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TOPIC: Maintenance

copper roof over cantiliver

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What is the treatment for a copper roof over a painted wood cantiliver that has discolored and is running down the cantiliver and on to the wood and discoloring it. I was told that a gutter would not solve the problem because a gutter cannot be put up.
Guest User

7/25/2005
A few basic choices: 1) Divert the water through the use of a gutter or something else. Apparently, a gutter cannot be pursued based upon your posting. Of course, even if it could, it's not "perfect" because anything carrying run-off water from copper should also be copper and it, in turn, will have its own run-off. Is there a way to add a copper flashing which would simply re-direct the water and keep it away from the wood. 2) The copper can be cleaned until it's shiny again and then sealed so it will not develop a patina. This is a major undertaking, impractical and imperfect at best I will add. 3) Remove the copper and replace it with something else. This would be a shame. 4) Can the wood be cleaned and then sealed with something that would make it resistant to the run-off? 5) Accept the situation as it is. A copper roof is a major investment for permanence and beauty. Streaking created by the run-off can be one of the charms of it. Fact is, it usually streaks on the buildings beneath of it and that is not necessarily looked upon as a negative. Admittedly, though, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

7/25/2005
What can I use to polish a 20 year old copper section of roofing? Not a large area, just over a bay window. Also, exterior paint was dripped on the copper when the home exterior was painted. Need to spruce up the roof for resale, eye-appeal.
Guest User

7/27/2005
There are all kinds of copper cleaners available. A Google search for copper cleaner will yield a lot of options. I have to warn you, though, this will take a lot of work and will still likely be pretty imperfect. Just my opinion, but I am not sure I'd mess with it. As far as the paint -- whatever solvent will take away the paint is fine to use. Something like mineral spirits, thinner, MEK. All Best.
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

7/27/2005
Thank you for your reply. Would you kindly tell me that if all the wood on the cantiliver is replaced and will be painted to match the house, what would be the type of product that will treat the painted surface of the wood. I was told by the builder that the copper will not leach anymore. Is this correct?
Guest User

8/8/2005
I would think that a high quality exterior urethane would be your best bet but I am no expert when it comes to wood finishes. Check with a quality paint store. If the copper is brown or green, then it will continue to have run-off. I think that is what you mean by "leach".
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

8/8/2005
I would think that a high quality exterior urethane would be your best bet but I am no expert when it comes to wood finishes. Check with a quality paint store. If the copper is brown or green, then it will continue to have run-off. I think that is what you mean by "leach".
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.

8/8/2005