Copper roofing, gutters and flashing specialist
Fabricate and install copper gutters, roof details and cupolas for homes and historic buildings.
- $8k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
4,652 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.0% in a year
NAICS 332322 “Sheet metal work manufacturing”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
A specialist service making and fitting copper gutters, downspouts, flashing, dormer and chimney details, and small copper roofs. You fabricate parts in a workshop or on a truck-mounted bending setup, then install on site.
Your first three steps
- Get experience with a roofer or sheet metal shop, and invest in a sheet metal brake and soldering kit
- Check your state and county contractor or roofing license rules and set up an LLC with insurance
- Introduce yourself to local roofers, architects and historic building groups, and build a portfolio of finished jobs
Who pays
Owners of higher-end and historic homes, roofing contractors who subcontract copper work, architects and churches.
How it makes money
Quoted per job or per linear foot for gutters and flashing, plus materials. Subcontracting to roofers can give steady repeat work.
Skills that help
- Sheet metal bending, seaming and soldering
- Comfortable and safe working at height
- Measuring, estimating and quoting jobs
Watch out for
- Many states and counties require a contractor or roofing license, and rules vary by job size; check your state licensing board
- Falls are the main risk; check OSHA fall protection requirements and training
- General liability insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire help
- Copper prices change often, so quote with material price changes in mind
- A suitable truck or van is needed to carry long sheets and tools
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: copper roofing, gutters and flashing specialist
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a copper roofing and gutter business?
Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on your bending and forming equipment, tools and the truck or van you need to carry long sheets. These are estimates, so confirm with your own quotes.
How much can a copper gutter and roofing specialist make?
Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the number and size of jobs and your pricing. Copper prices change often, so quote with material price changes in mind.
Do I need a license for copper roofing work?
Many states and counties require a contractor or roofing license, and rules vary by job size, so check your state licensing board. Also check OSHA fall protection requirements and training, and insurance, including workers' compensation once you hire help.
Other ways to run this business
Similar trades ideas
Residential gas line and appliance service
Install and repair gas lines, water heaters, stoves and furnaces for homeowners in your area.
- $6k-30k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Hot tub maintenance for hotels and rentals
Keep spas at hotels, gyms and vacation rentals running with scheduled checks and fast repairs.
- $8k-30k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Key cutting kiosk or small shop
Run a small counter, kiosk or storefront cutting keys and selling basic locks to walk-in customers.
- $8k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Commercial refrigeration repair for local businesses
Repair walk-in coolers, reach-in fridges and ice machines for restaurants, cafes and small grocers.
- $8k-30k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Antique restoration studio with pickup service
Rent a small workshop unit, take on dealer and auction work, and collect and deliver pieces for clients.
- $8k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Drywall subcontractor for builders
Lead a small crew that hangs and finishes drywall on new homes and renovations for builders and general contractors.
- $8k-30k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Photo: alessandra1barbieri on Pixabay