Installing a copper roof costs an average of $55,000, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $45,000 and $90,000, depending on the roof size, style, and some other factors.
A copper roof costs around $55,000, on average, but prices can range from $22,500 up to $135,000 total or $15 to $30 per square foot depending on a few factors, like roof style, location, and necessary repairs to the roof decking. In this article, we’ll explain what factors affect copper roof costs and how to get an accurate estimate for your roofing project.
Copper roofs cost between $15 and $30 per square foot for materials and labor, which means larger roofs can significantly drive up installation costs. Most roofing professionals charge based on a set price per roofing square, which covers 100 square feet.
Keep in mind that the number of roofing squares you need isn’t equal to your home’s footprint. You can use the chart below to get an idea of how the cost of copper roofs changes based on the square footage of your living space.
The prices below are based on simple gable roofs with a standard roof slope, so more complicated roof styles and steeper roofs can increase your costs. If you want precise measurements, here’s how to calculate your roof’s square footage.
| Home Square Footage | Copper Roof Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $22,500–$45,000 |
| 1,500 | $33,800–$67,500 |
| 2,000 | $45,000–$90,000 |
| 2,500 | $56,300–$112,500 |
| 3,000 | $67,500–$135,000 |
You can expect anywhere between 20% and 30% of your total installation cost to go toward labor, as opposed to the 60% average you’d pay for most other roofing materials. Labor to install a copper roof averages between $11,000 and $16,500.
This is still more costly than the $7,000 average you’d pay for other options, like asphalt shingles or metal roofing, but the percentage of the total is lower because the material costs for copper roofs are some of the highest among all roofing options. Make sure you choose a roofer who is up front with you about how much your project will cost.
Where you live will play a role in your copper roof costs, as professionals will adjust prices based on the local cost of living. Generally speaking, you’ll pay more in states with a higher cost of living and major metropolitan areas.
| State | Copper Roof Cost |
|---|---|
| California | $79,800 |
| Florida | $56,700 |
| Georgia | $50,200 |
| Illinois | $51,300 |
| Michigan | $50,500 |
| North Carolina | $54,200 |
| New York | $67,700 |
| Ohio | $51,700 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,600 |
| Texas | $50,800 |
There are some other important copper roof cost factors to consider in order to get the most accurate estimate possible.
Once you decide on copper as your roof material, you have a few options for the style of copper roofing you install. These differ primarily in appearance and cost.
| Copper Roof Style | Cost (per Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|
| Copper rolls | $25–$30 |
| Copper shingles | $15–$25 |
| Copper tiles | $20–$25 |
| Diamond panels | $28–$30 |
| Flat seam copper | $22–$30 |
| Standing seam copper | $22–$30 |
The design of your roof will also affect the total installation cost, with more complex roofs driving up labor and material costs. A simple gable roof will typically be the least expensive, but hips, doghouse dormers, and roof penetrations like chimneys and roof vents will all increase your costs.
Your roof pitch or slope plays a part in your copper roof costs for two reasons. Steeper roofs have larger square footage requirements even for the same home footprint, so material and labor costs will increase with the pitch. Additionally, working on steep roofs requires more safety equipment and greater caution, which further increases labor costs.
A metal roof is a great choice if you live in an area with a lot of winter weather. Metal roofing stands up particularly well against heavy snowfall, hail, ice, and strong winds.
The quality of copper your roofer uses will have a significant effect on your total cost. Copper costs anywhere from $15 to $30 per square foot, with nicer copper costing more. Talk to your roofer about what type of copper they plan to use and understand the benefits and drawbacks of the type of copper you choose.
If you’re replacing an old roof with a new copper roof, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $5,000 for your professional to rip off and dispose of the old material. Prices depend on the material your expert needs to remove and the disposal costs in your area.
In some cases, removing your old roof will expose rotted or damaged roof decking underneath. If that’s the case with your roofing project, you may have to pay between $2 and $5 per square foot of the decking material you need replaced.
Copper develops a blue-green appearance as it oxidizes with age. This process isn’t harmful, and the patina is appealing to many homeowners. That said, if you want to preserve the shiny, rose-gold look of new copper, you’ll need to seal your roof. Roof sealing costs an average of $3 per square foot.
All roofs require a permit from your local government before installation, including copper roofs. Roofing permits can range anywhere from $100 to $1,400, depending on your local regulations. Talk to your contractor about permits early on because they can sometimes take weeks to get.
Roofing warranties are often offered by both roofers and manufacturers, and they can get quite pricey. Roofing contractor warranties can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000, while manufacturer warranties can cost up to $5,000. Contractor roofing warranties can be worthwhile, as they often include annual checkups and minor repairs.
It’s possible to install a copper roof yourself, and if you do, you stand to save between $11,000 and $16,500 on labor. The majority of the cost to install a copper roof goes toward the high-end material, so your price to DIY your roof replacement will still sit between $38,500 and $44,000 for an average roof size and design.
Despite the potential savings, we strongly recommend hiring a local roofing company to install your copper roof. Roof installation is a complicated process, and it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to costly water damage, mold remediation, and other problems.
Not only will you be at a greater risk of these issues if you DIY the work, but most roofing manufacturers will void warranty coverage if a licensed roofer doesn’t handle the installation. Plus, if you go to sell your home, a buyer may ask who installed your roof, and a DIY installation could lead to a lower home value.
Additionally, there are inherent dangers related to roof installation, especially when you’re working with a slick material like copper. Paying a professional to install your copper roof is worth it to keep yourself and your home safe.
You can have a roof inspector look at your existing copper roof to see if you need to repair or replace any of your roof’s parts. A copper roof repair costs an average of $6,500, significantly less expensive than a full replacement.
However, since copper develops a natural green patina over time, any repaired area is going to stand out and will detract from your curb appeal, so a full replacement might be worthwhile, especially if your roof is reaching the end of its useful life.
Copper is the most expensive roof material you can choose, and with total replacement costs reaching up to $135,000 in some cases, it’s natural to look for ways to save money. Below are some things you can do to keep your costs as low as possible.
Choose an affordable copper roof style. Choosing copper shingles or copper tiles can cost half as much as diamond panels or a standing seam copper roof. If you don’t have your heart set on a particular appearance, opt for a more affordable style.
Use copper as an accent. By using copper only on certain portions of your roof, you can achieve the beautiful and luxurious appearance of copper while keeping costs down. Accent roofs and roofs over bump-outs or dormers are great places to add copper while keeping total costs down by choosing a complementary and more affordable material on the bulk of your roof.
Hire a professional. You’ll pay an average of $13,800 more for your roof up front if you hire a professional for the installation, but you also stand to avoid roof leaks, property damage, and personal injury by leaving the work to a pro. Ultimately, hiring an expert could end up saving you far more over time.
Installing a copper roof on your home will almost always provide a significant bump in property value. Not only is copper considered a high-end, luxurious, and desirable roofing material that dramatically improves curb appeal, but it’s also one of the longest-lasting roof options out there. Buyers are likely to pay more for a home with a copper roof because of the visual appeal but also because they’ll have the peace of mind that the roof will last 100 years or more.
On average, you can expect to see an ROI of around 85% when you install a new copper roof, which is significantly higher than the 60% to 70% you’d expect from other materials, like asphalt and other metal roofing options.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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Copper roofs last an average of around 100 years, making it one of the longest-lasting types of roofs. It’s significantly more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof, but it also lasts three to four times as long, providing great value for the money. You can extend the life of your copper roof by carrying out routine maintenance, like scheduling annual cleaning and roof inspections.
The green coloration that develops on copper roofs is called a “patina,” and it’s a result of mild oxidation on the surface. The oxidation process is not harmful to your roof. In fact, the surface corrosion acts as a protective layer and won’t spread to the core of your copper roof materials. The discoloration will progress much more quickly in damp or humid climates than it will in dry climates. If you don’t like the green color, you can seal your roof to preserve the shiny, rose-gold look.
Copper roofing works well in all kinds of climates, but it’s ideal in humid climates because it naturally repels fungus, moss, and algae. This makes it one of the best roofing options for Cape Cod homes in the Northeast, as well as homes in the humid southern states and snowy northern states. That said, copper is vulnerable to thermal expansion. If you live in a climate that has extreme temperature changes, your contractor will need to consider this during the installation process.
