Are you considering adding copper to your roof? Do you want a large copper metal roof system?
Copper is one of the most popular types of metals used in residential metal roofing. Its versatility means it can be used as an entire roof system, roof flashing, or adding it as an upgrade over a covered porch.
However, the biggest obstacle for anyone considering a copper metal roof is pricing. The unfortunate truth is, most homeowners won’t be able to afford a copper roof.
Well, you can't decide if you can or not without honest pricing information.
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in breaking down cost-related questions the rest of the industry likes to avoid. That's why I'll break down everything you need to know about copper metal roof pricing.
In this article, I'll answer:
How much does a copper roof metal cost?
A copper metal roof costs $30.00 to $50.00 per square foot. This price range is a for full installation, including labor and materials.
Just keep in mind that this price range isn't exact because labor costs vary and the price of copper fluctuates regularly. So, where you fall in the range heavily depends on copper's cost at the time of your project.
Also, copper is most commonly used to accent other roofing materials. So, if you're getting a smaller copper metal roof that requires bending, folding, or a lot of cutting, the cost per square foot will be higher.
At this point, you have an idea of how much a copper metal roof costs. While the metal type and roofer you hire play a huge role, there are many more factors that directly impact the price of a new copper metal roof.
Below are the main things a roofing contractor considers when estimating the cost of a copper metal roof.
Labor costs are factored into every line item on a copper metal roof's estimate. So, if anything takes time and labor, it will have an associated labor cost.
There’s no set price for labor and time because it varies by roofing contractor. While copper is very expensive, the manpower, time, and unique skillset it takes to install are also huge reasons for the very high price.
Tearing off and disposing of your old roof before installing a copper metal roof has a big impact on the cost. And if your roof has more than one layer, it increases cost even more.
This is due to labor and the fact that dumpsites charge significant fees that are always going up. You’ll be charged an initial labor and dump fee for the first layer plus an added cost for each additional layer.
The copper panels make up the bulk of a copper metal roof system, but there’s more beneath the surface. And just like the panels impact the cost, so do the rest of the copper components.
Below are the main components you’ll pay for when getting a copper metal roof replacement:
The size of copper metal roofing is measured by ounces, which is simply the thickness of the panels. The higher the ounces, the thicker the panels are. So, a 20 oz copper metal roof panel is thicker and more durable than a 16 oz copper metal panel.
Copper is already expensive, but gets even more costly with thicker panels.
The most obvious thing that affects your copper metal roof's cost is the size, either measured in squares or square footage. Your roof’s square footage affects the amount of materials used, labor, and time needed to complete the job.
I say square footage because it’s what homeowners are familiar with. However, you’ll also hear a roofing contractor say “price per roofing square” (100 square feet).
Roof pitch is your roof's slope (angle), which can go from flat to almost completely vertical. The steeper the roof pitch, the more it increases labor costs for a copper metal roof due to moving slower and safely.
Pitch will always play a huge role in pricing, especially labor costs. However, steep pitches can also create more square footage, which also increase material prices.
Complexity is how your roof is cut up with different facets, hips, valleys, and stories off the ground. Your roof’s complexity has a huge impact on the cost based on how it’s cut up with different facets, hips, valleys, and stories off the ground.
Just like with pitch, a roof with a high number of facets at multiple angles, hips, valleys, and two or more stories off the ground is more difficult and takes a lot longer to roof than a ranch-style home’s roof.
A roof penetration is anything that comes through your roof, like plumbing vents, gas vents, kitchen/bathroom vents, skylights, and chimneys. The more penetrations your roof has, the more it impacts cost.
For a copper metal roof, penetrations can cause plenty of headaches to work around. Smaller pipes or vents will have a greater impact the more there are, but skylights and chimneys will always be costly.
After reading this article, you know how much a copper metal roof costs and what impacts the pricing. The truth is, copper is one of the most expensive roofing materials available.
However, the high price is worth it for the curb appeal and the fact that it's a lifetime material. But while it mainly comes down to budget, personal taste also matters.
Some homeowners may have the budget, but don't like the patina look as copper ages. Luckily, copper is just one metal available for metal roofing.
So, whether you want a more affordable metal roof or want one that fits your style, there are other great options to consider. That's why I wrote another article breaking down the best metal types for metal roofing.
Check out 5 Types of Metal Roofing Materials to learn the pros, cons, lifespan, pricing, and more of the best metal roofing materials.