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Copper Roofing Types, Product Sources, Installation, Defects, Repairs
- COPPER ROOFING - Copper roof types
- Photographs of styles of copper roofs on buildings
- Types of Metal Roofing Materials, Products
- Copper Roof Supply Sources & Manufacturers List
- Copper roof inspection, leak diagnosis, repair, maintenance
- Questions & answers about copper metal roofs
- References
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This article describes types of copper roofing materials, choices, installations, inspection, defects, roofing repairs, and product sources. The standing seam copper roof shown at the top of this page protects Ely Hall, originally the Alumnae Gymnasium, William M. Tubby, architect, 1889, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie NY. Copper metal roofing systems involve copper sheets of varying thickness and alloy, soldered or mechanically crimped seams, used on steep, standard, low-slope, and some flat building roofs. Life expectancy of a properly-installed copper roof is 50+ years.
Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.
Guide to Installing, Inspecting, Repairing Copper Roofs
Copper as a durable roofing material has been in use for hundreds of years, in both hot and cold climates and on a wide range of building types.
Our copper roof photograph (left) shows a brand new copper standing seam metal roof (left) and an older standing seam copper metal roof (right) on a Vassar College building in Poughkeepsie, NY.
The new copper ridge atop the right-hand slope was installed during re-roofing of the opposing slope that is not visible in this photograph.
At left in our photo you'll also notice a custom-constructed copper-clad skylight over an area intended for use by art students and artists. More about skylights is found at SKYLIGHT LEAK DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR and at SLOPED GLAZING DETAILS.
You will also notice that both the older copper roof and the new copper roof installation included continuous snow guards along the building eaves. |
The mechanically fastened steep-slope copper roof shown in our photograph (below left) is on a building in Buenos Aires, Argentina, while the steep sloped copper roof in our second photograph (below right) is on a building in Oslo, Norway. (Photographs by DF).
Examples of fastening details for the installation of copper roofs to the building roof deck or structure are discussed under metal and standing seam roofing below.
As our photograph of this tower roof on a building on the Vassar College Campus, Poughkeepsie, NY USA, copper roofing is used for
- Aesthetic reasons, beauty, color of the weathered verdigris green copper
- Durability
- Weatherproofing complex surfaces where metal flashing is needed
- Weatherproofing building components that are difficult and thus expensive to access for maintenance or re-roofing.
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Soldered Flat Shingle and Flat Copper Metal Roofs
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Flat metal shingles with interlocking edges were produced in both steel and copper, then soldered when in place. Usually we find these installed on flat or low-slope roofs such as at dormer insets on homes constructed in the U.S. before 1920.
Carson Dunlop's standing seam metal roof sketch (below) includes a sketch of soldering used to connect flat metal roofing panels.
Watch out: large expanses of metal roofing with soldered connections may flex and break open the soldered joints due to thermal movement.
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Modern Copper Shingled Roofs
Zappone Manufacturing is a current producer of copper roof shingles, including copper scallop shingles and snap-together copper roof shingles. In appearance these contemporary copper roof shingle products resemble older soldered-copper shingles (shown in our photo above) and also older steel roof shingle products that we show at Metal Shingle Roofs.
The producer cites the long life of copper roof materials and higher-speed installation that using non-copper roofing shingles as compensating for the higher installed-cost than other more conventional roof coverings (such as asphalt roof shingles).
[Photos of modern copper shingles wanted: CONTACT us]
For examples of Zappone-produced copper roof shingles see that company's two marketing articles:
Metal Roofing Sources, Products, & Manufacturers
Below we have adapted and added to the Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction list of producers and sources of metal roofing, metal roof fastening systems, and related metal roofing products
- Classic Products, website:
www.classicroof.com
Modular metal shingle panels and standing seam panels
- Copper Development Association, Tel: 212-251-7200, http://www.copper.org/
- Decra Roofing Systems, website:
www.decra.com
Modular metal shingle, tile, and shake panels
- Dura-Lok Roofing Systems, website:
www.duraloc.com
Modular metal roofing shingles with granular coating
- Fabral, website:
www.fabral.com
Exposed fastener and concealed clip metal roofing
panels
- Gerard Roofing Technologies, website:
www.gerardusa.com
Modular metal shake and tile panels with granular
coating
- Met-Tile, website:
www.met-tile.com
Modular metal roof-tile panels
- Atas International, website:
www.atas.com
Modular metal shingle, tile, and standing-seam panels
- Custom-Bilt Metals, website:
www.custombiltmetals.com
Modular metal shakes and standing seam panels
- Zappone Manufacturing, website www.zappone.com/
Zappone Manufacturing, 2928 North Pittsburg St. Spokane, WA 99207
1-800-285-2677, Washington State Copper Roofing Supplier of Copper scallop shingles, copper shingles, copper bay windows, vertical walls, aluminum roof shingles
-- Adapted with permission from Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about copper roofing systems & products
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Questions & answers or comments about copper roofs: choices, installation, inspection, leaks, trouibleshooting & repair procedures.
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Technical Reviewers & References
Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.
- "Choosing Roofing," Jefferson Kolle, January 1995, No. 92, Fine Homebuilding, Taunton Press, 63 S. Main St., PO Box 5506, Newton CT 06470 - 800-888-8286 - see http://www.taunton.com/FineHomebuilding/ for the magazine's website and for subscription information.
- CDA: Copper Development Association, Inc., website: www.copper.org
Copper.org provides a free Copper in Architecture - Design Handbook at http://apps.copper.org/applications/architecture/arch_dhb/air/homepage.html
- Copper Roofing, book by CDA (see above)
- Copper Roofing, Master specifications for copper roofing and sheet metal work in building construction: Institutional, commercial, industrial, I.E. Anderson, 1961 (hard to find)
- Problems in Roofing Design, B. Harrison McCampbell, Butterworth Heineman, 1991 ISBN 0-7506-9162-X (available used)
- Grapevine Design Guidelines - Web Search 07/12/2010
- "Wright-Foundation Designed Home Features Innovative Copper Shingles", Zappone Manufacturing, 2928 North Pittsburg St. Spokane, WA 99207
1-800-285-2677, Washington Copper Roofing Supplier, web search ca 2009, original source: www.zappone.com/ImageSource/pdf/News/article2.pdf [Permission requested 9/27/10]
- "Copper Sheet into Copper Shingles: Fresh Approach to Quality Roofing", Zappone Manufacturing, 2928 North Pittsburg St. Spokane, WA 99207
1-800-285-2677, Washington Copper Roofing Supplier, web search ca 2009, original source: www.zappone.com/ImageSource/pdf/News/article3.pdf [Permission requested 9/27/10]
- "Copy on file as - /roof/Roofing_Historic_NPS.pdf">Roofing for Historic buildings - ", Sarah M. Sweetser, Preservation Brief 4, Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief04.htm
- "Copy on file as - /roof/Asbestos-to-Zinc_Metal_Roofing_NPS.pdf - From Asbestos to Zinc, Roofing for Historic buildings, Metals - ", Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/roofingexhibit/metals2.htm
- "Copy on file as - /exterior/NPS_Preserv_Brief_16_Subs_Mtls.pdf">The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Building Exteriors - ",
Sharon C. Park, AIA, Preservation Brief 16, Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief16.htm
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
 The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
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- Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss. John Wiley & Sons, 2006. ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, Hardcover: 320 pages, available from Amazon.com and also Wiley.com. See our book review of this publication.
- Architectural elements: the technological revolution: Galvanized iron roof plates and corrugated sheets; cast iron facades, columns, door and window caps, ... (American historical catalog collection), Diana S Waite, available used out of Amazon.
- "Choosing Roofing," Jefferson Kolle, January 1995, No. 92, Fine Homebuilding, Taunton Press, 63 S. Main St., PO Box 5506, Newton CT 06470 - 800-888-8286 - see http://www.taunton.com/FineHomebuilding/ for the magazine's website and for subscription information.
- [1] Follansbee Roofing, Follansbee WV 26037, Tel: 800-624-6906, website: www.follansbeeroofing.com and http://www.follansbeeroofing.com/products/TerneII.aspx Quoting Follansbee on TerneII properties:
Follansbee Steel is the only manufacturer of a pre-painted or natural Terne roof and is a leading supplier of metal roofs for new and retrofit commercial, institutional, residential and historic preservation projects.
Terne II - Classic Terne-Coated Steel
... is a new and improved version of historic Terne metal, ... Terne II has improved capability for resisting corrosion in all environments ... also has excellent formability, solderability, and affinity for paint ... without compromising mechanical characteristics. It can be used in flatlock, standing seam, vertical wall designs and virtually any other application in which original Terne has been used. It is strong and ductile, having high yield and tensile strengths as well as workability. This new material can easily be formed with conventional roofing tools.
With Terne II roofing, it is advisable to paint the material as soon as conditions permit. Oxide formation is slower than with the original Terne and the wait for proper painting conditions provides substantially less risk. The new material is coated with Follansbee's new ZT® alloy, a combination of zinc and tin. This coating is designed not only as a barrier but also to be anodic to the steel substrate and reduce the potential for oxidation before painting.
The traditional oil-based paints long required on original Terne are not recommended for application on Terne II. Follansbee's Rapidri paint with its faster drying time and ease of application is much superior to the old painting system. The Rapidri acrylic paints are aesthetically pleasing while offering enhanced durability and color retention. ...
- Metal Roofing Alliance, E. 4142 Hwy 302, Belfair, WA 98528, Telephone:(360) 275-6164, Customer Support 410-534-6900, Email: support@metalroofing.com,
Website: www.metalroofing.com. Quoting:
The Metal Roofing Alliance was formed in 1998 by a small group of forward-thinking metal roofing manufacturers with the main goal of educating consumers about the many benefits of metal roofing. Since our inception, we've shown millions of people just how beautiful, durable and money-saving metal roofing can be for them. Over the years, our membership has grown to include paint companies, material suppliers, industry publications and more. Be sure to take advantage of all of the great resources our members offer.
- The Metal Initiative, 4700 W. Lake Ave., Glenview, IL 60025, P:847.375.4785 Website: www.themetalinitiative.com/, Email: Louise Ristau lristau@connect2amc.com Quoting:
The Metal Initiative is a coalition of manufacturers, individuals and associations that have come together to provide information on the features and benefits of metal in construction. Carrying its message of metal primarily to the professional building owner community, The Metal Initiative seeks to gather and disseminate useful information for decision-makers.
- Metal Roofing, an Illustrated Guide, R.A. Knowlton , [metal shingle roofs],
- "Metal Roofing: 'Fixing' for Thermal Movement", Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] p. 72, NRCA
- "Metal Roof Systems: Design Considerations for Snow and Ice", Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] p. 74, NRCA
- "Steel [Roof] Decks: Issues for the 1990's", Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] p. 74, NRCA
- "Steel [Roof] Deck Corrosion Bulletin, NRCA", Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] p. 58, NRCA
- "The Many Aspects of Metal [Roof] Shingles", Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] NRCA
- Copper Roofing, by CDA
- Copper Roofing, Master specifications for copper roofing and sheet metal work in building construction: Institutional, commercial, industrial, I.E. Anderson, 1961 (hard to find)
- Corrugated Iron, Building on the Frontier, Simon Holloway
- Problems in Roofing Design, B. Harrison McCampbell, Butterworth Heineman, 1991 ISBN 0-7506-9162-X (available used)
- Grapevine Design Guidelines - Web Search 07/12/2010
- "Copy on file as - /roof/Asbestos-to-Zinc_Metal_Roofing_NPS.pdf - From Asbestos to Zinc, Roofing for Historic buildings, Metals - ", Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/roofingexhibit/metals2.htm
- "Copy on file as - /roof/Asbestos-to-Zinc_Metal_Roofing_NPS_3.pdf - From Asbestos to Zinc, Roofing for Historic buildings, Metals-part II, Coated Ferrous Metals: Iron, Lead, Zinc, Tin, Terne, Galvanized, Enameled Roofs - ", Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/roofingexhibit/metals.htm
- "On file as /roof/Asbestos-to-Zinc_Metal_Roofing_NPS_2.pdf - From Asbestos to Zinc, Roofing for Historic buildings, Metals- Roofing Today - ", Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/roofingexhibit/roofingtoday.htm
- "Copy on file as - /roof/Roofing_Historic_NPS.pdf">Roofing for Historic buildings - ", Sarah M. Sweetser, Preservation Brief 4, Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief04.htm
- "Copy on file as - /exterior/NPS_Preserv_Brief_16_Subs_Mtls.pdf">The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Building Exteriors - ",
Sharon C. Park, AIA, Preservation Brief 16, Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, web search 9./29.10, original source:
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief16.htm
- "Metal Roofing: 'Fixing' for Thermal Movement [ copy on file as /roof/Metal_Roof_Movement_NRCA.pdf ] - ", Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] p. 72, NRCA
- "Metal Roof Systems: Design Considerations for Snow and Ice [ copy on file as /roof/Metal_Roof_Snow_Ice_NRCA.pdf ] - ", Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] p. 74, NRCA
- "Steel [Roof] Decks: Issues for the 1990's [ copy on file as /roof/ Steel_Roof_Deck_Corrosion1_NRCA.pdf ] - ", Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] p. 74, NRCA
- "Steel [Roof] Deck Corrosion Bulletin, NRCA [ copy on file as /roof/Steel_Roof_Deck_Corrosion_NRCA.pdf ] - ", Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] p. 58, NRCA
- "The Many Aspects of Metal [Roof] Shingles [copy on file as Metal_shingles_NRCA.pdf ] - ", Thomas L. Smith, AIA, CRC., Professional Roofing, [date pending] NRCA
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