The Many Lives of Copper Flashings

Words: Dan KamysMarch 2008 CASE STUDY #3

New products constantly flood the construction industry. Some promise and deliver real positive advantages, while others leave questions as to their real advantages over possible new disadvantages. Moisture management has been a real concern in all phases of construction for centuries. It is generally agreed that moisture must be dealt with in a way that will protect a structure for life. Properly designed through-wall flashings are the widely accepted answer to moisture migration in typical cavity wall construction. Proper attention should be given to the location of these flashings, along with the type of materials used.

For hundreds of years, copper has been used in those critical areas where moisture management is a concern. It could be said that copper flashings have stood the test of time and continue to be the most reliable flashing product to assure lasting protection. When choosing a flashing material, longevity should be your main objective. [caption id="attachment_10643" align="alignnone" width="416"]This 50-year-old building remains in remarkably good condition, mostly because of the things that didn't change, including the flashing. This 50-year-old building remains in remarkably good condition, mostly because of the things that didn't change, including the flashing.[/caption]

Case and Point

About 50 years ago, a small U.S. Post Office was built in Hampton, N.H. The structure was a basic brick exterior with a block interior wall. This structure served as a post office for about 22 years and then was sold to a local bank. Due to the location of the building and local zoning regulations, the size and general appearance of the building could not be altered. Thus, the new owners could make only minor changes to the exterior of the structure. Windows and doors were replaced in favor of new, more energy-efficient models, but the approximate size and location remained unchanged.

Twenty-eight years later, the bank relocated, and the building was sold to a national donut chain. Once again, minor changes were undertaken to change the doors and windows, but the location remained the same, as did the structure — and the flashing. The flashing over the windows and door is the original copper fabric flashing that was installed about 50 years prior (see image). The longevity of copper has proven itself through the many lives of this small structure in New Hampshire, and will continue to protect against moisture problems through the years and changes ahead.

Conclusion

This story is not unique. Walk down the streets of a large city, such as Boston or New York, and you'll see extensive use of copper in most of the oldest structures in the city. Will peel-and-stick and PVC flashings be around 50 years from now? New products constantly flood the construction market. Choose wisely. Case Studies: Flashing    — Divine Invention

   — Ameristar Casino/Hotel

     
Brick Jointers: Purpose, Patterns, & Practical Applications
January 2026

After leads have been built and bricks have been laid, it’s crucial to tool the joints before the mortar sets. The tool of choice for this task is a brick jointer, but it can be tricky to decide which one to use. This guide will walk through the purpose o

Mackenzie Claassen
Technical Talks
Read More
Laying It Straight: Line-Holding Accessories for Masons Who Demand Precision
January 2026

When it comes to laying brick, block, or stone, nothing replaces a good line. A tight, true mason’s line is the backbone of straight courses and clean elevations, and the hardware holding that line is every bit as critical. Bon Tool’s lineup of Line & Lin

Paul Bender
Technical Talks
Read More
The Importance of Eye Protection in Masonry
January 2026

There are few stereotypes more iconic than the image of a construction worker wearing a hard hat and safety glasses. Protective glasses are among the most common items worn by workers in the masonry field, second only to the hard hat. According to OSHA, w

Justus Everett
Safety Library
Read More
2026 Skills Challenge and Fastest Trowel on the Block Winners
January 2026

Convention
Read More