Top 6 Ways to Use Copper Roofing (and More) for Your Home’s Exterior
Owning a home is a long-term investment. That means that as a property owner, you should have two goals:
- Enhancing your home’s aesthetic appeal, which will help it appreciate in value (while winning you some respect from the neighbors)
- Ensuring your exterior’s longevity, which will help you save money on costly repairs on fixtures such as gutters, windows, roofing, and siding in the long run.
Copper combines these two pursuits, offering unparalleled durability with an air of elegance to match. Even better, you don’t need to cover your entire roof in copper to enjoy its benefits. In this article, we’ll cover how strategic accents like copper porch roofs, flashing, gutters, and more can transform your home’s look without straining your budget.
Quick Answer
Copper is one of the most durable and attractive exterior materials available. While it costs more upfront than asphalt or aluminum, copper features like porch roofs, gutters, flashing, drip edges, dormers, and water tables can dramatically boost curb appeal while protecting your home from the elements.
A well-maintained copper roof or accent can last 50–100 years, in part because it develops a natural patina that enhances both aesthetics and longevity. For homeowners in the Carolinas, copper is a smart long-term investment in your property.
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1. Copper Porch Roof
In the Carolinas, your front porch serves as a central gathering place for your friends, family and neighbors. That makes it the perfect candidate for a copper roof revamp, adding an elegant look to the heart of your outdoor living space.
Plus, by using copper for only a portion of your roof, you can save money in several ways:
- Copper roofs last far longer than most other roofing materials, with well-maintained copper roofs remaining in peak condition up to (and in some cases, even past) 100 years.
- By only roofing your porch with copper rather than your entire home, you minimize high upfront installation costs, since copper is considered a premium roofing material.
Because of that, a copper porch roof serves as the perfect union between aesthetics and durability without sacrificing cost-consciousness. Because of that, porches our number one recommendation for where to use copper on your home’s exterior.
2. Copper Flashing
Flashing is hardly the most eye-catching part of a roof, but it’s crucial when it comes to leak-proofing your home. Flashing seals vulnerable areas (think valleys, chimneys, ridges, and the like) where rainwater would otherwise infiltrate your home.
By using copper flashing, this unsung hero of your home’s exterior takes on a role beyond functionality. Copper enhances your property’s aesthetics without sacrificing waterproofing. This is because copper flashing adds depth and definition to your roof’s texture, especially if your home has multiple roof sections that blend together without distinct materials.
3. Copper Gutters
Copper gutters are the best of both worlds: beautiful and functional! Their artisan appearance creates a beautiful frame for your home while also directing water away from your foundation. Additionally, copper has the longest lifespan of all gutter materials, so you can trust that your investment will go the extra mile.
4. Copper Drip Edges
Like flashing, drip edges are a small but vital detail of any home exterior. Installed along the edges of your roof, they guide rainwater away from your fascia and prevent it from seeping underneath your shingles, preventing costly leaks.
Opting for copper drip edges not only ensures excellent moisture protection but also creates a crisp, finished border around your roofline. That’s not to mention that over time, the copper’s natural patina gives your home an added touch of character, making copper drip edges a perfect choice if you prioritize curb appeal in every aspect of your roofing system.
5. Copper Dormers
Dormers are vertical structures, often with windows, that project from sloped roofs to add natural light and usable space to your interior. Copper dormer roofs provide both durability and style, creating a striking contrast with darker materials like asphalt shingles.
6. Copper Water Table
Water tables are the horizontal moldings on the edge of a building’s exterior, often near the ground, which direct rainwater away from the foundation. Beyond simply improving drainage, copper water tables provide a decorative accent that resists corrosion and ages beautifully.
Benefits of a Copper Roof
There’s a long list of reasons why you should consider adding copper to your home’s exterior. These are some of our top considerations:
- Long Lifespan: If properly cared for, a copper roof lasts between 50-100 years, and copper gutters can maintain their effectiveness for 50+ years.
- Curb Appeal: Copper is renowned for its beauty, and it can impart any home with an artisan appearance. This is especially true when contrasted with darker roofing materials such as asphalt shingles. More natural options like slate also work wonders for your home’s aesthetics.
- Patina: Over the years, copper transforms from a bright metallic finish to deep browns and eventually a soft green patina. This natural process provides enhanced protection against wind, rain and sun while imparting your home with a unique beauty that evolves over time.
A Crucial Drawback: Price
The main drawback of copper is its high upfront cost. While asphalt shingles typically run $3.50-$8.50 per square foot, copper averages $11–$35. Plus, as a premium material, it can also be vulnerable to theft in rare cases.
That said, copper’s exceptional durability often offsets the expense. Unlike asphalt, which may need replacing after 20 years, a copper roof can last a century. Consequently, for homeowners able to handle the initial investment, copper ultimately proves to be a cost-effective choice over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This depends on your taste. For a bold appearance, contrast with black, navy or white siding that makes the best of both your roofing and siding stand out. However, if you’d rather highlight the copper itself, opt for softer neutrals like cream, beige or gray, which naturally draw the eye to the metal.
Usually, a copper roof lasts between 50-100 years, though particularly well-maintained copper roofs can resist the elements for well over a century.
Most of the time, you don’t need to clean copper at all, since its patina naturally protects it. If you want to restore a brighter finish, use a gentle cleaning solution of water and mild soap with a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid harsh chemicals or power washing, as these will damage the metal.
Copper roofing costs between $11-$35 per square foot, compared to asphalt shingles at $3.50–$8.50 per square foot. While copper is notoriously expensive upfront, the metal’s durability allows it to pay for itself in the long term.
Yes! Copper’s longevity and aesthetic uniqueness mean it will heighten the curb appeal and resale value of any home it adorns. This is yet another reason why copper installation can pay for itself in the long term.
Yes. Copper can cause green streaking on nearby surfaces as it patinas, especially in areas with heavy rain. This effect is a byproduct of rainwater carrying copper molecules from your metal fixture across your home’s exterior. Some homeowners believe this adds charm, while others view the streaks as interfering with their exterior’s overall aesthetic; it’s really a matter of taste!
Remember, with copper’s high upfront costs, you don’t need to go all out! Installing copper flashing one year, redoing your porch roof a few years later, and investing in copper gutters a while after that can be a practical solution for making your home exterior dreams come true!
With all that in mind, copper is not a luxury feature. It’s an investment in your home’s long-term value and protection that will pay dividends as decades pass. If you plan on staying in your current home for more than a few years, you should consider implementing some of these ideas for your exterior.
Considering Copper for Your Home’s Exterior? Let’s Talk About Your Needs.
If you’re thinking copper installation for a home in North or South Carolina, talk to our team of local experts. You can complete the form below and if we’re in your area (we’ve got most of the Carolinas covered) someone will visit your home to assess your roofing needs.
