The Copper Roofing Boom

Things go in and out of fashion, and copper roofing is no different. While you need only look back at history to understand that copper was once widely used as a durable, elegant roofing material, times changed and new materials took its place. But copper is back - with a vengeance. Why, you ask?

Two big reasons - one, people are demanding quality. Builders, architects and roofers answer that demand with copper, which - and here's reason number two - has become easier to install.

So if copper is enjoying a resurgence in the roofing industry, doesn't that beg the question, "Will we run out?"

Luckily, the answer is no. That's because copper roofing is made from copper scrap, and copper is one of the most thoroughly recycled metals around. In fact, almost half of the copper used in the States today has been used in some capacity before. Part of the reason for this is that's it's so durable. It corrodes veeeery slowly in natural environments, which is why those centuries-old buildings still have their original copper roofs. Once copper forms its protective patina, that soft gray-green color that develops in the first few years following installation, corrosion rates drop to negligible levels.

Now, can you really think of anything better for your own roof?