We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Copper Siding?

By B. Turner
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,997
Share

Copper siding is a construction material used to finish and protect the exterior walls of a building. This product consists of natural copper shaped into thin sheets and polished to create a shiny finish. The smooth surface of the siding effectively displays the copper's unique natural coloring, which includes tones of gold, pink, and brown. Installers may use this material on either residential and commercial siding projects, depending on the budget and design specifications of the building owner.

Designers and building owners can choose from a wide variety of copper siding products to create the desired finish. Some copper siding can be installed in interlocking horizontal rows to mimic the style of traditional vinyl or aluminum lap siding. Other products include copper shingles, or copper siding embossed to look like wood or other popular finished. Commercial buildings often use larger copper panels to create a seamless siding look. The edges of these panels are designed to interlock with adjacent units to minimize the size and appearance of joints.

Some installers may use copper siding to over the entire exterior of a building, but it is more common to use this material in conjunction with some other finish material. For example, the upper portions of the walls may consist of copper siding, while lower surfaces are made of brick or stucco. Copper gutters, downspouts and flashing can then be used to visually tie the different materials together.

Natural copper features a bright, shiny appearance. Over time, the surface of the copper changes appearance due to oxidation. Oxidized copper develops a patina, or verdigris, which gives the siding a gray or green finish. Some building owners may prefer the natural patina of the copper, and simply allow it to oxidize. It's even possible to apply certain acidic products to speed up oxidation. Owners who prefer a shiny finish can apply protective coatings to slow the oxidation process, but regular maintenance and polishing will also be required.

Copper siding offers a number of advantages over other types of finish materials. It is completely recyclable and contains no harmful materials. Copper is also lightweight, but very durable, allowing it to resist damage from wind, rain and even fire. Unlike other metal siding products, copper won't rust and requires no maintenance for those who enjoy the material's natural patina.

One of the primary drawbacks of this material is its high cost. Because of copper's many benefits, it's in high demand in a variety of industries, which keeps its price fairly high. Copper siding costs much more than vinyl or composite siding products, but its long lifespan makes it a good value over time.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-copper-siding.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.