Copper Roofs
Copper roofs are most often seen on public buildings in the United States. They certainly make an architectural statement, but they are also extremely long lasting. Copper roofs are also unquestionably expensive. Copper roofing can be every bit as spectacular on a private home, and a first-class Ocean County roofing professional can offer advice and installation.
A copper roof will initially shine like a new penny and then fade to a dull brown before taking on its famous green patina. If desired, it can be treated during the manufacturing process to accelerate the aging process, instead of waiting 20 years for the verdigris to emerge.
Copper roofing can be installed in one of three ways. It can be laid in a single sheet that has been custom made to fit the dimensions of the roof. It can also be laid as interlocking panels. Finally, there are shingles made from copper that can be smooth or embossed. The choice between these different types is purely one of aesthetics.
A copper roof is extremely lightweight but unbelievably durable. It is immune to virtually every hazard including water, fire, snow, ice, wind, termites and UV radiation. A copper roof will last for literally hundreds of years.
Copper is extremely environmentally friendly, and copper roofing can be obtained which has been manufactured from newly refined or recycled metal.
Of course, a copper roof can be recycled itself. Virtually the only circumstances where this will occur are when an owner decides to change the roof to a different type and have the copper roof removed. In this case, the copper can be sold to a salvage yard and much of the cost recouped. Because the price of copper can fluctuate, it is one of the only types of roofing that can actually increase in value.
The only maintenance a copper roof needs is to be occasionally cleaned with a soft brush and a solution of lemon juice, salt and vinegar to remove dirt and maintain its finish. Of course, this does not mean that the gutters don’t need cleaning twice a year and other standard roofing maintenance.
Even if a homeowner does not intend to remain in the house forever, the installation of a copper roof will add a considerable amount of value to the home. When the increased value is combined with virtually no maintenance costs and no need to ever replace it, the initial high cost of a copper roof isn’t actually very high at all. Any of the roofing contractors from Fortified Roofing of Ocean County can answer your questions about roof repairs or skylights.
Common roofing term explained by Fortified Roofing of Ocean County NJ:
Verdigris
The green pigment that copper takes on when exposed to weathering, acetic acid or salt. In the case of copper roofing, acetic acid is applied near the end of the manufacturing process if the green patina is desired when the roofing is installed.
Question and answer from Ocean County roofing experts Fortified Roofing:
How much does copper roofing cost?
The cost of the materials alone can range from $5 to $15 per square foot. The wide range in pricing will depend on the area of the country, the market price of copper, the grade of copper and the type of roofing. As it requires specialist experience, some roofers will charge a premium to install a copper roof.
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If you would like to ask a question regarding roofers, a new roof installation, roof leak repairs, skylight options or gutters and downspouts please contact Fortified Roofing today!
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Oh My! People say such nice things!
