here’s The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Roof to ensure you make all the right buying decisions for your future roof replacement.
