Copper roofing is fast becoming a popular metal roofing option for its energy efficiency, durability and beautiful, classic look.
However, metal roofs are more expensive than traditional roofing materials like slate. Therefore you might want to know what you can expect to pay for such roofing materials like copper.
Cost Per m²
The rates below are for South East/Outer London regions given in m².
| Item | Labour cost / m² | Materials cost / m² | Cost per / m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Purlins | £3 | £35 | £38 |
| Slab Insulation - 120 thick Celotex | £7 | £22 | £29 |
| Metal deck | £7 | £36 | £43 |
| Underlayment | £4 | £7 | £11 |
| Plywood - 18 thick x 2 layers | £30 | £33 | £63 |
| Copper Roofing Layer including soldering | £77 | £96 | £173 |
| Plasterboard ceiling - 12.5 thick on battens | £38 | £13 | £51 |
| Total | £166 | £242 | £408 |
There may then be additional items to add in. These include:
| Item | Cost per / m |
|---|---|
| Copper Gutters | £38 |
| Copper Box Gutter | £110 |
| Copper Downpipes | £60 |
| Flashings | £25 - £40 (dependent on width) |
Out of all the metal roofing, copper is the most expensive.
Factors Affecting Cost
Although average prices have been given above, there are various factors that can affect this and are worth taking note of.
- Roof size – The above rates would apply to a small domestic roof of 10m² or less. However, for larger roof sizes, these rates could be reduced
- Fluctuations in Copper Prices – Copper is a commodity so the price of the material can fluctuate on a regular basis.
- Roof Structure and Design – Architects and contractors all design roofs slightly differently, so there may be some variance from the standard rates described above.
- Pitched vs Flat Roof – Laying copper to a pitch roof costs significantly more than a flat roof as they are more dangerous and are more complex to lay.
- Location – The above rates are for the South East/Outer London Area. You can use the following adjustments depending on where the roofing needs to be done. These are based on the BCIS and Spon indices.
| Region | % Adjustment |
|---|---|
| South East (Southampton, Oxford, Kent, Outer London) | 0 |
| Inner London | +4% |
| South West (Bristol, Exeter) | -4% |
| West Midlands (Birmingham) | -10% |
| East Midlands (Northampton, Nottingham, Leicester) | -10% |
| East Anglia (Cambridge, Norwich, Ipswich) | -5% |
| North West (Liverpool, Manchester) | -12% |
| Yorkshire and Humberside (Leeds, Sheffield) | -11% |
| North East (Newcastle, Sunderland) | -10% |
| Scotland (Edinburgh, Glasgow) | -6% |
| Wales (Cardiff, Swansea) | -9% |
| Northern Ireland (Belfast) | -12% |
Benefits
Copper has a number of advantages compared to traditional materials:
- Aesthetic Appeal – Copper is a great-looking material roofing material. It has a blue-green patina that gives a traditional, classic look that many people like. If you’re looking to sell your home, copper roofing could add to the resale value.
- Low Weight – Lighter roofs put less stress on internal roofing structures within the home when compared to heavier materials like clay, steel or tiles. This is important in areas with high snowfall.
- High Durability – Copper roofs are extremely strong and can withstand strong hail and wind. It can last more than 50 years with regular inspections, repairs and maintenance.
- Energy Efficient – Metal roofs overall are energy efficient and copper is no different. Copper roofing can help you control heating and cooling costs and bring down your monthly bills.
Get Prices on Zinc Roofing Near You
We’ve done our best to give you a good idea of what you can expect to pay for a copper roof.
However, our guides are not a substitute for a fixed written quote specifically for you.
We work with all the best copper roofing experts ready to price your job. Get free, no-obligation quotes in your local area and compare prices using the form below.
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About the Author
Alex Johnson is a qualified quantity surveyor and writer with a passion for conducting original research and uncovering the true cost of jobs. His cost data has been referenced by EDF Energy and the Scottish Government.
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