coppertalk

By Craig Thompson, Copper Development Association, Project Manager & Architectural Applications Specialist

Craig Thompson is an Illinois-registered architect.  He holds a graduate degree in architecture and, in 1972, began working in construction on residential, commercial and retail projects.  He joined the CDA in 1992, working primarily with architects.  He provides them with information for working with copper, including design assistance and help locating products and installers.

I recently attended hearings of the International Code Council (ICC) on the subject of copper roofing and fire ratings.  Some Building codes exist to enable architects and builders to specify the level of fire safety of the materials chosen for new construction – Class A, Class B or Class C.  For example, if someone building a home in an area of California where there are brush fires wanted to do something extra to protect the home, they would go with Class A materials.  For decades there was an exception for copper in the building code because it had always been considered non-combustible. Read more…

By Joe Gorsuch, Copper Development Association Manager of Health & Environmental Sciences

Joe Gorsuch works with environmental regulations and the collection of ecotox data.  For 30 years prior to joining the CDA in March, 2009, he worked with Kodak, conducting environmental effects and fate field and lab studies to register chemicals for the photographic industry.  From 2005 to 2009 he was President and Owner of Gorsuch Environmental Managements Services, Inc. [GEMS, Inc.] coordinating environmental studies.  He holds an undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology and a master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, focusing on Aquatic Toxicology, both from Purdue University. 

Before I joined the CDA, I led the research program on silver at Kodak.  I was with the company for three decades and had amassed quite a body of work.  The experience and contacts I gained are invaluable, and I’m sure that was one of the reasons I was offered the position at the CDA.  Silver and copper aren’t the same programs, but the science is essentially identical and my background was a great fit. 

This past November, I was proud to receive the 2009 International Imaging Industry Association (I3A) Achievement Award (I3A is the leading global association and an accredited Standards Developing Organization for the imaging industry) for my work at Kodak and as an independent consultant in leading the 16-year silver environmental research program.  Here is a description of the award:

The I3A Achievement Award annually recognizes, encourages and celebrates outstanding accomplishment by an individual who has provided significant contributions to the advancement or growth of the imaging industry, through participation in I3A in either Standards and Initiatives or Advocacy.

It’s rewarding to know that my long career has led to others recognizing me.  I really feel great about it.  But I can’t take all the credit because of course I had colleagues helping me along the way.  Both at Kodak and the CDA, I’ve had the opportunity to work with world-class researchers and government regulatory people, and to build relationships based on mutual trust.  After leaving Kodak, there was kind of a void.  Although I was doing some exciting environmental consulting work, I wasn’t able to keep doing all the work I had been doing previously, in particular coordinating a major research program.  So I was very excited to get this opportunity with the CDA to bring my experience and knowledge to work on copper with some of the researchers I had collaborated with previously.  As I said earlier, the science is essentially identical.  But we’re now doing copper studies that I never had the occasion to do with silver, including marine studies that are far more advanced, in addition to marine sediment studies that I’m helping to coordinate, which is always exciting.  Anytime you get to be a pioneer, it’s exciting.

Craig Thompson, Copper Development Association

Project Manager & Architectural Applications Specialist

 Craig Thompson is an Illinois-registered architect.  He holds a graduate degree in architecture and, in 1972, began working in construction on residential, commercial and retail projects.  He joined the CDA in 1992, working primarily with architects.  He provides them with information for working with copper, including design assistance and help locating products and installers.

 I think I’m in a good position to assist architects in using copper for their projects, and that’s part of my job.  I have a lot of knowledge, and I enjoy sharing anything and everything I can. 

But one of the most exciting new developments concerning copper in architecture is in healthcare.  CDA is waiting to share with architects the results of the clinical trials, now underway, that compare the bio-load of standard hospital ICU rooms to “copperized” rooms.  Because the antimicrobial property of copper is a relatively new concept to the industry and we just recently got EPA approval, a lot of the products haven’t been mass-produced yet.  In other words, they’re not in catalogs for architects and builders working on healthcare facilities to call for.  And frankly, there will be lag time between when the architects are ready to go and when there’s general availability.  It’s kind of a “chicken and egg” situation.  The folks who make them won’t make a lot if they don’t think they can sell them. But if architects ask for them, they’ll make them.  And that’s coming.  The CDA has member companies that are taking a proactive approach and getting things ready to be marketed as antimicrobial. 

If there’s a down side, it’s the initial cost, which may be higher than standard materials.  But when you look at the big picture, copper is a money-saver.  It’s low-maintenance and won’t have to be replaced often.  It’s also sustainable, because copper and its alloys are easily recycled, and in fact are recycled all the time.  So hopefully soon, copper alloy IV poles, countertops, bedrails, work surfaces and plumbing fixtures will all be mass-produced and widely available. 

And how about public buildings and schools?  Germs are spread there, too.  Imagine the possibilities!

By Larry Peters, Copper Development Association Project Manager & Architectural Applications Specialist

Are you part of a building project that used copper in a unique way? I invite you to enter our North American Copper in Architecture Awards, in which the Copper Development Association recognizes the outstanding use of architectural copper and copper alloys in North American building projects.

The submission process for the 2010 awards now is open. Go here for the submission form. We encourage you to join us in celebrating uses of copper that are innovative, functional and beautiful. Because we specialize in copper, we’re so proud of its use that we want to show it to the world.

To enter, your project must be located in the United States or Canada and completed in the last three years. The project must feature a significant application of architectural copper alloys and the copper manufacturer must be located in North America. The deadline to submit your entry is Jan. 31, 2010. To view last year’s winners, click here.

A 2009 winner, the objective for the Blessings Golf Clubhouse in Fayettville, Ark., was to develop a contemporary structure, unique to the Ozark Mountain region that resists the prevailing historicist precedents most commonly represented as an antebellum home or a hunting lodge. Materials for the building exterior were chosen to provide a timeless palate that will age gracefully with little maintenance. The second-story volume, a multi-textured copper tube in pre-fabricated standing-seam and flush seam copper panels, sets up views primarily to the golf course through large glass-window walls and porches. The copper volume, in shifts and cantilevers, establishes a detached relationship to its stone base.

By Larry Peters, Copper Development Association Project Manager & Architectural Applications Specialist

Larry Peters, Architectural Applications Specialist, has worked with the Copper Development Association (CDA) for 10 years, consulting on the use of copper sheet metal – roofing, flashing, gutters and wall cladding. He has an engineering background from the US Military Academy (West Point). Larry was an Army officer and has worked in the construction field for the last 15 years. He’s always had a great interest in architecture.

In my opinion, there’s no comparison when it comes to copper. Copper is generally the best metal option and arguably the easiest metal to work with, too.

At the CDA, I’m part of our building construction team. We often deal with the end user, the building designer, contractor or architect. We arrange installation training for sheet metal contractors. Other times we get calls from building owners who need advice. We’ve addressed questions from universities, governments, even an archdiocese. We get calls from homeowners, too. A lot of them are considering copper for a roof or a wall. They’ve heard about using metal wall cladding or they’re thinking about siding and have seen some pictures of buildings with copper walls. They ask us how they can achieve a certain kind of look on a building – and the pluses and minuses. There are a wide range of questions.

We help them as much as we can. We also have an online Design Handbook that has a lot of information on copper’s properties and uses. It’s the best place to search for answers to sheet copper detailing questions.

Over the past few years, I’ve answered questions from an architectural firm regarding an antebellum house in Alabama. It’s a challenging project because the mansion was constructed over a number of years in phases. There was little regard to the proper function of the roof system. The architect felt more comfortable by requiring the sheet metal contractor have hands on training to help their crew learn traditional copper installation skills.

It’s rewarding to see copper used well in architecture. There’s a beautiful sense of place when you’re around a well-designed, interesting-looking and lasting building that can sustain the elements and continue to do so over time.

Richard Lucassian,  Builder/Contractor/Plumber

I happened to come across this blog and also checked out the copper website and figured I’d offer my thoughts on copper since I work with it and like it.  I’ve been in the building, remodeling and contracting business for 21 years in the south-eastern Michigan area.  My company is specialized in electrical, plumbing, roofing and gutters.   When it comes to using copper in construction it’s not just the norm, for me it’s the best material. 

In the past per my plumbing customer’s request I tried other materials.  I found CPVC to be too flexible, especially with high water pressure homes.  Not to mention if the CPVC was exposed the sun’s UV rays and outdoor elements it didn’t hold up.  Imagine plastic in Michigan’s ice cold temperatures.   I’ve also tried Pex, a cross-linked polyethylene.  Well, the mandatory tool kit to work with the material is expensive and you still have to terminate each line at a brass or copper fitting.  So if you’re terminating with copper why not do the entire project with the material.  It easily flares to fittings and it’s forgiving with great connectivity. 

In addition to plumbing and electrical fittings many of my clients have added copper gutters and copulas to their homes.  They love the patina look and the longevity.  I’ve also used copper for roof and shingle repairs.   After making repairs caused by mold and moss damage, I run a strip of #6 copper wire to prevent any additional growth on the shingles. 

Overall, my only complaint with using copper is the price.  But, I do take advantage of its ability to be recycled.  If I pull out old wiring, I can recycle the material and put it towards an updated application.