Copper is not just a roofing material. In a historic home, it is part of what makes the building look the way it does. The gutters, flashings, valleys, and decorative metalwork that run along a roofline are details most people never think about until they fail, and when they do, the wrong replacement can completely undermine the property’s character.
Todco Roofing custom fabricates copper components for historic and high-value properties throughout Chicagoland. Every piece is measured, fabricated, and installed by our team to ensure it fits correctly, performs long-term, and looks the way it should.
A slate or tile roof is only as good as the system built around it. Copper flashings, valleys, and trim pieces seal the vulnerable points of a roofline and keep water flowing in the right direction. When these components are made from inferior materials or installed incorrectly, even the best tile or slate installation will eventually leak.
We fabricate and install custom copper components, including:
We follow copper installation best practices on every project to ensure each component performs the way it should for your specific roof.
Copper gutters are among the most overlooked upgrades for a historic home. They outperform aluminum and galvanized steel in every category, and over time, they develop a natural patina that adds to the property’s character rather than detracting from it.
We fabricate and install copper gutters and downspouts, sized and shaped to fit your home’s specific roofline. Whether you are replacing a failed gutter system or installing copper for the first time, we handle the full job from fabrication through final installation.
Roof valleys are one of the highest-risk areas on any roofing system. They collect and channel more water than almost any other part of the roof, and standard flashing materials simply do not hold up in those conditions over the long term.
Copper valleys and flashing are the right solution for slate and tile roof installations because copper expands and contracts at a rate compatible with those materials, resists corrosion, and can last as long as the roof itself when installed correctly. We fabricate copper valleys and flashing to the exact dimensions of each roof section so there are no gaps, overlaps, or weak points.
Most roofing contractors default to aluminum or galvanized steel for flashings and trim. These materials are cheaper up front, but they corrode and deteriorate, often requiring replacement long before the roof itself does. On a historic home, replacing flashing incorrectly can cause real damage to the surrounding slate or tile.
Copper is different. It is naturally corrosion-resistant, extremely durable, and compatible with the slate and tile systems it is installed alongside. It also requires no painting or coating to maintain its performance. For historic and high-value properties, copper is simply the right material for the job.
Custom copper fabrication cannot be rushed. Every project starts with a detailed site assessment so we understand exactly what is needed before anything is fabricated.
Our process:
We provide custom copper services in Chicagoland for residential and commercial properties throughout the region. Our work includes historic homes, churches, institutional buildings, and landmark properties across:
Good copper work is what separates a roofing job that holds up for decades from one that causes problems down the road. Whether you need copper gutters, flashing, valleys, or full architectural metalwork, Todco Roofing has the experience and craftsmanship to do it right. Contact us today for a free quote!
What copper components does Todco fabricate?
We custom fabricate copper gutters, downspouts, caps, flashings, valleys, bay roofs, finials, ridge caps, and other decorative architectural metalwork. Every piece is made to the specific dimensions of your property.
Why should I use copper flashing instead of aluminum or steel?
Copper is naturally corrosion-resistant, does not require painting or coating, and has a much longer lifespan than aluminum or galvanized steel. On historic homes with slate or tile roofs, copper is the compatible and correct material choice.
How long does copper last on a roof?
When properly installed, copper flashings, gutters, and valleys can last 50 to 100 years. In many cases, they outlast the roofing materials they are installed alongside.
Do copper gutters require a lot of maintenance?
Very little. Copper develops a natural patina over time that actually protects the metal. Keeping gutters clean of debris is the main maintenance task for any gutter system.
Do you install copper on both slate and tile roofs?
Yes. Copper is the preferred flashing and valley material for both slate roofing and tile roofing installations. We integrate copper components as part of our full roof installations and as standalone fabrication projects.
Can you match the existing copper on my historic home?
Yes. We assess the existing copper on your property and fabricate new components to match the profile, weight, and finish as closely as possible.
