From the relentless sun in Arizona to the frigid winters in Ontario, copper roofs have shielded homes and buildings from the harshest environments for centuries. Today, the world?s oldest metal is being utilized across North America for its durability and appealing aesthetic.
The Centre Block of the Canadian Parliament, originally constructed in 1866, recently underwent a roof replacement. Copper was chosen because of its durability, longevity and great natural beauty.

The use of copper is based upon traditional practices proven over many years. There are numerous examples of copper roofs that have been in place for one or more centuries. Copper’s resistance to the elements ranks among the highest of modern roofing materials. While its strength and longevity make it an attractive building material, its versatility allows it to conform to a variety of desired appearances. Copper was also recently used to fix and replace the corroded galvanized steel structure of the dazzling Vedanta Temple in San Francisco. Nearly 5,000 pounds of the metal was used to form two dozen teardrop-shaped adornments, as well as a beautiful cupola that stands 12 feet tall with a 5-foot diameter.

When properly designed and installed, a copper roof provides an economical, long-term roofing solution. Its low life cycle costs are attributable to the low maintenance, long life and recycling value at its end of service. Unlike many other roofing materials, copper requires no painting or finishing...