Verdigris?

Stains/Surfaces
1

I just got a call from a client and one of the things he mentioned was verdigris (I had to look it up, it’s the green oxidation on copper). It sounds like he has a copper roof on a shed which has begun to oxidize, I will take pictures when I go for the estimate tomorrow. He wants it cleaned and the oxidation removed.

Has anyone successfully dealt with this before? If so, what worked?

Most of the info I’ve found is for things like pots and pans, not practical for a roof. The few times I’ve found where this has been asked had recommendations like try oxalic or try a degreaser, but I haven’t seen anyone come back and say they were successful.

If anyone has experience with this I would appreciate any info you could give. I’m going to take a look at it tomorrow but I may end up turning this one down.

2

Everbrite sells a product that will do the job.
https://www.everbritecoatings.com/copper_roof.htm

3

@Max I’ve heard that a simple citric acid and water solution does wonders

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4

Wouldn’t it just re-oxidize within a few weeks without a protective coating?

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5

yes it would

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6

Copper and Bronze restoration to be done right is something of a process.

I have not done any roofs, mainly statues in gardens, etc.

  1. Mild pressure wash. Knock off the exterior mold/algae/dirt,etc.
  2. Using heat (torch, weed burner) heat metal in small sections to about 160 degrees.
  3. Apply specialized wax sealant
  4. Buff, buff, buff…

It then requires on-going maintenance of reapplying the wax sealant to keep it from going to crap again. How often you ask? Just depends on weather, temperature, etc…

7

Statue of Liberty is green for a reason. They don’t want to constantly polish the thing.

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8

I think a person could also spray it with a clear coat. It just doesn’t make sense to clean it if the owner doesn’t have a plan to protect it.

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9

I wanted to follow up, especially since no follow up was my biggest frustration when I was searching for answers.

As per usual, the homeowner didn’t know what he was talking about.There was no copper, no vedigris. It was a regular old dirty metal roof. It cleaned up fine.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to give advice.

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