Copper sheets have been used to design and construct buildings for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian designers used copper claddings for the towering temple doors of Amen-Re at Karnak, while the third-century Loha Maha Paya temple in Sri Lanka shines with copper roof shingles.
Presently, architects are finding new and creative ways of using copper in their designs, which they love for its durability, flexibility, resistance to corrosion, and aesthetic appeal. For designers who are new to copper, here are some tips on where to buy copper sheets and how to use them.
Where to Buy Copper Sheets
Copper sheet suppliers are located all over the U.S. Look for a copper sheet supplier who can offer you a wide inventory of metals to choose from, so you can order any kind and shape you need from one place only.
In addition, you have to bear in mind that copper sheets are manufactured for different projects. As a result, they can have differences in strength, density, and hardness. A reliable copper sheet supplier can offer the exact kinds of copper your design requires.
How to Use Copper Sheets in Architecture
Copper is versatile and durable enough to be used for many parts of a building. A copper roof can last for more than 100 years compared to asphalt shingles, which has a lifespan of 15 to 30 years only. Copper is durable because it acquires a natural patina that ages well in time and serves as a protective layer against harsh weather elements.
Apart from roofing, copper can be used as wall cladding. Copper sheets are strong first line of defenses against water, dust, and wind. The Museum of Fire in Żory, Poland has copper plated walls, for instance, which give it a fiery look and long-lasting weather protection.
Copper cladding can also be used as part of interior design in lobby walls, column facings, and inner walls. It can likewise create gutters and downspouts. When made in copper, these fixtures can last for 50 years or even more because they are not easily corroded. Domes, vaults, and spires can be made of copper too because this metal is ideal for simple or complexly curved surfaces.
Once you’ve got copper sheets, you can use it for roofing, walls, domes, spires, and almost anything else you can imagine.
Sources
“Copper Facts: Copper in Architecture,” copper.org
“The World’s Best Copper Buildings,” architecturaldigest.com
