There are plenty of reasons to install a copper roof on your home, including the beautiful aesthetic it provides. Copper is one of the most durable roofing materials, lasting up to 60 years.

Copper roofs are a great investment as experts say that homeowners who invest in a copper roof get an ROI of 85.9%. If you’re considering a copper roof, here’s how much it costs for repair or replacement.

How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Copper Roof?

If you have a 2,000-square-foot roof (the national average), expect it to cost between $30,000 and $70,000 to replace the entire roof with copper. On average, homeowners who choose a copper roof spend around $50,000 having it installed.

Estimates are based on square footage. By pricing the job based on the square footage, they can calculate the cost of materials and labor.

How Much Do Copper Roofing Materials Cost

There is no way to determine exactly how much labor will cost, as those numbers are based on the average wages in your area. But, we can look at national averages to determine the cost of materials.

When dealing with copper roofing, the type you choose will significantly impact how much you pay for installation.

The type of copper roof you choose will impact how much you pay to have the roof installed.

Shingles: $10 to $15 per sq. ft.Tiles: $15 to $20 per sq. ft.Panels: $17 to $20 per sq. ft.Sheets or Rolls: $20 to $25 per sq. ft.

Those prices are the national average for the materials alone. The average cost of having those materials installed are as follows:

Shingles: $15 to $25 per sq. ft.Tiles: $20 to $30 per sq. ft.Panels: $22 to $30 per sq. ft.Sheets or Rolls: $25 to $30 per sq. ft.

Based on those national averages, if you have a roof that is 2,000 square feet, it should cost between $30,000 and $60,000 for installation.

What Goes into a Copper Roof Installation?

While copper is more durable than other roofing materials, it requires a great deal of care during the installation process. The contractor will start by removing your old roof. While you may only see the roofing finish on your home, the roofing system has multiple layers.

Depending on the area you live, there may be a hefty price for disposing of old roofing materials. Since roofing materials are often made of asphalt or metal, many local municipalities don’t allow those items to be thrown into a dumpster. Your contractor will let you know how much the removal of your old roof will cost.

There is also a chance that your roof replacement may need to be permitted by a local municipality. Your contractor can handle obtaining these permits, but they will pass the cost to you.

Once the old roof has been removed, the contractor will examine your roof’s sheathing. Sheathing refers to the sheets of plywood that make up your roof. If any of these sheets are damaged, your contractor will replace or patch them. The cost of most building materials, including plywood, has increased over the last year. Depending on where you live, a single piece of plywood can cost between $20 and $70.

Once the sheathing has been inspected and any nails or screws have been removed or replaced, your contractor will install a membrane to keep water from getting between the roofing finish and the wood. These underlays are made of high-quality paper that feels like felt. Once the underlay has been installed, your contractor can install drip edges and ice guards. These will ensure that ice and water aren’t building up on your new copper roof.

After preparing the surface, your contractor can install the copper roof. There are multiple types of copper roofing within the categories we’ve discussed. Standing seam, flat seam, and diamond panel are all different types of panels, and each comes with their own set of pros and cons. Spend some time talking to your contractor about which type of copper roof is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

How do I maintain a copper roof?

Copper roofs don’t require much maintenance. Every couple years, have a professional clean the copper with a mixture of water, salt, and vinegar.

Do copper roofs increase home value?

People who install a copper roof on their home report getting an 85.9% return on their investment.

How do I get patina on my copper roof?

During the first few months after installation, your copper roof will begin to darken.

Conclusion

Copper roofs, while costly, can increase your home equity. Even if you don’t plan on selling your home, these roofs can last for 60 or more years, making them an excellent investment. Copper roofs are also very aesthetically pleasing and can really improve the look of your home. They also protect against fire danger and can lower your heating and cooling bills.