Copper in construction
|
|
Copper is a soft, malleable, ductile metal with high thermal and electrical conductivity and good resistance to corrosion due to the protective patina that forms on its surfaces. It has low thermal expansion, making it stable and resistant to deterioration from movement. It is relatively light compared to lead, and requires little maintenance. It is non-magnetic and has good biofouling resistance
Copper has the chemical symbol Cu (from Latin: cuprum) and atomic number 29. It has been used as far back as 8,000 BC because it is a native metal, occurring naturally in a useable form. It is also found in the minerals cuprite, malachite, azurite, chalcopyrite and bornite, and is a by-product of silver production.
It is commonly used in the construction industry to form pipes and tubing for potable water distribution and heating and cooling systems, as it is malleable and joints can be easily formed by soldering. The ease with which it can be made to form complex shapes means it is also used as a cladding and flashing material, for gutters, downpipes and coping. Electrical and communications cables are often formed with copper wire.
It can be hot and cold worked, and joints can be formed by soldering or welding, using mechanical fasteners, by brazing, or with adhesives. It can specified according to the temper levels; soft, half-hard, hard, spring and extra-spring.
Copper is a pinkish-orange colour when first exposed, but can oxidise to a blue green colour. This oxidisation is sometimes allowed intentionally to create a characteristic green cladding. It can also be given a range of brown colours.
It is generally recyclable, and this combined with its long life means it has relatively low life cycle impacts.
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.