Copper Development Association (CDA)

The Copper Development Association (CDA) is a U.S.-based industry organisation that serves as the market development, engineering and information services arm of the copper industry. It is chartered to expand markets for copper and copper alloys in North America. Its website is copper.org.

Membership is open to copper producers worldwide and to brass mill, wire mill and foundry companies with production facilities in the United States.

Architecture and roofing

Copper has been used on roofs for centuries, on church spires, domes, flashings, gutters and standing seam or flat-lock roof panels. It is valued for long service life and for the green patina that forms as it weathers. CDA provides architects and sheet metal contractors with technical guidance on copper in building construction, including:

• design and installation details for copper roofing systems, gutters, downspouts and flashings;
• guidance on thermal expansion, which must be allowed for in long copper panels;
• information on compatibility with other metals and materials, since copper can cause corrosion of zinc, aluminium and galvanised steel where water runs from copper onto them.

CDA also produces short instructional videos on proper use of copper in construction.

Awards

With the Canadian Copper & Brass Development Association, CDA runs the North American Copper in Architecture Awards, which recognise building projects that use copper and copper alloys.

International context

Copper industry promotion outside North America is carried out by related organisations, such as the European Copper Institute and regional copper centres in Asia and Latin America. Guidance on copper roofing in Europe is also covered by national roofing rules and by standards such as EN 1172, which sets requirements for copper sheet used in building.

Note

CDA is an industry body. Its material promotes the use of copper; independent design guidance can be found in building codes, sheet metal trade manuals and national roofing standards.