learning copper roofing

aussieroofer

hey all .
time to upgrade and expand my roofing skills. i want to learn copper and zinc roofing. does this have to be done through on the job training or can you learn this on a course. i know you are in a different country, but opinions are most welcome from all parts of the globe.
sorry about the clover could'nt resist.

English Roofer

Hi Jason, im sure there are courses, but i only know of them for lead over here, copper is very specilised so im not sure where you would need to go to learn that, the states perhapes?, im sure 'Tinner' would show you the ropes!
Cheers
Dave

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Ed the Roofer

In the Unions here they would train you during your apprenticeship, but that still defers to being taught by a skilled mechanic, which would be preferable.

Ed

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2ndGen

That is what makes me an incomplete roofer...I never worked copper.

I've worked with guys who've installed copper flashings and have done my own repair work (albeit, learning on the fly),
but I've never installed copper chimney flashing myself or even a copper gutter system (much less a copper roof).

But, one day, I will redeem myself.

aussieroofer

my sentiments exactly!!!

tinner666

Main thing is thw gap between the panels and the cleats. I go 1/8".
When using vise tongs, it's very important unlock them after double seaming the panel, kick the panel outward a bit to relax it, then install the cleats with a gap between them and the panel. Leaving the tongs on and clamped will remove any play in the panels, eleminating room for expansion/ contraction, and lead to an early demise.

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tomstruble

Frank
you need to do a tutorial for us
im sure you have plenty of time

i do some small time copper work
Revere has a big book about copper ,its hisory,properties and how its used in roofing
its a good place to start

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Shirazman

Contact VM Zinc. I did a course in Stratford , London with them. You can do 2 day intro then 2 day intermediate then advanced and they give you plenty back up when you are on the job.
Hope this helps, Shirazman

Interloc

on the job is best

Grumpy

First rule of copper is always wear gloves. Your sweat and natural oils will make the copper patina in an uneven pattern. Infact I have seen jobs less than a year old where you could see very visible hand and finger prints on the copper.

I've done very little copper work myself personally, but that's because it is sooo highly specialized. We as a company do a fair ammount of copper work however, because I have guys who are very well trained in workig with it. Flashings, gutters are most common. We also do standing seam on dormers, bays, porches, gazebos, etc... It's really a way to grab some attention for not alot of money. GREAT on the front of a house.


LOL 2nd rule of copper. Don't put copper downspouts in an urban area unless you want to donate them to the junk collectors. We do at least half dozen jobs a year simply replacing stolen copper downspouts in Chicago. LOL I have often wondered how to capitolize on that specialty or replacing stolen downspouts.

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