Copper or Shingle roof?

Question

It seems to be somewhat of a problem to get a qualified roofer to replace copper for less than an arm and three legs! I know that copper lasts longer than asphalt shingle and is more complicated to install. The copper is not openly visible from the street, so I don't care that much about the looks.

The area to replace is about 65sf. Should I just go with shingle to get the job done quicker, save some money and not have to worry about theft (yes, even from a 3 story building)?

Rick Baggenstoss · Answer

@Lee Carrell  To find the roofer who will do it, call the local metal supplier for things like this.   They sell flat guttering rolls, sheet metal etc.  Stop by and tell them what your needs are.  They'd probably be helpful with suggesting a metal to replace the copper and/or a good installer.

Lee Carrell · Answer

Thanks for all the replies! I'm replacing it because the copper is very beat up from hail and weather and also has leaks from old nail holes.

The aluminum sounds good for both price and longevity. I did a little research and found  out that copper was used with slate roofs, because slate lasts so long, they needed copper to match its longevity!

The roofers were able to stop the leaks until the metal roofer can come by in a couple of weeks to replace it. I did check and I'm not bound by the historical regulations.

Matt Clark · Answer

If it isn't visible, I'm saving that extra money and applying asphalt!

However, in some historic districts you have no choice but to replace with original materials; you should make sure this doesn't apply to your situation.  Just contact the local zoning office.

John Newman · Answer

Hi @Lee Carrell,

If I were you, I would look into replacing that section with aluminum roofing.  If it's not visible from the street, you can save some cost on the material and installation, yet still have a long lasting roof.  Aluminum roofs are much more popular than copper, and not as difficult to install.  If you have one section that is asphalt shingle and another that is copper, you won't be taking advantage of the long lifecycle because you'll still have to replace the shingles more often.

Does this section need replacing because the copper was stolen?

Dilpreet Singh · Answer

My first thing was to go with what you already have which is cooper, but if the installer company doesn't see any issues mixing cooper and asphalt then I would save the money and do it. If its gone bad or stolen in one area I bet it might not be much longer for other to have it so better to have asphalts

Copper or Shingle roof?

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