- Wall cladding is a widely used method for copper roof shingles. This house has a vertical wall shadow of copper on the side.
Fashionistas have always known the secret to standing out in a crowd when there’s no money for couture is: Wear one signature piece of jewelry. Same with houses.
With the economy such that it is right now, if you can’t afford to move out of the neighborhood or buy new onto the street of your dreams, renovate with copper. It’s signature homeowner jewelry that turns heads.
Copper not only adds a long-lasting aesthetic pop, it’s also good for the environment. Did you know that copper…
- Has the highest recycling rate of any engineering metal, and rarely ends up in a landfill?
- Is naturally corrosion-resistant because of its protective patina–that beautiful green film that occurs when copper is exposed to the elements? That patina adds to its durability, sustainability and beauty.
- Is fire-resistant and withstands heavy snow, rain and high winds? Copper roofs can last 100 years or longer.
The average single family home of 2,100 square feet uses 439 pounds of copper. But most of that’s tucked away behind dry wall or hidden away in your basement. If you’re going to make a dramatic and very visible signature statement with copper, consider one or more of these accessories:
Copper Vertical Walls, Copper Bay Window Kits, Copper Shingles
For Mark Stratton, national sales manager of Zappone Manufacturing in Spokane, WA, exterior copper accents and accessories are popular with homeowners because the materials are an upgrade that last a lifetime. Mark says copper sets homes apart from others in the neighborhoods–the whole point of a signature statement. “Copper is the best bang for your dollar,” Stratton says. “It looks great; it’s durable and can last for hundreds of years.”
Custom-made sink with patina stencil on copper apron. Natural copper sinks are easy to maintain and will not show scratches over time. Best of all, Rachiele's copper sinks are manufactured in the USA.
Apron Copper Sinks
Dino Rachiele, owner of Rachiele, a sink designer and manufacturer in Altamonte Springs, FL, agreed copper is the hot home trend right now. Her copper sink sales are higher this year than they were since her company was founded 10 years ago. “We’ve seen an increase in sales from people who would rather remodel than move,” Dino says. Her client, Erin Tomazic of Louisville, KY, purchased an apron copper sink this year to remodel her kitchen and plans to use copper accents throughout her home. “I’ve loved copper since I’ve been a little girl,” Erin said, adding that it reminds her of the good times she had at her grandmother’s house where copper pots and pans hung in the kitchen. With two toddlers, Erin also likes the anti-microbial properties of copper.
Rain chains come in a variety of designs and provide a functional alternative to a traditional downspout.
Copper Range Hoods and Copper Pot Racks
Danielle Fannin, of The Metal Peddler, a family-owned company in West Sunbury, Pa., creates hand-crafted copper products. She says customers are flocking to her mid-priced items, such as copper range hoods and copper pot racks because they’re an inexpensive way to add storage to the kitchen. In this tight economy, consumers are looking to enhance their living space, rather than purchasing a larger home, she says. “Today, people are going with simpler, less extravagant items.”
Copper Rain Chains
Rain chains replace traditional gutter downspouts. A rain chain installation kit provides a copper tube that connects to the gutter, allowing the rain chain to work. An attachment pin holds the rain chain in place and helps guide the water from the gutter down the chain. Sock Woodruff, president of GutterSupply.com, Lake Bluff, IL, says copper rain chains are growing increasingly popular because they’re “a great solution for people who want to refresh the exterior of their home or to enhance the entrance of their front porch or garden – all for a reasonable cost. Copper is the ideal material for rain chains, because it’s hardy and resilient in all weather conditions.”
And remember…The only thing separating us fashionistas from the animals is our ability to accessorize.
