MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Copper Sheet/Panel

Non-Ferrous Metals
mineral › Metallic › Non-Ferrous Metals
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ATLAS CODE
MIN-MET-NF-002
Copper Sheet/Panel
Category mineral
Material Family Metallic
Regulatory Status Non-combustible (A1)
Density
8940 kg/m3
Carbon (A1-A5)
0.5-4.5 kg CO2-eq/kg
Fire Class
Non-combustible (A1)
Lifespan
100-200 years
Description

Copper sheet and panel cladding is one of architecture's most enduring and visually distinctive facade materials, prized for its natural patina development from salmon-pink through russet-brown to the iconic verdigris green. Pure copper (C11000 ETP) and phosphorus-deoxidised copper (C12200 DHP) are the primary alloys used in architectural applications, supplied in temper grades from soft (R220) to hard (R290) per EN 1172. With a density of 8,940 kg/m3 and melting point of 1,083 degC, copper offers excellent ductility, corrosion resistance, and a proven lifespan exceeding 100-200 years. In Australian construction, solid copper sheet is classified non-combustible under AS 1530.1 and is suitable for NCC Type A and B construction without restriction. Copper is 100% recyclable without quality degradation, with architectural products typically containing 40-100% recycled content, making it one of the most sustainable metal cladding options available despite its premium cost.

Typical Uses
  • Standing Seam Roofing
  • Facade Cladding Panels
  • Heritage Restoration
  • Gutters and Flashings
  • Interior Feature Cladding
30010000mm
Standard Widths [300-2000] mm
Standard Lengths [up to 10000] mm
Recycled Content 40-100
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon 0.5-4.5 kg CO2-eq/kg
Embodied Energy 10-70 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Exceptional lifespan of 100-200+ years with no maintenance requiredSelf-protecting natural patina eliminates need for protective coatings or painting100% recyclable without quality degradation - truly circular materialNon-combustible (solid sheet) - suitable for all NCC building classificationsOutstanding corrosion resistance in marine, industrial, and urban atmospheresExcellent ductility and formability - can be shaped into complex architectural formsLow thermal expansion (40% less than zinc) simplifies detailingAntimicrobial properties - naturally inhibits bacterial growth on contact surfaces
Cautions
Premium cost - significantly more expensive than steel, zinc, or aluminium claddingCopper staining - green patina runoff can stain adjacent porous materials (concrete, stone, timber)Galvanic corrosion risk when in contact with dissimilar metals (especially aluminium and steel)Theft target - high scrap value makes copper vulnerable to theft on construction sitesAcoustic performance - thin sheet provides minimal sound insulation without backing systemsDenting susceptibility - softer than steel, prone to hail and impact damage in soft tempers
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TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-MET-NF-002
Density (Dry) 8940 kg/m3
Specific Gravity 8.94
Porosity 0 %
Water Absorption 0 %
Hardness 2.5-3.0 Mohs
Surface Roughness 0.1-8.0 um
UV Resistance excellent
Chemical Resistance good
pH Tolerance 4-12 pH
Available Colors
Bright copper (new mill finish - salmon pink)TECU Classic (bright copper)TECU Oxid (pre-oxidised brown)TECU Patina (pre-patinated green)TECU Gold (brass-toned copper alloy)Nordic Brown (light to dark oxidised)Nordic Green (factory patinated)Nordic Blue (copper-zinc alloy patina)Nordic Turquoise (advanced patina)Natural weathering progression: pink > brown > dark brown > green
Surface Finishes
Mill finish (bright, reflective)Pre-oxidised (brown tones, factory controlled)Pre-patinated (green verdigris, factory applied)Tinned copper (silver-grey finish, traditional for heritage)Lacquered (clear coat to preserve bright finish temporarily)Waxed (slows initial oxidation)Living finish (natural patina develops over 5-50 years)
Texture Options
Mill finish (smooth, bright salmon-pink)Rolled finish (fine linear texture)Brushed/satin finishEmbossed/textured (linen, stucco patterns)Hammered/hand-workedNatural patina (develops over time)Pre-patinated (factory-applied green/brown)
Pattern Options
Standing seam (vertical or horizontal orientation)Flat-lock/diamond patternShingle/scale patternCassette panel (flush or recessed joint)Perforated patterns (laser-cut or punched)Corrugated profileInterlocking panel systems
Compressive Strength 60-320 MPa
Tensile Strength 220-360 MPa
Flexural Strength 60-320 MPa
Shear Strength 130-210 MPa
Elastic Modulus 117-132 GPa
Yield Strength 60-320 MPa
Impact Resistance >40 J
Bearing Capacity N/A kPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.34
Creep Resistance excellent
Abrasion Resistance moderate
Thermal Conductivity 340-391 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.000002-0.000004 m2K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 385 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 0.017 mm/m/degC
Melting Point 1083 degC
Ignition Temperature N/A - does not ignite degC
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 22-26 STC
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.01-0.03
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 15-70 %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) 20-40
Emissivity 0.02-0.80
Electrical
Electrical Conductivity 85-101 % IACS

Copper roofing dates to antiquity, with the Pantheon in Rome (126 AD) originally featuring copper roof cladding. Medieval European cathedrals extensively used copper for roofing and decorative elements. The Statue of Liberty (1886) remains the world's most famous copper-clad structure. In Australia, copper was used on significant public buildings from the colonial era, including government houses and churches. The 20th century saw copper adopted for modernist facades, notably Alvar Aalto's work in Finland. Contemporary Australian projects increasingly specify copper for its sustainability credentials and distinctive aesthetic evolution. KME introduced the TECU product range in the 1990s, offering pre-weathered finishes. Aurubis Nordic Copper similarly provides factory-applied patina options. The material has experienced renewed interest in the 2010s-2020s as circular economy principles have gained prominence, given copper's infinite recyclability.

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SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-MET-NF-002
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0
Combustibility Class Non-combustible (A1)
Ignition Temperature N/A - does not ignite degC
Fire Resistance Rating N/A - cladding element minutes
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m2
Toxicity of Combustion very low
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 0.5-4.5 kg CO2-eq/kg
Embodied Energy 10-70 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 5-100 L/kg
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 100%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 3-5 points
Circular Economy Score 9.5 /10
VOC Emissions 0 ug/m3
Asbestos Content none
Skill Level specialist
Crew Size 2-4 persons
Installation Time 0.2-1.0 hours/m2
Curing Time N/A hours
Setting Time N/A hours
Temperature Range -10 to +45 degC
Humidity Range 0-100 %RH
Required Tools
Copper-specific hand seamers and folding bars (not steel tools which can mark copper)Hand-operated or electric standing seam roll-forming machineTin snips (aviation snips) or electric nibbler for cuttingSoldering iron (propane or electric) with tin-lead or tin-silver solderCopper rivets and rivet gun (not aluminium or steel rivets)Drill with stainless steel or copper fastenersBending brake for panel folding
Certifications Required
Trade qualification in sheet metal work or roof plumbing (Certificate III minimum)Manufacturer-specific training for proprietary systems (KME TECU, Aurubis Nordic)Working at Heights certificationCopper soldering competency (not included in standard plumbing training)
Weather Limitations
Avoid soldering in rain or on wet surfaces (flux contamination)High winds (>40 km/h) limit safe handling of large copper sheets at height
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COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-MET-NF-002
Material Cost 80-300 AUD/m2
Installation Cost 100-250 AUD/m2
Annual Maintenance 0.50-2.00 AUD/m2/year
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) 300-500 AUD/m2
Market Availability moderate
Lead Time 5-112 days
Supply & Logistics
Shelf Life Indefinite when properly stored in dry conditions. Bright finish will begin to oxidise within days/weeks of atmospheric exposure, which is normal and not a defect. months
Design Life 100-200 years
Warranty Period 25-50 years
Maintenance Interval 1825-3650 days
Service Temp Range -60 to +200 degC
Freeze/Thaw Resistance unlimited cycles
Dimensional Stability 0.017 mm/m
Certifications Held
ISO 9001 quality management (major manufacturers - KME, Aurubis, Luvata)CE marking (European manufactured products)Third-party tested to EN 1172 / ASTM B370Multiple EPDs available (KME, Aurubis, generic copper sheet)Green Star eligible material (recycled content, EPD availability)Cradle to Cradle certification potential (infinite recyclability)LEED v4.1 compliant for MR creditsEPA registration as antimicrobial material (copper alloys)No hazardous substance classification under Australian WHS regulationsSafe for food contact applications (relevant for architectural metalwork near food preparation)
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.1 - Non-combustible (solid copper sheet)NCC 2022 Section C - Suitable for Type A and Type B construction external wallsAS 5113 - Classification of external walls: non-combustible material groupEuroclass A1 per EN 13501-1
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 Volume One - Compliant for all building classifications as non-combustible claddingNCC 2022 Volume Two - Compliant for Class 1 and 10 buildingsBCA Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions for external walls met without additional testingNo restrictions under state combustible cladding regulations (VBA, NSW Planning)ASTM B370 - Standard Specification for Copper Sheet and Strip for Building ConstructionASTM B152 - Standard Specification for Copper Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Rolled BarISO 431 - Copper and copper alloys - Composition and forms of wrought productsISO 1190-1 - Copper and copper alloys - Code designation systemISO 9223 - Corrosion of metals - Corrosivity of atmospheres - ClassificationEN 1172:2011 - Copper and copper alloys - Sheet and strip for building purposesEN 504:2000 - Roofing products of metal sheet - Fully supported copper sheetEN 506:2008 - Roofing products of metal sheet - Self-supporting products of copper or zincEN 13501-1 - Fire classification: A1 (non-combustible)EN 1652 - Copper and copper alloy plate, sheet, strip and circles

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: MIN-MET-NF-002 Schema: v3.0
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