Table of Contents
- How Much Does Copper Roofing Cost?
- Copper Roofing Cost Calculator
- Copper Roofing Cost by Size
- Copper Roofing Costs by Type
- Copper Roofing Cost Breakdown
- Factors That Impact Copper Roof Costs
- Benefits of Copper Roofs
- Copper Roof Maintenance
- DIY Copper Roof Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you’re considering a new type of roof for your home, a new copper roofing installation costs a national average of $50,500. Total costs range from $27,000 to $72,800, depending on the roof size. On average, professional installation for copper metal roofing costs $16 to $33 per square foot. That includes $9.50 to $25 per square foot for materials and $6 to $12 for labor.
How Much Does Copper Roofing Cost?
Copper is one of the most popular metal roofing materials due to its high durability and resale value. It’s also among the most expensive options. Most homeowners pay $38,100 to $66,400 for a copper roof or $52,900 on average. Additionally, copper can be used for an entire roof system or just a small section.
This copper roof buying guide breaks down copper roof costs and the advantages that make such a significant investment worthwhile for some homeowners.
Copper Roofing Cost by Size
One of the biggest factors in the cost of a copper roof is size. Below are national average costs for various standard dimension, including materials and labor, based on an average cost of $23 per square foot for copper roofing material.
Copper Roofing Costs by Type
Copper roofing comes in various forms, including shingles, panels, sheets, rolls and tiles. Material costs range from $9.50 to $25 per square foot, not including installation labor. Prices will vary based on the quality and availability of copper in your local area.
Copper Roof Shingles
Shingles are the most affordable type of copper roofing at an average of $11 to $16 per square foot. Thinner shingles fall at the low end of the range, with thicker, heavier options at the high end. Installation is straightforward, and labor adds $5 to $10 per square foot.
Copper expands and contracts with weather changes, causing shingles to loosen, however. So take that into consideration if you go with this option. If you do need to adjust your shingles due to weather damage, copper roof repair costs $650 to $2,000.
Copper Roof Panels
Copper roof panels are typically sold in 100-square-foot squares. The cost per square varies by panel seam style.
- Standing seam copper roof panels are the most common, costing $1,750 to $2,000 per square. They feature a single raised seam between each square or rectangular panel.
- Flat seam panels also cost $1,750 to $2,000 per square. This option lies flushr and features overlapping seams.
- Diamond panels cost $1,800 to $2,050 per square and feature rows of decorative diamond shapes, which are more difficult to install and require higher labor costs.
Copper Roof Sheets or Rolls
Installers can adhere unique copper rolls to a roof on-site. This requires intensive labor, so even though the rolls are available for $21.50 to $25.50 per square foot, professional installation costs closer to $35 per square foot.
Copper Roof Tiles
Copper roof tiles cost $15 to $20 per square foot. They come in many shapes and textures— some more decorative and costly than others. Installation prices range up to $25 per square foot.
Copper Roofing Cost Breakdown
Copper roofing installation involves several steps. From removal and disposal of the existing roof to inspections, permits, materials and labor, here are the typical costs.
- Removing existing roof: $1 to $3.25 per square foot
- Old roof disposal: $400
- Roof inspection: $130 to $340
- Copper roofing materials: $10 to $23 per square foot
- Labor and equipment: $6 to $12 per square foot
- Building permits: $350 to $1,160
The wide range in potential permit costs is due to variation between municipalities. Each city or township has local permits, rules and regulations for copper roof installation.
Factors That Impact Copper Roof Costs
There are several factors to consider when replacing a roof, many of which impact the final cost. These include roof size, roof pitch, labor rates and the time of year.
Roof Size
Roof size is one of the biggest cost factors for a copper roofing project. Materials and labor are priced by the square foot, so larger roofs cost more.
Roof Pitch
Pitch refers to the curve or angle of a roof. Steep roofs make installation more challenging and dangerous. Extra safety equipment and time may be needed, increasing labor costs. Flatter roofs may need extra underlayment for moisture protection, adding to material costs.
Time of Year
Roofers prefer to work in the late summer or fall when the weather is mild. If you schedule your installation at the height of this busy season, expect to pay a seasonal premium on labor.
Current Roof Condition
The condition of your roof can make the difference between the cost of a total roof replacement or smaller repairs. You can hire a roof inspector for $130 to $340 to make recommendations.
Roof Features (Skylights, Chimneys, Etc.)
Certain features on your roof can make copper roofing installation more complex. Skylights, chimneys, vents or multiple slopes are all obstructions your roofer must consider and cut around, adding time and increasing labor costs.
Roofing Patterns
Copper tiles come in several sizes and can be laid out in various patterns. If you want a more complex pattern, installing the roof will take more time, increasing labor costs.
Labor
Installation labor for a copper roofing project costs $6 to $12 per square foot. This includes equipment fees and depends on the height and difficulty of the installation. Costs will increase if your contractor has poor weather, obstructions to cut around or custom designs to lay out.
Benefits of Copper Roofs
Copper roofing has many advantages that may make its higher costworthwhile. Benefits for houses with copper roofs include:
- A lifelong investment with a 60- to 100-year lifespan
- Ability to withstand cracks, corrosion, snow, wind, rain, fungus, algae and fires
- Fire resistance can lower insurance premiums
- Can be bent into any shape and installed on any part of a roof
- Eye-catching curb appeal that appeals to home buyers
- Average ROI of 86% or more
- Can be installed unfinished and gains a protective patina as it ages
- Energy-efficient and reduces home heating and cooling costs
Copper Roof Maintenance
Copper roofing is known for being low-maintenance. It withstands most weather and requires minimal cleaning or repair. You can wash it with clean water, which helps prevent corrosion by removing acidic moisture. You can also buy or make a cleaning solution to restore copper’s natural shine. If you’d prefer to hire a professional copper roof cleaner for maintenance, you’ll pay about $450.
Copper is also known for turning green over time. While some homeowners prefer this natural patina, you can apply a clear coat of sealant to slow the aging process. Sealing a copper roof costs about $3 per square foot or between $450 and $2,100 on average.
DIY Copper Roof Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a copper roof is a challenging project that requires specific skills and experience. Roofing work involves climbing ladders and steep slopes. You’ll need to inspect the roof before you get started. Any minor errors can cause leaks and serious structural issues. In many cases, roof installation requires a license.
For these reasons, most homeowners hire a local metal roofing company to do the work for $16 to $33 per square foot on average.
The cost of a DIY metal roof installation includes all necessary materials and equipment. Metal roofing costs $9.50 to $25 per square foot. A power drill, circular saw, and screw gun are the key tools for the job, so be prepared to buy or rent whatever you don’t own.
To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed two providers and six cost databases on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why should I pick copper for my roof?
You should pick a copper roof if you’re willing to pay a higher upfront cost for a lifelong investment. Copper is a low-maintenance material that’s highly durable in the face of severe weather and home fires,. Moreover, it’s able to last decades longer than traditional roofing. Finally, it can also reduce your home insurance and energy costs.
How long do copper roofs last?
Copper roofs can last anywhere from 60 to 100 years with proper maintenance. This is a huge factor when comparing metal roofing to asphalt shingles, which have a typical lifespan of only 20 to 40 years. Plus, copper roofing requires very little maintenance and doesn’t need to be sealed unless you’d like to prevent patination.
What should I consider when choosing copper roofing?
When choosing copper roofing, you should consider that it’s one of the most expensive types of roofing available. This higher cost comes with certain benefits, like a longer lifespan and greater return on investment. Also, consider that copper tends to turn green over time, a natural protective coat that some homeowners prefer.
What’s the best climate for copper roofs?
One of the best climates for copper roofs is a hot, humid area like the southeast United States. Copper resists fungus and algae growth that is common in these environments. However, keep in mind that the natural patination process, which turns copper green, also happens more quickly in humid climates.
Can you add heating cable or solar panels on a copper roof?
Yes, you can add heating cables and solar panels to a copper roof. Heating cables help de-ice a roof or melt snowfall, with an installation cost of $465 to $1,310. Solar panel installation costs $33,675 on average, though it helps reduce energy costs over time.
Why did my copper roof turn green?
A copper roof turns green due to a natural chemical reaction called patination. A protective blue-green patina slowly covers the shiny metallic color of natural copper as it ages and weathers. This process doesn’t harm the copper, and some prefer the color. You can seal your roof for about $3 per square foot to prevent patination.
Can I paint my copper roof?
Yes, you can paint your copper roof for about $2,400 on average. However, if covered, copper roofing does not need to be painted and may lose some of its value. Part of the appeal of copper roofing for potential homebuyers is the rustic look of the copper color or green patina.
