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Is a Copper Metal Roof Worth the Investment?

February 24th, 2023 | 7 min. read

Is a Copper Metal Roof Worth the Investment?

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Copper is becoming more and more popular in the residential roofing industry. But even though it’s being used more, it doesn't mean copper is right for everyone. 

The main reason for this comes down to the pricing. Unfortunately, a copper metal roof is a significant investment that most homeowners can’t afford. 

But if you can afford it, the question is whether or not a copper metal roof is actually worth the investment. 

At Bill Ragan Roofing, we use our 30-plus years in the industry to be upfront and transparent with homeowners, especially about pricing. Because of this, I’ll help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of a copper metal roof.

By the end of this article, you’ll know if you can afford a copper metal roof and if it’s actually worth the investment. 

The advantages of getting a copper metal roof

Let’s start this article with all the good stuff that a copper metal roof offers. There are three big advantages to a copper metal roof that you need to keep in mind. 

A copper metal roof can be used for accent purposes

The first advantage of a copper metal roof is the versatility it offers. While you can get an entire standing seam copper metal roof system, this versatility offers the opportunity to use it for accent purposes in a lot of different areas.

copper metal roofing over windows on an architectural asphalt shingle roof(Copper over front windows)

Because of copper’s ability to easily bend into any shape, you can get a copper metal roof installed over arches, bay windows, a front porch, or a flat (or low slope) area. However, this can get expensive quickly, especially on covered porches or flat sections. 

copper used as a window, as a chimney cap, flashing, and vents(Copper roofing used in various places on a roof)

That’s why adding copper flashing on luxury asphalt, cedar shake, and slate roofs is the most popular use of copper in residential roofing.

A copper metal roof increases your home’s curb appeal

The next advantage of a copper metal roof is what it does to your home’s curb appeal. Your home’s curb appeal is the visual attractiveness of it from the street. 

While getting a new roof always increases your home’s curb appeal, the roofing material you choose determines how much. Obviously, a copper metal roof over your entire home will drastically increase your home’s overall curb appeal. 

copper metal roof installed over front roof section on a house(Copper metal roof installed over front roof section on a house)

Even if you install a copper metal roof over a front porch, it boosts your curb appeal more than other types of metal or asphalt shingles. Remember, if you can’t afford a copper metal roof system but still want a copper look, you can also use it for roof flashing, over dormers, archers, and other areas to increase your home’s look. 

A copper metal roof is a lifetime roofing material

The last (and biggest) advantage of a copper metal roof is how long it’ll last. A steel metal roof with a Kynar 500 finish is a long-lasting roofing material, but copper takes it further by being a lifetime material. 

A copper metal roof’s lifespan is worth the cost of investment. As long as it’s properly installed, you won’t have to replace it during your lifetime. 

Even if you went the accent route, the copper areas of your roof shouldn’t need to be replaced when getting a new roof. Just know that if you live in an area that experiences a lot of hail, copper can get dinged and dented. 

But as long as you have homeowners insurance, the insurance company should cover it and pay to replace the damaged copper. 

The disadvantages of a copper metal roof

Now that you know all the great things a copper roof offers, you’re ready to learn the downside. There are two main disadvantages of a copper metal roof that you must consider when determining if it’s worth it. 

A copper metal roof won’t keep the copper look forever 

The first disadvantage of a copper metal roof isn’t necessarily bad, but it’s more of a personal preference that needs to be considered. This is the fact that a copper metal roof won’t keep the copper look forever. 

As the years pass, copper oxidizes and turns a greenish, bluish look called patina. Patina is only an aesthetic issue and won’t affect the functionality or lifespan of your copper metal roof.

copper roof over a bay window that has patinaed(Patina on a copper roof over a window)

However, some homeowners don’t like the look and get upset when the copper color starts to turn. There’s also the possibility that the patina will run and stain the surrounding areas. 

On the other hand, some homeowners want the patina look and do things to accelerate the process. No matter which way you lean, you need to consider the patina look when making your decision. 

A copper metal roof is incredibly expensive

The only real disadvantage to a copper metal roof is also the reason most homeowners avoid getting one. The biggest downside to a copper metal roof is that it will be incredibly expensive. 

The truth is most homeowners can’t afford a copper metal roof. You can expect to pay around $40 per square foot for a copper metal roof. 

This is a very rough price, and it could be more or less depending on the cost of copper at the time and other cost factors. But no matter what, a copper metal roof is incredibly expensive. 

So, is a copper metal roof worth the investment? 

After learning the advantages and disadvantages of a copper metal roof, you should have a good idea if a copper metal roof is worth it. In my opinion, a copper metal roof is worth the investment for its lifespan and boosted curb appeal.

However, I do not recommend going over budget for a copper metal roof. If a full roof system isn’t in your budget, copper accents or a copper metal roof over a porch are also a great investment. 

copper flashing in a valley on a synthetic slate shingle roof(Copper flashing on a synthetic slate roof)

Copper accents are extremely popular with homeowners who get premium roof systems (luxury asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, composite shingles, and slate tiles), mainly because they can afford copper because they can afford a premium roof. 

So, adding copper is definitely worth it if you’re already considering a premium roof system. But as I said earlier, most people won’t be able to afford copper anywhere on their roof. 

But if you have the budget and like the look, it’s well worth the investment. 

Is a copper metal roof right for you?

You now know if a copper metal roof is right for you. I do not recommend getting copper if it doesn't fit your budget or is within your means. 

A new roof is already a big investment, and adding copper increases it significantly. While you have an idea of copper roofing’s price, you can only determine if it’s within your budget if you also know how much a new roof costs. 

The truth is, it’s difficult to find honest pricing in the roofing industry because of the sticker shock it causes. That’s not the way we operate. 

That’s why I wrote another article that breaks down the cost of a new roof per square foot depending on the roofing material you choose.

Check out How Much a New Roof Costs in 2023 to learn the budget you’ll need for your upcoming roof replacement.

roof cost calculator

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