Here, you see a rare work in progress along Back Road: A real copper roof is being installed on a private residence, not an aluminum roof tinted to look like a quantitatively more expensive copper one that has achieved its gray-green patina.
Although extraordinarily expensive, copper is malleable, yet strong and durable. It can last centuries with relatively little maintenance, according to reports. It once was the metal of choice for the roofs of important public buildings, especially before the development of efficient aluminum extraction processes.
Actually, copper roofs are a derivative of ship building. Prior to the American Revolution, it was discovered that copper sheets could be molded into hull coverings that added extra protection for ships of wars. It was a short step from there to try the metal as a building covering. (Brooklin, Maine)