Copper is the most distinctive of the roofing metals. It goes on bright, darkens to a rich brown within the first few years, and over a much longer period can develop the green patina seen on church spires and old public buildings. It is extremely durable, can be formed into curves, domes and tight details, and is fully recyclable.
The Specialist Roofing Company is a family metal roofing business based in Old Windsor. We have been working with copper, zinc, lead and aluminium since 2007, and we fit copper roofs, bays, canopies and cladding across London, Windsor, Berkshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Every job is carried out by our own team, never subcontracted.
Call 01753 867288 or send us photos or drawings for a quote.
Copper roofing work we carry out
- Bay windows, porches and canopies: the most common way London homeowners use copper, often to lift a period frontage.
- Standing seam copper roofs on extensions, new builds and garden buildings. See standing seam roofing.
- Traditional copper work on period and listed buildings, including curved roofs, turrets, dormers and domes.
- Copper cladding and feature panels.
- Copper gutters, downpipes and flashings.
- Repairs and replacement of existing copper, including matching new copper to old.
Heritage and listed buildings
We have carried out traditional metal roofing on listed buildings, including churches, as well as modern standing seam. On older buildings the priority is to respect the original detailing: the way seams, rolls and drips were laid out, how water leaves the roof and how the metal meets stone, slate or lead. Listed building consent may be needed for any change, and your conservation officer or architect will usually set the specification. We work to that specification and can advise on practical details.
Copper in London
Copper suits London’s Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian streets, where it has been used on bays, canopies and turrets for well over a century. It also works on modern homes as a warmer alternative to zinc. On many London jobs access is the main challenge: narrow frontages, busy pavements, scaffold licences and neighbours on both sides. We plan the work so it is safe, tidy and quick on site. We cover all of Greater London and do a lot of work in West and South West London, which is close to our base. See our London page.
How copper changes colour
New copper is bright salmon-pink. Exposed to the weather it darkens to brown, and in time it may turn green. How fast depends on exposure, pollution and orientation, so no two roofs age quite the same way. If you want a particular look from day one, pre-oxidised (brown) and pre-patinated (green) copper are available from manufacturers.
Copper next to other metals
Copper is the “noble” metal on a roof. Rainwater running off copper carries copper ions that can corrode zinc, aluminium and galvanised steel downstream. So a copper bay should not drain onto a zinc or aluminium gutter, and copper flashings should not sit above aluminium cladding. We plan drainage routes so the metals are compatible. Our article on avoiding contact corrosion in PREFA aluminium roofing explains this in more detail.
Build-up and movement
Like zinc, copper expands and contracts with temperature, so it needs clips and joints that let it move, and a build-up underneath that manages moisture. The principles in our articles on movement allowance and ventilation apply to copper too.
Copper, zinc or aluminium?
Copper usually costs more than zinc or aluminium, but it is chosen for its looks, its life and its suitability for heritage work. If budget matters more than the copper colour, pre-weathered zinc or PREFA aluminium may suit. Our materials guide compares all three.
Guarantee
Our copper work comes with a 20-year guarantee, and we are fully insured.
Copper roofing FAQs
How long does a copper roof last?
Copper is one of the longest-lasting roofing materials available when it is properly installed and detailed.
Can you repair an old copper bay rather than replace it?
Often, yes. We’ll look at the condition of the copper and the deck underneath and tell you honestly whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
Will new copper match my old copper?
Not straight away. New copper is bright and will darken over the first few years. Pre-oxidised copper can close the gap sooner.
What does a copper bay roof cost?
It depends on the size and shape of the bay, access and scaffolding. We quote after a visit or from photos and measurements.
Get a copper roofing quote
Call 01753 867288 or 07941 011336, email info@thespecialistroofingcompany.co.uk, or send us your photos.