If you’ve seen a house with a copper roof, you know what a beautiful addition it can be to a home. But there are plenty of other reasons why homeowners love their copper roofs. Among other things, they’re durable and last for decades. At Old Timers Slate Roofing, our team is dedicated to preserving copper roofing systems and installing them on new and old homes alike.
Caring for copper roofing is different than other roofing materials. Let’s take a look at some of the unique maintenance needs for copper roofs.
Let the patina for in its own time.
This is what sets copper roofing apart from other roofing materials, visually speaking. New copper has that beautiful reddish-gold color that we think of, but over time it develops something called a patina. As the copper is exposed to the air, it oxidizes. What that looks like depends on the air quality where you live. It most often results in your roof turning a blue or green color. But don’t worry, this is a good thing. The patina protects the copper and contributes to its longevity. Some people want the patina to develop quickly, but there’s really nothing you can do to affect the process.
Avoid using chemical sealants.
The patina is a natural sealant for a copper roof, so there’s no need to coat it with a chemical sealant. In fact, chemical sealants can ruin the look of a copper roof. As the sealant begins to wear away from the roof, the surface will start to look uneven. If you add a chemical sealant, you will also have to look for signs of damage to the structure. It’s much better to forgo the sealant and let the copper do its natural thing.
Prevent streaks by clearing debris.
It’s not uncommon for older copper roofs to have streaks in the patina. This is usually the result of debris that was left on the roof. Debris interferes with the formation of the patina, resulting in unsightly streaks. If your roof does develop these streaks, however, you can remove them with a solution of white vinegar and water and a soft bristle brush.
Copper Roofing Installation and Maintenance by Old Timers Slate Roofing
If you’ve been considering getting a copper roofing system, Old Timers Slate Roofing is the team to call. We’ve been in business taking care of roofs in New England for almost 100 years. Already have a copper roof that needs some maintenance? We can take care of that, too.