Copper is the most valuable of building materials owing to it being the most versatile. In HVAC systems (as rigid or flex duct), its natural antimicrobial properties improve indoor air quality and stop the spread of bacteria like Legionnaires’ disease. In water systems, its corrosion resistance and low reactivity properties can last 100 years. Then, on top of everything else, it shines as cornices, cladding, paneling and other forms of architectural sheet metal applications.
“Designing today isn’t just about structural integrity. It’s about a building’s impact on the environment, and what type of visual style it can express,” says Thomas Passek, president of the Copper Development Association Inc. (CDA). “As this architectural trend continues to flourish, it’s having a significant impact on material choice.”