copper thickness for cover

[Don and Emmy]

What thickness copper should be used on an english garden style top? I don't want to go too thin but I dont want to get too thick because it gets expensive.

[Sundance]

Flashing grade will do fine.

[Dave W]

Don and Emmy . . .

I would suggest using aluminum rather than copper, unless you just like a green-colored roof smile.gif

Aluminum flashing (about 22 gauge) is easy to hand form, will last a life-time, and you can always paint it green if you like smile.gif

And you can send me the money you'll save smile.gif smile.gif

[ March 15, 2006, 01:17 PM: Message edited by: Dave W ]

[Sundance]

Copper looks so cool though......... It will not oxidize if coated.

[Focus on Bees]

what would you coat it with ?

[Focus on Bees]

I worked with a guy one time that tried coating copper, but didn't have much luck with it staying on. I don't recall what he was trying though.

[Sundance]

I would try automotive grade clear coat. Scuff the copper with 800 prior to spraying.

Any auto body store will sell you a small amount if you have a sprayer. Or a Wagner

[mwjohnson]

HI Don,
I would avoid the flashing(you know it comes in a roll)which is typically sold by the "weight per foot" to designate the relative weight and while it does work easily since it is annealed,the sheet copper if you can find a source will;
1) bend MUCH better,will look very crisp.Especially if your wrapping the edge
2) in a lighter gauge will be easier to work,and in my experience will be less expensive.It will last in our acid rain for a good long time.

Another good fastening detail I have used a lot is to take copper roofing nails(solid,not plated)and nail them to the roof boards where you want to fasten the metal(where you would need a nail),and then tin their heads after the nails are in position.Then lay your copper on top of them,and then put your iron on each of those nails to "tack" the copper in place.Now you've got an invisible nail,or as we say a "blind nailed" roof.

Good Luck,I have been meaning to make a couple to put in a friend's bee supply store,maybe someday.... Mark Johnson

P.S.Let your roof go,and learn to love the patina...

[Michael Bush]

>Now you've got an invisible nail,or as we say a "blind nailed" roof.

Wow! I never thought of that.