Are copper roofs a good investment?

Copper metal roofs are expensive, but they are a good investment because they last a lifetime, require very little maintenance and can increase the resale value of your home.

Are copper roofs good for solar panels?

Solar panels absolutely can be installed on a copper roof. However, copper is a flexible material, so installers walking on the roof can damage the metal. Make sure that your solar contractor can install the solar panels without denting your roof.

Why are copper roofs so expensive?

Copper is a high-end material with strong demand. Although copper roofs are expensive, they can last a lifetime or more, making them worth the investment for many homeowners.

Copper Roof Cost and Homeowners Guide (2024 Review)

Average Copper Roof Cost : $35,000 – $70,000

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the costs and features of a copper roof. Here are the basics:

Copper roofs can last 100 years or more if they are properly cared for
Like other metal roofing types, copper roofs can make your home more energy-efficient
Copper is the most expensive type of metal roof, costing between $11 and $25 per square foot

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Home Roofing Roof Types Copper Roof

Written by Faith Wakefield

Reviewed by Melissa Smith

Updated as of October 08, 2022

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Copper roofs are widely considered one of the most beautiful and long-lasting metal roofing options available.

If you need a roof replacement, a copper roof offers a high-end, timeless look that can easily outlast the lifespan of your home.

Copper roofs increase the energy efficiency of your home and can be infinitely recycled — but you probably won’t need to replace a copper roof within your lifetime anyway.

The only major drawback of a copper roof is the high cost. The cost of installing a metal roof is higher than most asphalt roofs — and copper is by far the most expensive type. However, the longevity and beauty of this roof make the cost worth it for many homeowners.

Homeowners looking to take advantage of copper’s unique style without paying for an entire roof will commonly use copper as an accent over a bay window, dormers, chimney caps or a porch area. Copper is a flexible metal, so it is very versatile as a decorative roofing material.

If you’re considering a copper roof installation, we can help you find a contractor. Select one of our top providers below to get a free, no-obligation quote.

Cost of Installing a Copper Roof

The national average cost of copper roofing is $11 to $25 per square foot. That means that if your roof is 1,700 square feet (the national average roof size), your copper roof would cost you between $18,700 and $42,500 before labor costs. Expect labor costs to add between $10,000 and $30,000 to your total installation costs.

Roofing is commonly priced per square, which equals 100 square feet. That means that a copper roofing square would be between $1,100 and $2,500.

It’s important to remember that the slope, pitch, size and location of your roof will largely influence the total cost of your roof replacement project. The steeper your roof, the more safety equipment and time your roofer will require to safely finish the installation. You may also have to pay a travel fee If your roofer has to travel a long distance to get to your house.

How To Calculate The Cost Of Your New Copper Roof

Although every roof and housing project is different, you can calculate a rough estimate of your roofing cost so that you can know what to expect. Use the following equations to estimate the cost of your copper roof:

$11 x size of your roof in square feet = Low-end cost of a copper roof

$25 x size of your roof in square feet = High-end cost of a copper roof

For instance, if your roof is 1,700 square feet, you would calculate the following:

$11 x 1,700 = $18,700

$25 x 1,700 = $42,500

Keep in mind that this equation does not include labor costs or other cost factors like removal fees, roof features and travel time. To get a personalized, accurate estimate, call a professional for a free, no-obligation quote. You can select one of our top providers below to get started.

Power Home

Best Overall

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

Positive industry reputation
Lifetime or lengthy warranty
10+ years of experience
Positive customer reviews
Uses eco-friendly materials
Well-trained, certified installers
Variety of roofing styles available

Cons

Limited variety of roofing materials
Short or nonexistent warranty
No financing information available
Expensive
Little information available on company website

Get Estimate Click to get a free quote

Erie Home

Best for New Roofs

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

Lifetime or lengthy warranty
Widespread availability
10+ years of experience
Positive customer reviews
Uses eco-friendly materials
Financing options available
Well-trained, certified installers
Uses durable materials meant to last
Variety of roofing styles available

Cons

Limited variety of roofing materials
Expensive

Get Estimate Click to get a free quote

Aspen Contracting

Most Eco-Friendly

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

Positive industry reputation
Lifetime or lengthy warranty
Widespread availability
10+ years of experience
Positive customer reviews
Financing options available

Cons

Little information available on company website

Get Estimate Click to get a free quote

Factors That Go Into Copper Roof Pricing

As we mentioned above, there are several factors beyond roofing material and square footage that will determine the final cost of roof installation. Here’s what you need to know:

Material Pricing for Copper

As we stated above, the material price of copper roofing is between $11 and $25 per square foot. The roofing style you choose will determine which end of the cost spectrum your copper roof will be.

For instance, copper shingles are typically the cheapest copper roofing option, while copper panels and continuous copper roofing cost more. Continuous copper roofs are the most expensive option because they are custom-made to fit your roof size.

Standing seam copper roofs offer a similar look to continuous copper, but they are installed in panels that are welded or crimped together.

Basic Labor Cost and Time to Complete Copper Roof Installation

Completing a roofing installation is very labor intensive, and it’s not uncommon for labor costs to make up more than 50% of your total roofing project costs.

Labor costs will vary depending on where you live. However, you can expect to pay an average of $75 an hour in labor costs for your roofing installation.

Removing Your Current Roof and Dump Fees

Removing your old roof will rack up additional labor and disposal costs. Luckily, like other metal roofs, some new copper roofs can be installed right over your existing roof. This eliminates excess waste and cost.

If your old roof does have to be removed, call your local solid waste management or recycling center to schedule a drop-off or pick-up of your old roofing materials. Most roofing materials can be recycled, including metals, clay and even asphalt, so do your research and recycle whenever you can.

Many roofing companies will handle roofing disposal for an extra cost, or you can generally pay between $30 and $50 to drop off a truckload of old shingles. Consult with your roofing company before your roofing project begins so you know who will be responsible for material disposal.

Size and Complexity of Your Roof

Roofing materials are typically priced by the square foot, so the larger your roof, the more you’ll pay. However, if your roof has details like a chimney, skylight windows, air vents or chimney caps, your roofing project will be more expensive than a simpler roof.

Additionally, if your roof has a lot of angles, valleys or facets, your roofer will have to work harder to fit and install your roof, also adding to costs.

To get a clearer idea of how much your new metal roof will cost, you’ll need to talk to a professional and get a personalized quote. If you’d like to get connected with a roofing professional, select one of our top providers below.

Pros and Cons of Installing Copper Roofs

Copper roofs are a great roofing option for any homeowner looking for a long-lasting roof material with a unique and luxurious appearance. However, just like any other roofing material, copper has its downsides as well.

Homeowners should be aware that copper will naturally change color as the metal ages and oxidizes. If you do not like this appearance, you should choose a different metal roofing material.

Advantages of Copper Roofs

Energy-efficient: Copper, like other metal roofing materials, is highly energy-efficient. It reflects sunlight away from your house (asphalt shingle roofs will absorb heat) regulating the temperature of your home.
Long-lasting: Copper roofs can last 100 years or more, so you probably won’t have to replace your roof again in your lifetime.
Unique appearance: Over time, the process of oxidation will start to turn your shiny copper roof green. This layer known as patina actually protects your roof against corrosion and premature aging. Depending on the climate you live in, patina development on your roof will take 5 to 15 years to form.
Pest and fire-resistant: Copper and other types of metal roofs will not catch fire and are naturally mold resistant, so you won’t have to worry about insects and other pests.

Disadvantages of Copper Roofs

Expensive: Copper is, by far, one of the most expensive roofing materials. Despite this, copper roofs have an excellent return on investment, so if you can afford the initial cost, a copper roof is definitely worth it.
Uneven patina development: The development of the protective green patina layer on a copper roof is one of the most unique features that a copper roof has to offer. That being said, varying conditions can cause the patina to develop unevenly. If this happens, you may have to apply certain chemicals to promote even patina development.
Difficult to find installers: When you have a copper roof installed, it’s important that you hire a qualified professional to complete the job. Because copper roofing is a high-end material, it’s not as common as, say, asphalt shingle roofs. Not every roofing company offers copper roofing installations, so you may have to shop around more.
Expansion and contraction: Although copper roofs are generally low-maintenance, changes in weather and temperature conditions will cause your copper roof to expand and contract, possibly loosening fasteners and necessitating a repair. Again, this is why hiring an experienced copper roofing installer is important. Proper design and installation can help minimize these issues.

Lifetime and Durability of Copper Roofs

Copper roofs can last 50 to 100 years (or more!) with very little maintenance. Some homeowners with copper roofs help facilitate the formation of the protective green patina layer, but this is not necessary.

Patina forms most quickly in humid climates, particularly coastal areas where the air is salty. Homes in dryer climates will not form patina as quickly, but there are methods to speed the process up. For example, you can brush a mixture of salt and white vinegar evenly over the roof and gently rinse it off for quicker, more even patina formation.

Like all roof types, you should occasionally brush off leaves and other debris that build up on your copper roof.

Are Copper Roofs Environmentally friendly?

Copper is very environmentally friendly roofing material for two main reasons:

Copper roofs can last more than a lifetime, reducing landfill waste from stripping and disposing of old roofing material.
Copper is also 100% recyclable, and most copper roofing is made from recycled materials.¹

Because copper has such a high scrap value, it is commonly melted and reformed at the end of its life cycle. Choosing recycled copper can help you avoid contributing to new copper mining and smelting, which can be harmful to the environment.²

Finally, copper roofs (like all metal roofs) increase the energy efficiency of your home by reflecting, rather than absorbing, sunlight. This helps regulate your home’s temperature and reduce your household energy use.

If you’re ready to get started on your roofing project, you can select one of our recommended providers below to get a free estimate.

Financing Your New Copper Roof

If you’re purchasing a new roof, you don’t have to pay for the full cost of your roof upfront. There are plenty of financing options that make paying for a new roof more manageable. The most popular roof replacement payment options are:

Financing through your roofing contractor: Roofing companies commonly partner with a bank or third-party lender to help their customers choose the best financing options.

Home equity loan: Home equity loans allow you to pay off your new roof with a low-interest home equity line of credit (HELOC) by using your home as collateral.³

Home improvement loan: If you do not have as much built-up equity on your home, you can opt for a home improvement loan instead of a home equity loan. The interest rates of these loans can vary depending on your income and credit score.
- Note: If you are a low- or moderate-income household, you may be eligible for an FHA Title 1 loan. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) helps homeowners secure better loans by insuring lenders like banks against losses.⁴

Insurance or home warranty: If you need to replace your roof due to damage from extreme weather or another unavoidable accident, your insurance may pay for your new roof. If your insurance won’t cover your new roof, but your roof has gotten old, your home warranty may still cover it. Each home warranty policy is different, so check up on yours to see if you qualify.

The ROI of Your Copper Roof

A new roof, especially a high-end metal roof like copper, has an excellent return on investment (ROI). On average, you can recoup 55% to 60% of the cost of installing a metal roof through the increased resale value of your home and energy savings.⁵ A copper roof is particularly enticing to potential homebuyers because copper outlasts all other roofing types.

Costs of Maintenance and Repairs for Copper Roofs

Copper roofing needs little or no maintenance. Unlike aluminum or steel, copper roofs will not rust or corrode (which can add to the costs associated with metal roofs). In fact, copper actually gets stronger with age because of the development of the protective layer, patina. Patina develops naturally with oxidation.

As such, there are very few costs associated with the maintenance or repairs for copper roofs, assuming the installation is performed well.

One potential repair you may run into with your copper roof is if the fasteners connecting your copper roofing panels coming loose. This can happen with the natural expansion and contraction of your copper through temperature fluctuations.

Repairing copper roofing fasteners will run you anywhere between $150 and $650. If you’re interested in learning more about the cost of roofing repairs, you can read our article here.

Cleaning your Copper Roof

Copper roofs are relatively low-maintenance, but they still need an occasional cleaning. Because copper is a unique material, you should take care when cleaning it. For starters, never use a pressure washer to clean a copper roof. This can damage the soft metal and ruin the appearance of the patina.

If you are hiring a professional to clean your copper roof, make sure that your contractor is aware of your roofing material and is using proper cleaning methods. Most copper roofs should be gently rinsed with water and coated with a mixture of salt and vinegar to encourage proper aging.

Are Copper Roofs Worth the Cost?

As we said before, the average price of a copper roof comes out to be between $35,000 and $70,000. Considering that asphalt shingles are a fraction of this cost, you may wonder: Are copper roofs worth the cost?

Well, it depends. A copper roof, when properly cared for, can last upwards of 100 years. That means that you’ll probably never have to replace your roof again. Copper roofs are a luxurious, beautiful roofing option, but the price point may be a deterrent to many homeowners.

If you can’t afford a copper roof, you can install a steel or aluminum roof instead. Although aluminum and steel roofing do not look as stunning as copper, you’ll still be enjoying the energy efficiency, recyclability and durability that all metal roofs provide.

FAQ: Copper Roof Cost

Faith Wakefield, Roofing Expert

Article author

Faith is a writer based in North Carolina. She holds English and economics degrees from UNC Chapel Hill, and her background includes event management and technical publishing. Faith is passionate about the arts and loves exploring environmental issues through economic and artistic lenses. She also enjoys spending time in nature, collecting books and practicing her Spanish.

Melissa Smith, Home Improvement Expert

Expert reviewer

Melissa is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainability studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a nonprofit that’s featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.