The use of copper in building and architecture dates back thousands of years, from the ancient Egyptians who clad massive temple doors with copper, to the Romans, who used it to roof the Pantheon in 27 B.C. For centuries, copper has been used by builders all over the world, particularly in buildings of special importance, such as religious centers, government buildings, and universities. The ease that copper can be formed into various shapes, combined with its exceptional corrosion resistance, make it the perfect building material for roofing systems, domes, spires, vaults, and other building components.
BENEFITS OF COPPER AS A BUILDING MATERIAL
As a building material, copper is has become an architectural favorite, due to its excellent resistance to corrosion and rust. As copper is exposed to the elements, it forms a tough oxide-sulfate patina coating that protects the underlying metal. This patina is the typically greenish color that is commonly associated with copper elements. This corrosion resistance is even more remarkable, when you consider that copper can be used in virtually any climate or part of the world, with similar long-lasting results!
From a roofing perspective, copper is an ideal material as it is extremely durable, lightweight, and has low thermal expansion, meaning that heat and cold do not cause the expansion and contraction that other materials experience. This makes copper ideal for flashings, expansion joints, and other building elements that join together.
Copper is also a superior building material for complimentary roofing components, such as gutters, downspouts, scupper boxes, ridge metal, and other trim parts.
