CopperPlus copper clad stainless steel architectural materials provide the same classic beauty as solid copper, but with better performance characteristics, and at significantly lower cost. Visually indistinguishable from solid copper, CopperPlus is available in a range of gauges and widths for applications such as roof pan, rain drainage, flashing, trim and decorative components.
CopperPlus is produced by cladding thin layers of copper on both sides of a core strip of Type 430 stainless steel. The roll-to-roll cladding process is the same one used to produce the materials from which the U.S. Mint makes quarters and dimes, and was invented by Engineered Materials Solutions. The same process is used to produce materials for a wide array of products from clad cookware to thermostat bimetal to bright bumpers for Class 8 trucks.
The outer copper layers of CopperPlus are each 10 percent of the total material thickness with the stainless steel inner layer making up the remaining 80 percent.
The stainless steel core means that CopperPlus is appreciably stronger than virtually all typical architectural copper alloys. Accordingly, if CopperPlus is selected to match the gauge of solid copper, it will prove substantially stronger, while weighing less and costing appreciably less. If CopperPlus is selected to match the strength of solid copper, a thinner gauge of CopperPlus will be specified due to its superior strength resulting in greatly reduced material costs.
The strength of CopperPlus provides other benefits as well. When 0.012 inch thick CopperPlus was tested according to UL 2218 (developed for “Impact Resistance of Roofing Materials” because of large insurance losses caused by hail damage), it was rated Class 4, for materials having the highest impact resistance. Roofs with Class 4 rated materials can qualify for sizeable insurance premium discounts in 22 states and provinces.
Additional benefits of CopperPlus include diminished or eliminated oil canning, exceptional erosion corrosion resistance and reduced thermal expansion and contraction.
Developed in the 1960s when skyrocketing copper prices were causing disruptions throughout the industry, CopperPlus (then called Ti-Guard) can be found on roofs and rain drainage systems on buildings around the country. Recent inspection of these buildings has found no evidence of red rust or other concerns related to the clad materials, regardless of location. Designed and built almost 40 years ago, these buildings share variations of the classic pale green patina that is unmistakably copper. Or CopperPlus.
For more information, please visit our Web site at www.copper plus.com.
