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Copper corrugated metal isn’t a roofing material that is often noticed on buildings. Most people only opt for cheaper roof materials like corrugated aluminum or corrugated iron sheets when they are considering metal roofing materials.
Most builders believe that these types of corrugated metal roofing materials are very practical and offer many cost savings benefits in the long run.
In this guide, we are going to find out more about this metal type and discuss all the different applications and benefits you might get from investing in real copper roofing.
What Is Corrugated Copper Metal?
Corrugated copper metal is made from copper metal sheets. A process called roll forming is used to create a wave-like pattern along the panel lengths.
The pattern or design of corrugated copper sheets as well as their exact length can vary. The term corrugated is used for any metal sheet that is not square, boxy, or flat, and all corrugated sheets have grooves and ridges formed in them that enhance their strength. Flat copper sheets are usually flimsy because the metal is naturally soft and pliable. By adding these waves, the metal is strengthened so it can lay straight, carry more weight, and stay in good condition for longer.
Corrugated metal roofing is a great alternative to asphalt shingles or clay roof tiles because of copper’s natural abilities. The roofing materials are affordable, lightweight, energy-efficient, and easy to install compared to these other roofing materials.
Copper Corrugated Metal Finishes
Copper metal panels don’t require a paint finish to keep them in good condition. While other flat sheets might rust, this metal is corrosion-resistant. Different types of finishes can be applied on top of the metal sheet to change its color and protect it from oxidation.
In its natural form, corrugated copper sheets are usually copper colored with a gleaming reddish hue. Without any finishes or coating, these metal sheets will slowly discolor over time. As the copper ages, it can develop a brownish tint and will eventually turn green or greenish blue as a layer of oxidation forms on top of the metal.
Lots of people find the aged look of seam metal roofs visually appealing. And the good news is that you don’t have to wait years to achieve this look for your home. Copper can be chemically treated or coated with a lacquer finish to change its hue.
There are lots of different colors or hues that can be created with these finishes like the following.
Patina Copper Finishes
Patina is a chemical treatment that is used to age the surface of the metal so it will look years older within just a few weeks. These treatments can be applied to create all sorts of finishes like green, blue-green, blue Verde, flemish violet, tri-brown, rusty red, and black.
Lacquered Finish
Lacquered finishes are ideal for those who want to keep the oxidation process from discoloring the metal surface. Lacquered treatments function a lot like a paint finish but are much more durable and completely clear. Different techniques can be used to create a wide range of finishes such as a brushed copper look, a distressed copper look, an antiquated copper look, an aged copper look, or to preserve the natural copper hue.
Benefits of Choosing a Corrugated Copper Rooftop
Copper rooftops might be pricey compared to other types of corrugated metal types, but these rooftops are worth every extra penny because they offer so many great benefits. Here is a quick look at the top benefits of getting a corrugated copper rooftop installed.
Aesthetic Appeal
Many find the natural metal roofing color a lot more appealing compared to metal roofs that are painted. This popular metal can be treated to achieve a wide range of looks including streaked copper, marine green, brown copper, and antiqued copper hues. Copper roof panels can also be coated with a lacquer that protects them from oxidation and maintains that beautiful red-orange hue.
With the right color treatment, and even in natural form, these roofing materials can help you achieve a very unique and visually pleasing overall look.
Various Panel Type Sheets
Corrugated copper panels are available in different styles. The corrugated design can differ in height or can have ridges. There are quite a few different options to choose from, and property owners can also install additional copper roof accessories such as copper awnings, copper domes, and copper gutters to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the copper roof.
Light Weight Material
Another good reason to choose copper rooftops for your building is that it’s lightweight. Copper sheets are significantly lighter compared to other roofing materials like asphalt, concrete, and wood, and they still offer the same level of protection from natural elements and have an excellent service expectancy.
This lighter weight makes copper ideal for buildings that are made from materials like wood. The weight of copper has very little impact on your building structure, which can be helpful for preventing cracks in the walls.
Durable
Corrugated roofing panels that are made of copper are incredibly durable. These metal sheets can easily last well over 100 years and will still be in great condition because the metal is naturally corrosion-resistant, weather-resistant, mold-resistant, fungus-resistant, and temperature-resistant.
Flexible Material
Corrugated copper sheets are quite flexible. They can be bent, cut, and shaped, so you can create a huge variety of roof designs. Copper is an ideal gauge metal roofing material and can be used for industrial projects or residential projects in just about any shape.
Low Maintenance
Other types of metal roofs used in commercial projects usually require paint systems to keep these metal sheets from rusting and in good condition.
Copper sheet roofing is nothing like that. This material can withstand all weather conditions and requires hardly any maintenance at all. In fact, the only maintenance you will need to tend to is an occasional roof cleaning and roofing repairs should some part of your roof become damaged.
Another great reason to choose a copper roof is because of its sustainability. Copper rooftops are often made from recycled materials because copper metal can be melted and reused over and over again without impacting the metal quality. Such a rooftop will also stay in great shape for well over 50 years without the need for additional products like paint that might contaminate the environment.
And, when your home is old and worn down, these copper roof sheets can be stripped away, melted, and repurposed again.
Uses for Corrugated Copper Sheets
Corrugated copper metal can be used for many improvement projects. The metal is often used for industrial building projects, residential building projects, and much more. Here is a quick look at some of the most popular uses for corrugated copper panels.
- Privacy fencing
- To cover patios
- For creating carports
- As siding for kitchen islands
- As interior ceiling paneling
- To create metal accent walls
- To create a metal bar
- Residential roofing projects
- Commercial roofing projects
- Industrial roofing projects
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Corrugated Copper Paneling
Is copper a good roofing material?
Yes, copper is the best metal roofing material and one of the best roofing materials in existence. Copper rooftops are easy to maintain, naturally beautiful, and can last well over 50 years if they are taken good care of. Corrugated copper is also a great roofing material because it is fire resistant, hail resistant, mildew resistant, weather resistant, corrosion resistant, and extremely lightweight.
Will corrugated copper roofing rust?
No, corrugated copper rooftops are made from copper. Copper is a corrosion-resistant metal that cannot rust. Over time, oxidation can occur, and a green layer can form on top of the roofing sheets. These deposits can resemble rusting and aging processes designed to make copper look old. However, the metal underneath this coating or layer will still be in pristine condition and will never rust no matter how much time passes.
Final Thoughts
Copper corrugated metal panels are an ideal roofing material that offer many benefits and can be used for so many different things. Copper is a terrific metal type to consider if you are looking for a very light yet durable roof material that is going to stand the test of time.
The overall look of these rooftops can also be greatly enhanced by installing additional copper features like flashing, trimming, or gutter systems. If you want to have a look at any of these copper roofing accessories, then you should peruse some of the products we have on Classic Copper. With our guides, you can find the most beautiful high-end copper roofing items for any type of roof.