Copper Flashing
Copper flashing is a premium sheet metal used at roof penetrations, transitions, and architectural details, valued for its extreme durability, natural patina development, and lifespan exceeding 70 years.
The Premium Flashing Standard
Copper flashing is a high-end sheet metal used at roof penetrations, wall intersections, and architectural details, prized for its exceptional durability, natural green patina, and lifespan that can exceed 70 years without corroding. Copper is the most expensive common flashing material, but its longevity and performance make it the preferred choice on high-value homes and historic properties. When copper flashing exists on a property, the insurance estimate must reflect the actual material, not a cheaper substitute.
Copper flashing claims require attention to material pricing and the like-kind-and-quality standard.
Copper on Insurance Claims
When damage requires flashing replacement on a property with copper flashing, the like-kind-and-quality provision in most insurance policies means the replacement must be copper. Carriers sometimes attempt to substitute galvanized steel or aluminum, arguing that the function is the same. However, copper has distinct properties: it does not corrode like steel, it has a different expansion rate, and mixing copper with dissimilar metals creates galvanic corrosion that damages the cheaper metal. These are functional differences, not just aesthetic ones.
Document the existing copper flashing with close-up photos that clearly identify the material. The green patina is distinctive, but new copper is bright and can be mistaken for other metals.
Pricing Copper in Xactimate
Copper flashing is priced significantly higher than galvanized steel in Xactimate, and the price fluctuates with the copper commodity market. Xactimate updates copper pricing through its monthly price list updates, but in volatile markets the listed price may lag behind actual costs. If your supplier quotes are higher than the Xactimate price, submit a price override with the supplier invoice attached. Custom-fabricated copper pieces like chimney flashings should be priced individually, not at the standard per-linear-foot rate.
Frequently asked questions
Copper is a premium raw material with a commodity price that fluctuates. Copper flashing costs 5 to 10 times more than galvanized steel flashing. However, it lasts 70+ years without corroding, making its lifetime cost competitive. On insurance claims, the estimate must reflect the actual material if copper is present.
The policy typically requires like kind and quality replacement. If the existing flashing is copper, the estimate should include copper replacement. Carriers cannot downgrade materials unless the policy specifically allows it.
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