coppertalk

By Harold Moret, CDA Project Manager and Piping Applications Specialist

The Copper Development Association (CDA) has produced a series of five short, instructional how-to videos for anyone working with copper on architectural and plumbing projects. CDA Project Managers Larry Peters and Harold Moret developed the series of videos appropriate for both new construction and remodeling projects.

These educational videos were made to be helpful for the professional installer or do-it-yourselfer, who wants to learn about the correct techniques for installing copper piping and copper roofing, flashing, or other architectural systems. These videos are a great resource for someone looking for guidance on their next project.

We have a video on Copper Sheet Fabrication, describing the tools and basic preparation steps required for soldering copper sheet materials.  The steps reviewed in this video are required for most of the application techniques employed to fabricate copper strip, sheet, and plate for architectural use.  The video also describes the melting point for solders used with sheet copper.

The tinning copper and sheets video explains that before beginning the soldering of sheet materials you have to tin the soldering copper.  This video covers cleaning, marking, flux and solder.  Also, it shows the basic steps to tinning an edge.  The program describes how to create a lap seam which is recommended when the copper sheet is too thick to form a flat lock seam and how to solder copper sheet material in roofing on relatively flat slopes.

There’s a video about soldering preparation and the materials used in soldering preparation.  This program shows the different types of copper tubes, and how to measure and to cut copper tube.  The soldering video reviews the proper techniques for fluxing and soldering.  The first part of the program includes a description of certain flux and how to apply it.  Part two shows how to properly apply heat and solder to a copper joint.  Testing all assembly for joint integrity is emphasized in the program.

A fifth video program is about solderless fittings which are gaining acceptance throughout the industry.  Push connects and press connects are demonstrated in the program. 

The video series is available on the CDA web site and on CDA’s YouTube Channel. We plan to expand the how-to video series this year with additional architectural and plumbing techniques.

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…

Copper FAQs, Resources, and Upcoming Events

“…Then, there’s copper, which is the only pipe I use. It costs money. It costs money because it saves money.” – Cosmo Castorini, Moonstruck

If you’re not already working on a project that includes copper, chances are you soon will be. Copper is back in a big way and for good reason: it’s beautiful, durable, 100% recyclable – and it saves money.

The Copper Development Association has an informative page, Architectural Copper Products FAQs, to get you started. Learn about copper finishes, corrosion and stain prevention, environmental impact, and proven design techniques for working with copper and its alloys.

Our industry experts can help in a variety of ways, from in-house seminars to project design assistance, document and specifications review, and contractor recommendation. You can download our free design handbook, check on upcoming industry events, and learn about our educational and support programs. (more)

Copper in Architecture Awards

The North American Copper in Architecture Awards recognizes North American building projects that demonstrate an outstanding use of architectural copper and copper alloys. Sponsored by the Copper Development Association (CDA) and the Canadian Copper & Brass Development Association (CCBDA), the annual program awards excellence in craftsmanship, attention to detail, and architectural vision.

In a few short weeks, the 2009 NACAA winners will be announced. We’re looking forward to sharing them with you!

The bar is pretty high. The 2008 winning projects were exemplary for their use of copper in dramatically new ways. Some will remain as we see them today; others will change in color and texture as the copper ages and acquires a patina. The “aliveness” of copper is part of what makes it such an exciting material to work with—and to behold.

There’s a slide show and project description for each of the 2008 winners.

Meanwhile, the call for entries for the 2010 North American Copper in Architecture Awards is now open. Submissions will be accepted through January 31, 2010.

This month in…

Copper in the Arts
Monthly Online Newsletter of the Copper Development Association

Copper in the Arts presents the beautiful and unique in everything from copper paintings, sculpture, and musical instruments, to jewelry and home furnishings. The artists and artisans we interview each month prove that copper and its alloys provide a versatile palette for the creative mind.

Dennis Cordeiro’s unique copper fish make full use of the many shades and finishes achievable with copper. His red snapper and brown trout are a hit among the residents of Pawleys Island, the South Carolina fishing village he calls home. (more)

Tara Helwig, owner of Mystical Creations and Original Body Ornaments, uses copper and semi-precious stones, like tiger’s eye, amethyst, and hematite, to create healing, one-of-a-kind jewelry. She lives and works in Wayne, PA, but has clients throughout the world. (more)

Also in the current edition:

• The Art of Copper Cupolas
• The Arts and Crafts Society of Central New York
• SFMOMA Unveils New Rooftop Sculpture Garden
• A listing of upcoming events