Copper Roof Installation

Check the layer of plywood sheathing for durability and condition. Feel the sheathing to see if it is soft and checkfor any broken sections. Look for discoloration and rotting that are both signs of water damage. Replace any sheets exhibiting any of these problem signs. Copper roofing can last up to 75 years and you will end up replacing bad plywood before the roofing, which can be expensive.

Staple a layer of asphalt paper over the surface of the plywood. Overlap the paper so that the seams run horizontally, ensuring that water can run down the roof without crossing them. The asphalt paper will keep water from penetrating to the plywood sheathing and causing rot, which is necessary because the copper does not keep out all moisture.

Staple a layer of slip-sheet membrane over top of the asphalt paper, which will protect the paper from condensation. If the paper were to contact condensation, it would undergo a reaction that corrodes the copper.

Lay a copper roofing sheet at the bottom edge of the roof with the male side facing away from the peak. The male side of the roofing has the leg or edge pointing up and the female side has a leg that points down. Position it so that it is square to the roof and two inches of the sheet extend over the edge. Set it in place with copper nails, then slot the male end of another sheet into the female of the first sheet and nail it in place.

Position the double phase crimper over the raised edge of the metal seam and bend the handle over to crimp the edges together. Continue this procedure along the seam and go over it a second time for weather protection. This procedure can be sped up with a self propelled seamer. Crimp a small section of the seam and mount the seamer on that edge. Run the seamer down to a partner at the bottom of the roof. Continue this process another time for a good weather-tight lock.

Fold the extra two inches of material overhanging the roof down and around the edge of the roof. Crimp the edges of the folded copper to create a finished edge and to lock the roof firmly in place.