What consulting covers
- Specification & detail review — verify methods, seams, terminations, and movement joints match the design intent and exposure.
- Historic accuracy — choose period-correct profiles, tempers, and joining methods for restoration and reproduction work.
- Complex geometry — radius/elliptical forms, domes, compound curves, and tricky transitions (stone interfaces, valleys, inside corners).
- Material selection — copper temper & thickness, lead-coated when appropriate, finish options, fastener & substrate compatibility.
- Failure analysis & remediation — identify causes (movement, sealant dependence, galvanic issues) and propose durable fixes.
- Installer guidance — practical notes to simplify sequencing, soldering, and on-site fitting to reduce rework.
Note: We are shop-only; your roofer/GC performs field installation. Consulting helps your team succeed with proven methods.
Who it’s for
- Architects & designers specifying historic or signature copper details.
- Custom home builders & GCs aiming to avoid leaks, callbacks, and change orders.
- Preservation teams requiring faithful reproduction & long service life.
- Homeowners with complex conditions or legacy copper to be matched.
When to bring Joe in
- Before CDs are finalized (most value): confirm temper/thickness, seam types, solder locations, and movement allowances.
- Prior to fabrication: align shop drawings, profiles, and attachment details.
- After a failure: diagnose and plan a fix that won’t repeat the problem.
Deliverables you can expect
- Redlined PDFs with clear callouts and notes.
- Annotated details (solder vs. sealant, hems, lock types, back-ups, clips).
- Method recommendations (double-lock, soldered pans, break details for stone).
- Fabrication-ready guidance so parts fit on site without fighting the metal.
- Optional shop drawings and mock-up suggestions where helpful.
How it works
- Send inputs — drawings (PDF/DWG), photos, site notes (coastal exposure, substrate), and goals.
- Initial review call — align on scope, risks, and what success looks like.
- Joe’s review — redlines/notes, recommended methods, and a short summary.
- Follow-up — Q&A with your team; adjust details, then proceed to fabrication if we’re building parts.
Format: Remote-first (email/video). Site visits available on a limited basis when warranted.
Typical consulting scenarios
- Historic roof with double-lock standing seam and soldered flashings.
- Radius/elliptical window & door caps; domes; curved cornice/crown.
- Stone interfaces where patina runoff can stain—drip details & breaks.
- Galvanic & fastener compatibility, underlayments, and attachment strategies.
- Repair plans for failed sealant-dependent details (make it soldered & permanent).
Availability & engagement
- Limited availability to preserve quality; book early for complex projects.
- Scope-based proposals (hourly or fixed block), tailored to drawings and goals.
- Independence: we don’t sell field labor; advice is craft-first and brand-agnostic.
Disclaimer: We provide craft-focused guidance and shop standards; we do not provide engineer-stamped drawings.
What to send (checklist)
- Plans/elevations or field sketches with dimensions.
- Context photos (wide + detail) and any legacy pieces to match.
- Desired finish/temper (if known), exposure notes, and schedule constraints.
- Installer/GC contact for coordination.
Start a consultation
Email your drawings/photos with a short description of goals and challenges. We’ll confirm scope, provide a proposal, and schedule your review. Need parts fabricated after consulting? Visit Custom Fabrication. For common questions, see our FAQs and Legacy & History.