Copper Roofing Cost
The cost of installing a copper roof on an average-sized home of 2,000 square feet is about $42,000. Pricier projects run about $53,000 while cheaper ones are approximately $30,000. Most pay $14 and $25 per square foot.
The material itself usually ranges from $9 to $20 per square foot. Labor and equipment for the job adds between $5 and $10 per square foot. The cost of copper panels is about $1,700 to $2,000 per square.
Copper makes for an eye-catching roof. It’s more expensive than other materials but has several advantages. It’s durable and environmentally friendly. Homeowners are finding the price offsets the return on investment, which is about 85 percent of its cost in selling the home.
Hire an experienced roofing professional who knows how to work with the material to have a roof that lasts a lifetime.
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Copper Roofing Material Prices
The price of copper roofing shingles, panels and tiles generally ranges from $9 to $20 per square foot. Panels are priced at $1,700 to $2,000 per square, which equals 100 square feet. It’s also available in sheets and rolls, the price of which varies based on the size and thickness of the material.
Standing Seam Copper Cost Per Square
The per-square cost of standing seam copper is about $1,850, or about $18.50 per square foot. A roofing square is 100 square feet.
Standing seam panels traditionally run vertically on a roof. They get their name from the raised interlocking seams that connect one panel to the next. This type of roofing stands tough against high winds and storms that produce extreme rain or snow. If improperly installed, it may tear itself apart due to thermal expansion.
Copper Shingles Price
Shingles run homeowners from $9 to $15 per square foot. Thicker, heavier shingles fall on the more expensive end of the range.
This type of roofing is ideal in moist climates like in Florida because it resists fungus and algae. Many homeowners also like the green patina that copper roofs take on as they age. The patination process occurs the fastest in marine climates, about 7 to 10 years. The process takes the longest in arid environments.
While it stands up to severe weather, the material is prone to expanding and contracting as the weather changes. This may cause the fasteners to loosen, requiring repair. The price for metal roof repairs ranges from $200 to $4,000.
Copper Roof Panels Cost
The price of panels falls between $17 and $20 per square foot or $1,700 to $2,000 per square. Homeowners can choose from a few panel styles such as standing seam, flat seam and diamond.
Calculate Material Costs With a Pro Roofer
Sheets or Rolls
Sheets and rolls vary in price depending on the size and thickness of the material. Sheets used for roofing should be at least 16 mil.
Sheets of 16 mil:
- 6X8-inch: $20
- 24-inch X 10-foot: $275
Rolls of 16 mil:
- 25-pound: $365
- 50-pound: $690
Tiles
Like other types of tile, copper in this form usually costs at least $15 per square foot. This metal tile is one of the pricier roofing materials, but it lasts twice as long as the average composite shingle roof.
Roofing Accents
With copper, the volume of material needed is the biggest cost factor. The cost ranges from $9 to $20 per square foot. Many homeowners go with accents instead of an entire roof because of the price. The total amount generally rises with the quantity, not the seam or texture.
Homeowners who don’t want to pay for an entire roof may cover smaller parts of the home like dormers or awnings.
Home Exterior by Apex Metal Forming in Doylestown, PA Copper accessories include:
- Cupolas: $665-$5,200
- Weathervanes: $100-$1,240
- Vents: $540-$1,680
- Chimney caps: $1,075-$1,840
- Finials: $80-$1,440
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Copper Metal Roof Cost Per Square Foot
Labor and equipment for this job typically adds between $5 and $10 per square foot. Installing a copper roof is costlier because few contractors have the knowledge to work with this material.
Cost factors to installation include the following.
Roof Size for a Full Installation
The table below shows the approximate cost on standard home sizes.
Square Footage of Home | Cost* |
|---|---|
1,000 | $20,575 |
1,200 | $24,670 |
1,400 | $28,860 |
1,500 | $30,910 |
1,600 | $33,000 |
2,000 | $41,145 |
2,500 | $51,480 |
3,000 | $61,720 |
* Prices are based on an average cost of $19.50 per square foot, which includes material and labor/equipment.
Pitch or Curve
The slope of a roof affects the price of the project in a couple of ways.
- A surface too steep to walk on requires extra equipment for laborers to safely complete the job.
- The pitch may affect how much underlayment is necessary. It does well in severe weather, but snow may be slow to melt on a roof with a low slope. Add two layers of underlayment to better protect against any possible moisture damage.
Roof Replacement Condition
Removing a roof is about $100 to $150 per square. The cost of renting a dumpster runs homeowners about $400. That may not be necessary as some companies will bring their own.
Homeowners unsure about whether they want to replace their roof should consider an inspection to determine the condition of their current roof. The price of hiring a roof inspector usually ranges from $120 to $300.
On average, installing a new roof runs most about $7,520. A permit may be required beforehand. Getting a building permit costs usually between $440 and $1,820.
Time of Year
The best time of year to install a new roof, the late summer and fall months, is also the most expensive time. Roofers prefer these months because the rainy season is over, and the temperatures have started to cool.
Homeowners who live in places where it snows will want a complete installation before winter hits. A home with an aging roof might not hold heat well. A new one could help lower heating bills.
Homeowners who want the snowfall to melt faster can put in a heating cable. The price of installing a heating cable may be as little as $180 or as much as $2,000. Consult a professional with concerns about roofs sustaining damage during winter.
Sealing or Painting Your Copper Roof
The average price to seal a roof is a little over $900. The labor of sealing a metal roof is about $3 per square foot. The average cost of painting a metal roof is $2,500.
Seal a copper roof to maintain the shiny, rose-gold color. Don’t apply a sealant if you’re looking forward to the aged, green appearance.
Homeowners don’t need to coat or paint copper because it doesn’t corrode as it weathers.
Obstructions
The cost of installing roofing around obstructions varies. It depends on the contractor and how much cutting the material requires. Labor costs of $5 to $10 per square foot include the equipment a contractor may need to cut through the material.
Copper Bay Window or Dormer Roof Prices
Traditional Home Exterior by Pride and Quality Construction in Langhorne, PA Homeowners who don’t want to spend big bucks on a roof may consider only adding copper to small areas. Copper awnings for bay windows are between $1,500 and $7,500. Installing a bay window costs an average of $2,250.
Dormers or smaller awnings are lighter on the wallet, ranging from $175 to $1,000.
Get Estimates From a Roofer
Standing Seam Copper Roof Cost
The cost of installing a standing seam copper roof on an average-sized home with a 4:12 pitch starts at about $25,000. Labor and equipment fees may increase if the roof is steeper.
Standing seam consists of panels with raised interlocking seams that connect the panels together.
Pros & Cons of a Copper Roof
This is only one of the many metal roofing options available. Other common types include aluminum, stainless steel and zinc.
Pros:- Resists corrosion
- High ROI
- Durable
- Energy efficient
- Fire resistance - May lower insurance rates up to 34 percent.
- Expensive
- Natural patination takes long
- Noisy
- Expands/contracts with weather changes
This type of roofing isn’t the most sound-deadening. Homeowners concerned about the noise should make sure the contractor uses an underlay and that their attic is well-insulated.
FAQs
How Long Do Copper Roofs Last?
A copper roof properly cared for has a lifespan of about 100 years.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair or Clean Copper Roofing?
Cleaning a roof costs homeowners an average of $415. The typical price range for sealing a roof is $345 to $1,480. Metal roof repair runs homeowners at least $1,200 on average.
Can You Add Heating Cables or Solar Panels on Top?
Heating cables, at about $800, and solar panels priced at between $16,000 and $30,000, can both be added to a copper roof.
Why Did My Copper Roof Turn Green?
Exposing copper to the elements results in chemical reactions. These produce a rustic, green patina that protects the metal underneath.
Can I Paint My Copper Roof?
Painting copper isn’t common because its lustrous on its own. The process also takes extensive preparation. Methods include applying an acid solution (not DIY recommended) or abrading its surface.
DIY vs. Hiring a Roofer
Installing a roof isn’t a project for weekend warriors. It’s takes time and care. Aside from possibly needing permits or licensing to install, it’s a process that requires special skills and knowledge. Hire a professional because installing and maintaining a roof carries more safety concerns than smaller DIY home projects.
