Hello everyone, I was at a job today that is getting a copper roof the old way. Hand seamed and hand hammered. I noticed that the framers had put down black paper over the plywood and used button tab nails to hold it down. I was told the copper was going over this. I thought the rule about mixing metals would apply, steel button nail and copper would corrode. Plus wouldn’t the soft copper lay down on the tabs and eventually show through? I have seen copper lay down when skip sheathing was used. Anyone who knows give a shout and let me know.
98 and humid in VA
Replies
I don't understand the concern about "mixing metals" in this scenario. The only thing that would corrode would be the nails temporarily holding the felt until the copper is installed. After the copper is installed they are no longer necessary.
For years, I would not install copper over plastic cap nails. I pulled every one before laying the copper. Several years ago (when Hitachi started selling pneumatic cap nailers), I came across a roof that had cap nails about 3" apart in every direction. I decided not to pull them and lay over them. Couldn't tell. I haven't pulled a cap nail since.
I do use a layer of red rosin paper between the felt and the copper.
gl
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