A copper roof can reach temperatures between 138-145 degrees Fahrenheit on a sunny, 90-degree day.
While the exact temperature a copper roof reaches depends on several factors, including ambient temperature, sun exposure, and roof pitch, unpainted metal roofs, including copper, generally get quite hot. The referenced Sentry Roof article provides temperature ranges for different roof materials on a 90-degree Fahrenheit day:
| Roof Surface | Degrees Fahrenheit on a sunny, 90-degree day |
|---|---|
| Unpainted metal | 138-145, but feels hotter to the touch than a black roof |
| Painted Metal (ex: BASF Cool Paint) | 105-115 or up to 42% cooler than unpainted metal |
| White | 102-120 |
| Vegetative | 90 |
It's important to note that while these temperatures represent surface readings, the "feels hotter to the touch" observation suggests heat retention and emittance might vary between materials, even at similar temperatures. Therefore, while a copper roof might read within this 138-145 degree range, its thermal properties may make it feel even hotter. Also, these are general estimates, and actual temperatures might vary slightly due to environmental conditions.
