Copper Roofing: an Enduring Link Between Past and Future
Volume 15 Number 1 Journal of architectural technology published by Hoffmann Architects, specialists in exterior rehabilitation First Issue 1997 Volume 15 Number 1 Copper Roofing: An Enduring Link Between Past and Future with their standard 20-year warranty. Arthur L. Sanders, AIA Certainly, not all buildings are intended to last more than 30 or 40 years and C ustom-crafted copper roofing, rich may not warrant a copper roof. But in detailing, rich in history, speaks to many are designed for longevity and endurance and long life, its soft blue- merit a roof that will endure equally well. green patina a testament to the passage of time. But as a building material, Without a doubt, copper was and is a copper shouldn’t be relegated to the high initial cost item, typically two or past, despite competition over the past more times the cost of other roofing few decades from lower-cost, pre-formed types, with the exception of slate and metal roofing systems and other roofing tile. This high initial cost was a primary types. If longevity, low maintenance, reason why copper traditionally was and a strong aesthetic statement are a selected only for “important” buildings building owner’s goals, copper remains — public facilities, churches, libraries, the hands-down favorite. and other buildings of long-term value to their owners and their communities. When properly designed, detailed, and That cost came from the high level of installed, a copper roof can easily last craftsmanship required for installation, 50 years or more with relatively little along with the cost of the material itself.
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