What is a substitute for the copper material used on a roof?

Question

We are putting on a new roof & the price of copper is really adding to the price of the roof. The snow slides alone are over $7,000. Is there something that we can use that looks like cooper and is still corrosive-resistant, but is less expensive?

Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Plenty of choices out there. However, nothing will ‘patina’ quite like copper… its one of the things that makes it unique as a building material, and look so nice. For long term corrosive resistant products, look into aluminum panels, galvanized steel, galvaluminized steel, zinc or rhinzinc- which looks awesome but is expensive.

I like copper, and if you are tying to justify the price, consider that over the life of the building a copper roof is going to be an excellent value. Slate, Ceramic Tiles, and Copper are among some of the longest lasting roofing materials in existence- you won’t be replacing your roof every 15 years with copper on it.

Check out www.unaclad.com I think they are one of the better metal roofing manufacturers around who offer a full line of metal products, from aluminum to zinc!

Word to the wise: with the high costs of metals, especially copper- I have seen roofs removed and stolen while the owners were on vacation!!

Answer 2

There is no substitute for the look of copper. I hope you know that it will oxidize in just a short time to a dull blackish, greenish hue. Obviously you have priced the steel panels. Imho since most people put too much emphasis on things lasting forever why not put on asphalt shingles? No snow fears and most roofs must be designed for the snow load assuming asphalt anyway.