Copper Shingles

Copper shingles can be bought in essentially two forms: copper–topped asphalt shingles and copper tile shingles.

Copper shingles are an environmentally friendly choice for roofing. Seventy-five percent of copper used in making copper shingles is recycled. If the roof is ever taken off, the copper may be recycled again. They further benefit the environment because they do not need to be replaced every twenty or so years. When a copper shingle roof is placed, it will often times outlast the building.

Because of the light weight of copper, existing roofs do not always need to be removed before installation. In new construction, some costs can be saved because the support structure does not need to be as heavy.

New technology has made pure copper shingles as easy to install as a traditional asphalt roof. This will allow a homeowner with a little know-how to save money by installing their own roof.

Copper-topped asphalt shingles are a lot less expensive that pure copper shingles, but also have a shorter life expectancy. They offer the distinctive look of copper, but the life of the copper-topped asphalt shingles is only as long as the life of the asphalt shingles below them. The roof will still last between thirty to forty years, much longer than your traditional asphalt shingled roof. While this choice is by no means cheap, it is much less expensive than installing the pure copper shingles.

Copper shingles age with grace going from the blazing copper to a beautiful patina after a few years. There are some shingles that are sold with the patina already in place, or a solution can be bought to hasten the patina process. In reverse, if you prefer the shine of copper, there are solutions that can slow down the oxidation process that causes the patina.

Copper shingles are a great alternative to copper sheeting for a roof.