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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. Acp Sheet Cladding
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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.
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 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.
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 are typically sold in 100-square-foot squares. The cost per square varies by panel seam style.
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 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 installation involves several steps. From removal and disposal of the existing roof to inspections, permits, materials and labor, here are the typical costs.
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.
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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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Copper roofing has many advantages that may make its higher costworthwhile. Benefits for houses with copper roofs include:
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nick has been a writer in the home services industry since 2017, having marketed for dozens of flooring and home improvement providers in North America. He loves diving into unfamiliar home topics and demystifying them for others. When he’s not writing, he’s likely cooking, hiking, or traveling with his wife in their DIY-renovated camper van.
Composite Wall Cladding Lowe is a lead editor, covering all things related to home improvement and good design. She previously worked in the decor and lifestyle spaces for digital publishers like Hunker and Ranker and has multiple years of experience creating design and DIY content.