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Cathedrals, palaces, city halls—a lot of these structures that have been around for centuries have something in common you might not expect: copper roofs. But the material isn’t just limited to prestigious public buildings. Actor Brooklyn Decker, who has a not-so-secret love for design and renovation, clad her parents’ home in the shiny, burnished metal. In an Instagram post last week, she shared a peek of the almost-completed project (which she dubbed #FarmhouseInTheCity), spotlighting the house’s chestnut-toned roof. Even the gutters and drain pipes are made up of the ultra-durable material.
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While copper has been extra-popular inside homes during the pandemic thanks to its antimicrobial qualities, it’s a recipe for curb appeal, especially when paired with hunter green siding. It’s also an all-around solid investment. Though it will cost you more up front than any other roofing material (according to an estimate from Modernize, expect to pay between $25,000 and $38,000 for an 1,800-square-foot single-story home), you can recoup around 86 percent of the money you put into it if you ever sell your house.
Another major draw: It’s essentially maintenance-free. Unlike steel or aluminum, it won’t corrode or rust, and it doesn’t ever need painting or recoating. It will, however, patina over time, going from a gold-brown shade to a serene green hue—but that’s all part of the fun. One day Decker’s parents’ place will have a trendy tone-on-tone look.
Our Winter Renovation issue is here! Subscribe now to step inside Leanne Ford’s latest project—her own historic Pennsylvania home. Plus discover our new rules of reno.