Preserving Architectural Heritage: Copper and Zinc in Historic Restoration

Can Copper And Zinc Be Used In Historic Buildings? 

Can Copper and Zinc be used in historic buildings? Step into the fascinating intersection of historical preservation and modern craftsmanship as Jorge Fiscal reveals how copper and zinc are revolutionizing restoration projects across America. We unpack the surprising history of these metals—fixtures in European architecture since the 1860s—and their remarkable ability to maintain historical authenticity while delivering exceptional modern performance.

Jorge shares insider knowledge about why preservation guidelines actually recommend these metals for landmark restorations, debunking the myth that they're merely contemporary alternatives. "These are environmentally friendly metals that leave little footprint to our ecosystem," he explains, highlighting how sustainability meets tradition in these timeless materials. The economic argument becomes clear as Jorge illustrates how copper and zinc installations outlast conventional materials that require multiple replacements over decades.

The conversation takes an exciting turn when we explore modern patination techniques that allow property owners to choose their preferred aesthetic instantly—from gleaming new metal to centuries-old weathering—without waiting decades for natural development. Ready to transform your project? Jorge is standing by to bring your vision to life with craftsmanship that stands the test of time.

To learn more about Custom Copper and Zinc visit:
https://www.CustomCopperRoof.com
Custom Copper and Zinc
919-538-9284

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to the Custom Copper and Zinc Podcast, where
craftsmanship meets timelessdesign.
Hosted by Jorge Fiscal, ownerof Custom Copper and Zinc, we
dive into the art of custommetalwork and how it brings
lasting beauty and durability tohistoric homes, modern builds
and visionary designs.
Whether you're a homeowner,general contractor, architect or

(00:24):
interior designer, this is yourgo-to space for inspiration and
expert insights into copper andzinc craftsmanship.
Let's get started.

Speaker 2 (00:39):
Preserving history with modern materials.
Can copper and zinc reallyblend into the past without
looking like imposters?
Let's explore their role inhistoric restoration.
From rooftops to decorativeelements, these metals might be
the perfect bridge between oldworn charm and modern

(01:00):
performance.
Welcome back everyone.
I'm Sofia Yvette, co-host slashproducer.
Back in the studio with JorgeFiscal.
Jorge, how's it going?

Speaker 3 (01:10):
Hello, sofia, doing fine.
I hope you are.

Speaker 2 (01:14):
Thank you, Jorge.
Can copper and zinc be used inhistoric buildings?

Speaker 3 (01:20):
Oh, definitely, copper and zinc were the
original materials for thesehistoric landmarks that we have
on every state and, yes, it'ssuggested to preserve with the
original materials.

Speaker 2 (01:36):
So, Jorge, if an 1800s architect time traveled to
today, would they approve ofusing copper and zinc or demand
we bring back lead roofs?

Speaker 3 (01:48):
Definitely.
Copper and zinc, I think, areon the top of the priority list
for a couple of things.
Especially one of them that isvery important is the
environment.
These are environmentallyfriendly metals that leave
little footprint to ourecosystem.

Speaker 2 (02:13):
Are copper and zinc historically accurate materials
for restoration, or are theymore of a modern day solution?

Speaker 3 (02:23):
No, actually copper has been around for over 100
years in buildings, especiallyin Europe, as early as the 1860s
, zinc started becoming moreusable and, done with the proper
techniques, they have foundthat, talking about the roofs in

(02:44):
Paris, for instance, they canlast over 100 years with little
to zero maintenance.

Speaker 2 (02:54):
And what are the biggest challenges when
integrating these metals intohistoric structures?

Speaker 3 (03:00):
I will say that these materials go up and down in
pricing.
It depends.

Speaker 2 (03:08):
So it will be a little bit of an original
investment compared to thetraditional materials, because

(03:39):
obviously copper and zinc willoutlast any other materials,
meaning that, while the othermaterials will be replaced three
or four times, copper and zincwill just keep on aging,
developing that patina, thatnatural patina that architects
just fall in love with.
That's amazing.
How do preservation guidelinesand regulations impact the use
of copper and zinc inrestoration projects?

Speaker 3 (03:53):
It is suggested that these historic landmarks, for
the sake of preserving theintegrity of the building, we
replace them with the sameoriginal base materials metals.

Speaker 2 (04:08):
Will my historic home look like a steampunk
masterpiece if I use thesemetals, or will it look just
right?

Speaker 3 (04:17):
or will it look just right?
Nowadays we have so manyoptions that a lot of clients
love the developed patina.
So you don't have to wait those20 to 25 years of elaborate
patina.
Nowadays we can just get thematerial brand new and make it
as the owner decides.
Whatever, you can chooseseveral patinas.

Speaker 2 (04:38):
What is the most interesting misconception about
copper and zinc being used inhistoric buildings?

Speaker 3 (04:49):
I don't think there is any.
To be honest, with nowadaystechnology, we do the
combination of the all-worldtechniques combined with
technology that we have nowadaysto provide the very best system
and procedures to bring thisproject to the right.

(05:11):
I'm just thinking about, forexample, zinc.
Zinc is a metal that we'resupposed to be installing in
summer, Otherwise it becomes alittle bit challenging when we
try to work on it in the winter.
Other than that, I love workingwith copper because this can be
worked on all year round prettymuch.

Speaker 2 (05:31):
Love it.
Jorge.
We'll catch you in the nextepisode.
Have a fantastic rest of yourday.
Thank you, We'll catch you inthe next episode.
Have a fantastic rest of yourday.

Speaker 1 (05:40):
Thank you.
Thanks for tuning in to theCustom Copper and Zinc Podcast.
If you're ready to transformyour project with custom copper
or zinc solutions, jorge is hereto help.
Reach out today.
Email him at jfiscal that'sJ-F-I-S-C-A-L at ncrrcom, or

(06:02):
call or text at 919-538-9284.
From historic renovations tocutting-edge designs, custom
Copper and Zinc has you covered.
Until next time, keep creating,keep building and let's make
something timeless together.