The benefits of copper for bathroom fittings
Copper has been used for many purposes over time, from tools in 8000BC to bathroom fittings and hospital equipment today. Copper is a versatile, attractive and infinitely useful material that can be applied in a multitude of ways. When considering using copper for bathroom fittings it is important to remember some of the key benefits of copper.
Low Corrosion
Copper is a great plumbing material because it doesn’t corrode when in contact with water. Copper does react with oxygen in the air but only to the point of discolouring to create copper oxide, after the oxide has formed it then actually protects the copper underneath from any further corrosion. Copper doesn’t rust like iron and steel which makes it a great product to use in damp environments where water contact is a concern.
Durability
Copper is both malleable and durable allowing it to be formed into objects like pipe, showers, baths & basins but also hold its form under stress. It also isn’t as easy to break from impact damage such as being dropped on a tile floor, where plastic or ceramic fittings could be an issue.
Aesthetic
Copper has a beautiful finish that matures with time to give a natural patina. It can be polished to a high shine, or aged to match its surroundings. You can also easily electroplate copper fittings with brass, chrome, nickel & even gold, it can also be powder coated to give a variety of coloured finishes to match your style.
Thermodynamics
Copper is a great conductor of heat, which makes products made of copper great at holding and radiating heat. A copper bath will hold its heat for longer than a cast iron or ceramic bath as they draw heat away from the water, the copper bath radiates that heat back into the water keeping it warm so you can relax for a longer time.
Antimicrobial
Copper has recently be studied by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for application in hospitals at an alternative to stainless steel for many surfaces. Copper has been proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria within 2 hours and stop many other bacteria’s from multiplying. Some of the tested bacteria include Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli O157:H7, and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE). The antimicrobial properties of copper make it a great product to use in a bathroom to help protect your health.
100% recyclable
For those who like to consider the environmental impact of what they are building copper is a great material as it can be easily recycled to recover 100% of the material. It is estimated that 80% of all the copper mined by humans to date is still in current use, with less waste than conventional building materials copper is a great eco friendly building product.
When designing your bathroom consider copper as an excellent alternative you traditional materials so your bathroom is healthy, warm and inviting. Talk to us about how we can help you achieve your dream bathroom using copper bathware fittings to give you a beautiful, health bathroom today.