Metal & Copper Roofing Blog

Copper Looking Metal Roofing - Is there a Good Fake?

Q. Is it possible to fake the look of a real copper roof with another material?

A. Yes, although there's are definitely limitations. Since it's one of the most distinctive and desirable of roofing materials, it's not the least surprising that there are a number of products on the market that are intended to mimic the appearance of solid copper. Almost all of the imposters are some sort of painted metal, usually steel or aluminum. The paint finishes chosen can be a solid color intended to represent one stage of the different colors copper passes through as it ages - from that of a shiny new copper penny, through darker grays and browns, and finally to hues of green and blue. Or they can be a mottled or printed multi-color pattern attempting to emulate the variegation that can occur once copper has developed its characteristic verdigris.

copper diamond shingles | Metal Roof NetworkNeedless to say, some of the attempts are better than others, but they all share a common flaw. What makes copper roofs so easy to identify is that they react noticeably with their environment and that means they streak, and discolor, and change color unevenly, and exhibit the peculiarities of a reactive metal (as this image of our copper diamond shingles shows). All of the paint finishes, which are carefully developed and manufactured to remain as even and consistent as possible are intentionally not reactive - and this uniformity of appearance is always a giveaway to even the casual observer.

So the answer is definitely yes, depending on realistic an appearance is desired. While none of the faux copper finishes will ever replicate the uniqueness and individuality of real copper roofing, some of them can definitely give some of the feel of a copper roof if not examined too critically. The advantages of the fakes, of course, are only financial; they're just a whole lot cheaper. The disadvantages are a shorter service life, the obvious attempt to imitate something they're not, and considerably less distinction and character.

Interested in copper roofing, real or imitation? Copper is our specialty, and we have a few good mimics as well. Call or click today for your free estimate, or learn more about metal roofing with our free re-roofing booklet.

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