The cost to install a copper roof averages $42,000
Most people will pay between $30,000 and $53,000 for a copper roof—but with the price tag comes many advantages, such as durability and longevity (not to mention good looks). Professionally installed copper metal roofing costs between $14 and $30 per square foot on average. Approximately $9 to $20 per square foot is for materials. If you hire a local metal roofing company, add between $5 and $10 per square foot.
Copper Roofing Benefits
Metal roofs are not the most common, but they have advantages beyond their visual appeal. Copper is among the highest-cost roofing materials.
Copper roofs:
Last up to 60 years compared to 20–40 years for a traditional shingle roof
Can potentially withstand a fire
Are energy-efficient compared to traditional roofs and can help reduce heating and cooling costs
Are relatively low maintenance
Resist fungus and algae growth common in humid climates
Stand up to wind, rain, and snow (and despite what you may have heard, you don’t have to worry about lightning striking your metal roof)
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Copper Roof by Size?
The main factor in the price of a copper roof will be the area that needs to be covered. Here’s a look at the average cost nationally by house square footage.
| Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $20,600 |
| 1,200 sq. ft. | $24,700 |
| 1,400 sq. ft. | $28,900 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $30,900 |
| 1,600 sq. ft. | $33,000 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $41,100 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $51,500 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $61,700 |
How Much Does Copper Roofing Cost by Type?
Copper roofing comes in shingles, tiles, and panels that typically range from $9 to $20 per square foot.
Shingles are the least expensive option, ranging from $9 to $15 per square foot. Shingles priced at the lower end are usually thinner.
Copper tiles cost at least $15 per square foot. They can come in endless choices of shapes and textures.
Panels are $17 to $20 per square foot. They come in different styles:
Standing seam copper roofs feature a raised seam between panels. They are usually rectangles or squares.
Flat-seam copper roofs lay flat against the roof.
Diamond roofs feature rows of diamond shapes.
What Copper Roofing Can I Get on My Budget?
Since copper roofing is one of the most expensive roofing materials, you can get the look and stay on budget with a little creativity.
Roofing Accents
You can save money by adding copper roofing to only sections of your roof. If you put copper on certain parts of the roof, like a dormer or awning, you’ll pay the higher cost of roofing materials for just the square footage needed. It’s like getting that high-end look with a 75% off coupon. Expect to pay $9 to $20 per square foot.
You can accent your roof with copper accessories, too.
| Accessory | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cupolas | $665 – $5,200 |
| Weathervanes | $100 – $1,240 |
| Vents | $540 – $1,680 |
| Open Valley | $200 – $850 |
| Chimney caps | $1,075 – $1,840 |
| Finials | $80 – $1,440 |
| Copper awnings | $1,500 – $7,500 |
| Dormers and smaller awnings | $175 – $1,000 |
How Much Does It Cost to Install Copper Roofing Yourself?
A copper roof can be challenging to install—particularly if you’re installing anything other than a sheet. Plus, roofing can be dangerous work on steep pitches and ladders. And unless you really know what you’re doing, a small error can lead to a massive leak.
For these reasons, consider hiring a local roofing company to do the work for you.
If you decide to do the project yourself, you’ll be out the cost of materials, plus any equipment you need to purchase to complete the task. You’ll need:
| Equipment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Gloves | $15 |
| Power drill | $100 |
| Tape measure | $15 |
| Circular saw | $150 |
| Chalk line | $15 |
| Screw gun | $150 |
| Hammer | $15 |
| Roof sealant | $40 |
| Sheet metal screws | $40 for 400 |
Copper Roofing Cost Breakdown
Before you can put a new roof on your house, you generally have to tear the old roof off. You could overlay new copper shingles over old asphalt shingles and save the cost of tearing the old roof off. But, taking the old shingles off means you’ll catch any issues with the roof’s supporting structure, so it’s worth the added expense to tear them off and start fresh.
Here are some costs you can expect:
Removing old roof: $1–$1.50 per square foot
Old roof disposal: $400
Roof inspection: $120–$300
Copper roofing materials: $9–$20 per square foot
Labor and equipment: $5–$10 per square foot
Building permit: $440–$1,820
How Much Does Copper Roofing Installation Cost by Style?
Features on your roof will impact the cost of your copper roofing project.
Pitch of the Roof
A steep roof makes installation more dangerous and challenging. If the roof is too steep to walk or rest tools and materials, your pros will need special safety equipment.
If the roof is on the flat side, you might need additional underlayment to protect the roof from moisture damage. Snow and water don’t slide off a flat roof as well as they do from a steep one.
If snowmelt is an issue, you can add a heating cable to melt the snow. These cost between $180 and $2,000.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Install Copper Roofing?
The cost you pay for your copper roof will vary by square footage, time of year, and any special requirements.
Square Footage
The biggest factor to influence the cost of your copper roofing is the size of your roof. Expect to pay about $21,000 for a 1,000 square-foot house or $62,000 for a 3,000 square-foot house. Don’t forget that steep angles also add square footage.
Seasonal Premium
You might pay more in late summer or fall when roofers are busiest. That’s because temperatures have started to cool, making roof work more tolerable. And, of course, everyone wants their roof finished before winter.
Skylights and Complex Patterns
A roof with obstructions like vents and skylights or multiple slopes will cost more than a simple roof that doesn’t require multiple cuts to cover. Similarly, a complex pattern will take more time and cost more to install.
FAQs About Copper Roofs
How do I maintain a copper roof?
Copper will develop a patina and turn green over time. You can prevent this with a clear coat of sealant, which will keep the roof shiny and beautiful for the long term. It costs about $3 per square foot to seal a metal roof.
If you want that weathered copper look (picture the Statue of Liberty), you can skip the seal.
Why should I pick copper for my roof?
Copper is a long-lasting material that can stand up to severe weather and protect your home from fires. You might save on home insurance and energy bills by choosing a durable metal roof.
Copper roofing is a high-end choice that requires little maintenance and will look beautiful for decades.
What should I consider when choosing copper roofing?
Copper is one of the most expensive roofing choices, but it can withstand fire and severe storms better than other options. It’s likely to green over time if not sealed. The green color doesn’t indicate it needs replacing, so it’s fine to let it go green if that’s your preference.
Many people worry that a metal roof will be unbearably loud when it rains, but proper insulation will dampen the noise. Copper roofs are also an energy-efficient choice because they reflect sunlight rather than letting it enter the home and heat it up. The result can be a lower cost of cooling.
What other projects should I do at the same time?
If you’re replacing your roof, consider any other roofing projects that will make your life better, like adding ventilation, gutters, or installing heating coils to melt snow faster.
