Education

Copper Facts

Roofing

Standing seam copper roofing is rated for resistance to the highest winds in Underwriters Laboratories' tests (UL-90). Each year high winds cause billions of dollars of damage to buildings. Now architects and contractors have a benchmark specification for roofing that meets the most demanding wind conditions.

Copper is used to roof ten major buildings at the U.S. training center for Olympic athletes near San Diego, California. It is also used for plumbing, flashing, gutters and downspouts. The copper rolls and sheeting used for the architectural applications were donated by member companies of the Copper Development Association.

Roofing manufacturers use granules containing copper oxide in their asphalt shingles to prevent ugly discoloration of their product by algae. Copper ions which inhibit algae growth are leached by moisture from the porous ceramic granules, which can last for 25 to 30 years.

The information provided in this section has been collected from many varied sources and is true and accurate insofar as the Copper Development Association Inc. has been able to determine.

Additional Resources

The CDA web site provides many other resources for people interested in learning more about copper and its alloys.

Take a look at Innovations - our on-line magazine.

Please also check out Copper In Your Home - a section dedicated to consumers, with a special section just for kids!

If you need metallurgical or properties information, take a look at the Standards & Properties section.

Please also take a look at our application specific sections if you are looking for information regarding plumbing, electrical, architecture, and other copper alloy applications.