Copper is one of the most beautiful roofing materials in my opinion. When new, it has the most amazing red-brown hue – but after a few years, it really takes on its true character. Natural oxidization creates a layer of green oxide over the raw copper, which not only looks fantastic, but also helps protect against further oxidization. A well-built copper roof is extremely resistant to the elements, and may last a century or more.
So what can you do to care for your copper roof – to make its life as long as possible? The question may in fact be: What should you NOT do, in order to preserve your copper roof? The thing is – to build a good quality roof with copper, you usually have to be a specialized copper roofer – to expect good results.
Master of the craft?
So what is so hard about this particular roofing material – is it impossible for a homeowner to learn? Nothing is impossible. But some things have a steep learning curve associated to them, and a significant risk of failure attached – if you are new at the game. Most other roofing materials and systems are much less demanding – when you discount critical details in the construction of trusses dormers, overhangs, etc. With all the underlying construction in place, laying clay roof tiles, for instance, isn’t very difficult to do. Working with copper sheets is something else though. Sheets are joined together with seams, meaning that two sheets are folded together at the edges. If the seam is done right, it will constitute a water-tight join between the two sheets, so if you know what you are doing, then all is well. But this is something you have to practice at, to internalize – until it is second nature.
Traditional copper roofing is nothing like slapping a few roofing sheets on – it is a craft in itself. This sort of roof can be very strong and durable, but it has its limits too. Copper (like other metals used for roofing) will expand and contract with the change of temperature around it – which is something that has to be taken into account when fastening the sheets to the underlayment. If there is insufficient room for movement, the joins might be pulled apart in places, resulting in a leak. Just an example of common issues with poor assembly, but one that points in the direction of hiring specialist roofing services – rather than going it alone.
How do I clean my copper roof?
The answer to this question is: “carefully, and without chemicals or abrasives”. The slightly longer version of this, is that the roof does not need cleaning per se – at least not for the reasons that most other roofs need cleaning. Copper is poisonous to plants. This means that you do not have to fear any lichen or moss-growth on your roof.
Of course, any debris – whether organic or inorganic – which has somehow been deposited on your roof over time, should probably be removed. Some of it, like bird droppings, can damage the green patina – not just the good looks, but also the protective abilities of it. Large dirt build-ups on a roof tend to hold moisture, which can become a problem if the roof is not entirely water tight in places.
Under normal circumstances, the water would just drain away, but if it is preserved on the roof surface for acouple of days after rainfall, it might have time to enter beyond the copper sheet. In any event, it doesn’t look god on your roof, so remove it – but gently. Using tools made of metal might scratch and damage the patina, effectively shortening the lifespan of the roof. Do this every year – and your roof will NOT last a century.
For the same reasons, avoid chemicals – especially those containing abrasives for cleaning. Instead, use wooden or plastic tools to remove dirt mechanically, and use clean water from the garden hose for washing the roof lightly. If in doubt, call a trusted copper roofing service for a few tips.
