Having an understanding of cost-benefit ratio of different types of roofing allows homeowners and prospective builders to have intelligent discussions with their architect about which material will best suit their needs and budget. You can find several types of roofing materials on the market, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Generally, the more you pay the higher quality and more durable your roof will be.
Different roofing materials types include metal, galvanized steel, concrete, and asphalt shingle. You must discuss with your architect the cost/benefit ratio of each type. If you want a copper roof, you need to examine the cost/benefits of copper roofing for your particular situation. In other words, while you may want a copper roof, the costs may exceed the benefits and you should therefore choose another roof type.
However, if you are able to afford a copper roof and the material fits your architectural design goals, then the cost/benefit ratio makes sense. You and your architect should choose roof structures and materials based on availability, price and practical concepts relating to architectural design.
Discuss with your architect the advantages and disadvantages of copper roofing. Copper roofing is lightweight and so it can be easily transported at a low cost to your building site. Also, copper roofing is extremely durable. Buildings that use copper have lasted for hundreds of years. The base materials found in copper form a protective patina or shield from the elements. Copper rooftops are versatile and can be used on residential, commercial, or industrial structures. In addition, because it is ordered in pieces there is less on-the-job cutting if your engineer makes the proper estimate on how much material you need.
However, when you look at the cost/benefits of copper roofing, if you realize you cannot afford it, there are other options. You can purchase less expensive steel roof sheeting coated with an alloy of zinc and aluminum to provide it with more strength and durability at a lower cost.
You also need to discuss the disadvantages of using copper roofing materials. For example after the rooftop is installed additional care must be taken to allow for thermal movement on large structures and you should be aware that differences in temperature can cause bothersome noises on curved roof surfaces.
Learn as much as you can about different roofing materials when you speak with your architect. This way, you will be in the best position to understand which roofing material is best for you and then you can properly explore the cost/benefit ratio of each type of roof. Enterprises have made examining cost/benefit ratios a common practice. Any business will perform this calculation when doing any architectural renovation. It only makes sense that homeowners perform the same due diligence to get the best material they can afford to suit their needs.