I was looking for some copper sheet to fill in the openings of a wooden gate. I noticed the following comment by a seller of copper sheet for siding and roofs.
"Studies of 18th century copper roofing indicates that the copper should last for up to 1,000 years. Thus, under normal circumstances, it is reasonable to expect that properly installed copper cladding will last for centuries."
Mining and smelting copper may do horrible things to the environment, but its darned hard to fault its durability and perhaps its recyclability.
Copper
can certainly be recycled. It's properties have made it a valuable addition to the palette of materials man builds with.
Although mining is the necessary evil by means of which we obtain such materials, mining can be accomplished with differing degrees of responsibility. See Jared Diamond's "Collapse" for some examples of both careful and careless mining practices, in various parts of the modern world.
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I have a home in Iowa that recently needed all of the copper gutters/downspouts replaced. I was insistant that they be of the same design/scale as the architect specified in 1955. I also had the slate roof replaced at the same time. I sure hope to get more than 52 years out of this roof and the copper gutters. I'd post pic's of the crib, but with the style of architecture being a very tradional red brick, small paned windows, 1 level 5500sf... I doubt it would be appropriated on this modern forum. I need a quick way to make the new copper look patina'd and the charcoal slate roof to look mossy like before. Do I dare bath my roof in buttermilk? Should I bath myself in buttermilk at the same time? Would putting amonia on the new copper shorten its lifespan? Advice?
dc, so sorry if my post is off topic..and Iowa is one of those square state in the midwest where the corn grows tall, and every gal has thick ankles (kankles).
Tsk tsk.
To each thing in its time. Let the new look new, and enjoy it, for it will not last. Let the patinas grow naturally, as they want to do. What's the rush ?
Each season has its joys, none just like another. Soon enough the bright copper will become brown, another handsome effect. The slate will slowly mellow, the uniformity of the fresh becoming gently variegated depending upon its place. Finally, the much-anticipated greens will appear.
Yes, there are ways to rush these effects -- unnaturally -- but why not enjoy the whole show ?
SDR
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SDR, Again ,you have shed light on my pea sized brain. I shall indeed enjoy the show, as you say. AzC, This would explain why I can't recall ever seeing a copper urinal to match the copper bath tub.
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