How much does a copper roof cost?
How much does a copper roof cost?
$13 – $30 cost per square foot installed
$19,500 – $75,000 average total cost to install
Copper roof cost
A copper roof costs $13 to $30 per square foot installed or $19,500 to $75,000 on average. Copper metal roof panel prices are $14 to $22 per square foot, and copper roof shingles cost $9 to $16 per square foot for materials. A copper roof lasts 60 to 100+ years.
| Roof size (square feet) | Total installation cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $13,000 – $27,000 |
| 1,200 | $15,600 – $36,000 |
| 1,500 | $19,500 – $45,000 |
| 1,700 | $22,100 – $51,000 |
| 2,000 | $26,000 – $60,000 |
| 2,500 | $32,500 – $75,000 |
| 3,000 | $39,000 – $90,000 |
| 3,500 | $45,500 – $105,000 |
Average copper roofing cost
The following table shows the average cost to install a copper roof.
| National average cost | $38,000 |
| Minimum cost | $12,000 |
| Maximum cost | $100,000 |
| Average range | $19,500 to $75,000 |
Cost factors to install a copper roof
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Old roof removal | $1 – $3 |
| Materials and supplies | $9 – $20 |
| Labor | $4 – $10 |
| Total installation cost | $14 – $33 |
Other factors to consider when installing a copper roof include:
Copper color roof – A copper-colored metal roof is a budget-friendly alternative to authentic copper. The painted metal looks like copper but costs 50% to 75% less.
Copper type – Continuous sheets, called rolls, are copper that is crimped or soldered on site. Preformed panels come in standard widths with interlocking crimped seams. Shingles, also called tiles, are the cheapest to install since they require no cutting around roof features.
Underlayment – Roof underlayment costs $0.05 to $0.15 per square foot for a breathable felt membrane to prevent copper panel corrosion and damage from trapped moisture.
Roof decking / sheathing – Plywood roof decking costs $2 to $5 per square foot and provides a foundation for roofing panels or shingles.
Rafter/truss replacement – Replacing roof trusses costs $5 to $14 per square foot, depending on the material weight and roof condition. These wood beams frame the roof and support the decking.
Remove old roof – Old roof removal and disposal costs $1 to $3 per square foot. Renting a 40-yard dumpster costs $350 to $780 per week.
Roof penetrations/venting – Roof ridge vents cost $7 to $15 per linear foot. Ridge vents allow warm, damp air to leave the attic, but more vents result in more time and labor to work around them during a roof installation.
Matching copper gutters – Copper gutters cost $15 to $40 per linear foot installed. Matching the copper gutters and roof provides a seamless look and decreases the need for gutter maintenance.
Drip edge – Adding a drip edge costs $1.50 to $3.00 per linear foot when installed during roof replacement. The drip edge prevents water from working its way under the roof’s surface to cause leaks.
Soffits and fascia repair/replace – Replacing soffits and fascia costs $9 to $34 per linear foot, depending on the material.
Roof condition – A roof inspection costs $100 to $400 to assess the roof's condition.
Roof repairs – Fixing a roof costs $150 to $1,000, with more extensive repairs costing $3,000 to $6,000.
Waste factor – Contractors add a 10% to 15% waste factor for complex roofs because cutting panels to fit multiple angles and roof features results in more waste.
Location – Labor rates are higher for roofing projects in major metropolitan areas.
Permits – Most roofing estimates include roof permits costing $150 to $500.
Labor cost to install a copper roof
Labor to install a copper roof costs $4 to $10 per square foot on average, depending on the size, pitch, complexity, and copper type. Copper panels are more labor-intensive and costly to install than copper shingles or tiles.
Copper roofing material prices
Copper roofing material prices are $9 to $22 per square foot, depending on the type.
| Type | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Copper panels (Standing seam) | $14 – $22 |
| Copper shingles or tiles | $9 – $16 |
| Copper sheets or rolls | $14 – $20 |
Copper roof panels last 50+ years but cost the most to install due to cutting around roof angles and features.
Copper shingles and tiles last 40 years and are cheaper and easier to install due to less cutting required.
Sheet copper comes in a continuous coil, allowing contractors with roll-forming equipment to make full-length panels.
Copper rolls and sheets are thinner and lighter than most metal materials, with common 16-ounce copper sheets weighing only one pound per square foot. The material can be bent and formed by hand but requires metal snips to cut.
Standing seam copper roof cost
A standing seam copper roof costs $27,000 to $80,000 on average. Other metal standing seam roofs cost $13,500 to $40,000, depending on the roof size and material. Standing seam panels run vertically up the roof with an interlocking seam joining one panel to the next.
Copper roof sealing or painting cost
Roof sealing costs $0.50 to $4.00 per square foot and prevents copper oxidation to maintain the shiny, rose-gold color. Painting a metal roof costs $1.20 to $2.70 per square foot on average. Painting copper is less common, as most homeowners prefer the unique color resulting from the natural patina process.
Copper roofing accents cost
Copper roofing accents cost $200 to $7,500, depending on how much copper is used. Accenting with copper is more affordable than adding an entire copper roof. Copper enhances the appearance of window awnings, cupolas, chimney caps, and weathervanes.
| Type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Porch | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Bay window awnings | $1,500 – $7,500 |
| Dormer | $200 – $1,000 |
| Chimney caps | $200 – $1,000 |
| Cupolas | $700 – $5,000 |
| Finials/Spires | $200 – $1,200 |
| Vents | $600 – $1,600 |
| Weathervanes | $200 – $4,000 |
Flashing – Use only thicker gauges of copper flashing for roofing, as thinner gauges are not suitable for waterproofing.
Spires – Some spires have a hollow base and can be modified to receive copper cable for lightning arresting systems.
Copper porch roof cost
A copper porch roof costs $2,000 to $6,000, depending on the size. The copper accent upgrades the curb appeal, and the lightweight material reflects radiant heat, keeping the porch cooler.
| Porch size (square feet) | Total installation cost |
|---|---|
| 50 | $700 – $1,500 |
| 100 | $1,300 – $3,000 |
| 150 | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| 200 | $2,600 – $6,000 |
| 300 | $3,900 – $9,000 |
| 500 | $6,500 – $15,000 |
Copper bay window awnings or dormer roof prices
A copper awning over a bay window costs $1,500 to $7,500, while a smaller dormer costs $200 to $1,000 on average. Accenting these small areas with copper adds charm to the home's exterior at a fraction of the cost of an entire copper roof.
| Type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Copper bay window awning | $1,500 – $7,500 |
| Copper dormer | $200 – $1,000 |
Copper roof pros and cons
Roof replacement costs $5,700 to $12,000 on average, depending on the material and type. Asphalt shingle roofs are the cheapest, while copper is one of the most expensive at $19,500 to $75,000. Copper has higher material and labor costs than most other roof types, with installation requiring highly skilled labor.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Copper roofing FAQs
How long does a copper roof last?
A copper roof lasts 60 to 100+ years, depending on the thickness, pitch, and complexity. Thicker, steeper copper roofs typically last the longest. Copper roofs require almost no maintenance.
Is copper roofing worth the cost?
A properly installed copper roof likely never needs to be replaced, making it worth the cost. A copper roof has no maintenance costs and increases the home's resale value. The fire-resistant material lowers insurance rates in areas prone to wildfires.
How much does it cost to repair or clean copper roofing?
Metal roof repair costs $200 to $1,500 on average, depending on the damage. Small areas are easily patched by soldering or welding a replacement piece of copper. Copper roof repairs should be conducted by a professional due to fire risks. Copper roof cleaning is unnecessary and delays the natural patina.
Can you install heating cables or solar panels on a copper roof?
Self-regulating heating cables cost $5 to $15 per linear foot and are mounted on a copper roof to prevent ice dams. Solar panels cost $10,600 to $26,500 on average and can be mounted on copper panel roofs. Foot traffic during installation may dent the more fragile copper tiles and shingles.
Do copper roofs turn green?
Copper has a natural patina that reaches a light bluish-green in 10 to 20 years. An artificial aging solution of mild acids and other chemicals can age the copper in 1 to 2 days. A clear coat made for copper can prevent oxidation and keep the metal shiny.
Does copper kill moss on roofs?
Copper is a natural fungicide that prevents moss growth. Adding copper strips to a roof ridge allows the copper salt to wash down the roof in rainwater, stopping the growth of moss, algae, and lichen.
Can you walk on a copper roof?
Walking on a copper roof doesn't crease or damage the metal. Foot traffic may result in minor dents that aren't visible from the ground and do not impact the roof's longevity. Wear rubber-soled shoes and step on the panels closest to the decking to minimize impact.
Getting estimates from copper roof installers
When hiring a copper roof installer, be sure to:
Look for a roofing contractor with experience installing copper roofs.
Select insured and bonded companies that have been in business for more than five years.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get at least three estimates with similar materials to compare.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed written estimate, contract, and warranty before the work begins.
Never pay in full upfront. Follow a payment plan and do not make the final payment until fully satisfied.
Questions to ask
What experience do you have with metal roofs?
How many copper roofs have you installed in the last year?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long will the installation take?
Will the installation require a permit, and if so, will you obtain it?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
What kind of maintenance will the new roof require?
How often should the roof be inspected?
May I have a copy of your insurance policy for my records?
Will you provide a list of references with contact information?