I am attempting/planning to install some copper flashing that will cover the board that sits on top of my return (replacing exterior trim. Should I attempt to solder the corner joints or just use finish nails. The board the copper is to sit on is only 3/8″ thick. If holding edge in place with nails, is it ok to use the copper plated nails? If soldering is the way to go, any tips/techniques? Thanks in advance for any help.
Kieran
Replies
Should I attempt to solder the corner joints or just use finish nails
The best way to do this (IMHO), is to install a copper drip edge fastened with copper nails on the two open sides. The copper to cover the return roof should turn up the wall (and then counter flash with a separate piece) if that condition exists and/or slide under any rake trim that lands on the return roof. The copper should protrude a 1/2" or so past the top edge of the drip. Fold that 1/2" back under and squeeze it to the drip edge.
Copper expands and contracts quite a bit. Leaving a flat lock on the outside edges lets it move. Do not face nail it. Expansion/contraction will open the holes around the nails up and allow leakage. Using dissimilar material nails will cause electrolysis and usually the nails will disappear after a while.
As far as soldering, I haven't seen a cornice return I can't cover with copper without having to solder. Think out your pieces if you need more than one and fold them together so solder is not necessary.
http://grantlogan.net/
Sometimes, when I lie in bed at night and look up at the stars, I think to myself, "Man! I really need to fix that roof."
Thanks for the input. I will try to fashion something together this coming weekend.
It's not ok to use plated nails, they won't last. You have to use copper nails.
Any suggsetions as to where to get copper nails? I have found larger ones for roofing, however can't find any small ones.
Any suggsetions as to where to get copper nails? I have found larger ones for roofing, however can't find any small ones.
You are roofing. Use roofing nails.
http://grantlogan.net/
Sometimes, when I lie in bed at night and look up at the stars, I think to myself, "Man! I really need to fix that roof."