Copper By Design's Company Logo
My e-mail contact is:
This extensive web site was established back in 2003, with a specialty in sheet metal work since 1992 through
http://dmr-gutters.com

Main Company Profile Page

Copper By Design on FacebookCBD on 

Based in Sherwood (forest), Oregon

A suburb of Portland

My Personal Cell # (503) 351-7082
(please read over my Contact Page before calling)

Chimney
Caps
Gazebo & Turret
Roof Caps
Custom
Work
Residential
Gutters
Shipping
Parts
Projects
Schedule
Contact &
Order Info

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My e-mail contact is:

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July 2008 Angie's List Tough Times articalIntroduction:
OK, Let's Just Talk!

Wellcome to my humble, yet extensive web site for custom 'rust-free' sheet metal design and fabrication work. Sorry if this all seems a bit too wordy, but I try to be as detailed as possible, which you should appreciate when we get to building your custom project. From what I hear, it seems most sheet metal shops are not willing to take the time to talk with you about the details of your project in order to help brain-storm the best options and details, which does matter. They will expect you to just present them with a scaled diagram with all the measurements and details worked out in advance to having contacted them.

This sort of brainstorming solutions happens to be my strong suit, and I love the collaborative process with my clients. Which has fruited me with such a rich and diverse portfolio these days. I can be rather chatty at times, so let me know if you do not want me to talk your ear off about my craft and experiences. I am quite passionate. I like to approach each project as an artform, which you will find over 10,000 photos showitn the step-by-step fabrication process. In the last few years my project photography is professional studio quality images. I have 3 high power strobe fire simotaneously triggered by a speedlight on my Nikon brand DSLR camera. You will clearly see this is not just assembly-line work for me.

At CBD, we've primarily made rain management products, but have been contracted to design and fabricate a variety of unique custom copper and copper clad projects you may have need or just a desire for. We also do some woodworking as well. Mainly for the substructure to fireplace mantles, or building sturdy shipping crates, and such.

I am quite clever to help you come up with unique and innovative solutions to suit your needs. Copper By Design may work a lot in copper or course, but we do utilizing a variety of materials best suited for the different parts of a project. I have thousands of photos on this website and have been uploading my most recent images onto my CBD Business Facebook profile, where people can scroll through them more easily, comment, like, and share. Click on this link below to see my 145+ photo albums of our more recent projects over the last decade+:

Most recent project photos

I am easily reachable by cell, and open to chat about even small projects with potential clientel. I do not filter my calls through voice-mail, like a lot of businesses do. No automated menues to surf through. Just me; David Rich, cheif designer, salesman, and fabricator. With over 30 years of hands-on experience, so I know what I'm talking about. Not just a slick-talking Saleman.

True, perception is everything. No debate there, but I just hate playing such games with people. I try to be a straight shooter. I do not sell what I want to push on my clients. I sell and build what my clients ask for, and may guide them to what will best work for their needs in the long run. I know if I retain the focus of my clients long-term saticefaction, even when un-selling my service, that the money will be there. Isn't this how all businesses should be run?

I have a unique process of repricing a project at the end, once I know exactly how much copper went into a project. Ususally to my client's benefit. I even weigh the copper to come up with a more precise amount used. This level of honesty is unheard of in this industry. Most industried for that matter. If I under-bid a project, I trust you will be willing to compensate me fairly. The same as how you will benefit on projects I may have over-bid, and offer a discounted cost. This way you are not paying for sloppy quotes or even cut-off waste.

I am happy to be as flexible as you need through all portions of your project, at most any stage of the work. I am often switching gears mid-stream, when I come up with a better idea of how to do something, and would keep you posted of any changes in the plan. I will be taking lots of photos of the progress documenting each stage. This also helps inspire me to do better than standard workmanship, since this will be displayed on-line, as with the thousands of photos you will see posted here.

Bookmarks:

Site Map

Lead-time & FAQ? 

Qualifications?
Do You Work w/Homeowners? Who is Copper-By-Design?   Designed to Last
What if I Need it Fast?  Long Term Value  Awards and Referrals
Other Advice Short Term Value  Our Personal Ethics
Intermission Time  145 Facebook Photo Albums What if We are not Local? 
Why Copper? What all do You Do?  Warranty Policy
What about Patina or New Copper Look? Magazine Interview Apprenticeship
 Where did the Craftsmen of Old Go? Most Interesting Projects Our Contact Info

July 2008 Angie's List Tough Times articalAlchemy symbol for copper
Copper is ruled by the planet Venus. It is one of the oldest metals known to be tooled. Copper metallurgy has flourished in different cultures, including the Middle Eastern, Asian, European, Central & South American and Native American customs. Copper embodies the nurturing aspect of women and their youthfulness. It is associated with the matters of love & lust, and symbolizes characteristics like charisma, feminine beauty, artistic creativity, affection, caring, and balance. It is also considered a healing metal that teaches about living a fulfilling life.

BBB Award Finalist

This was for my 25 years of dedication to my clients in my contractor business & custom sheet metal shop

Rust-Free:
The term 'rust-free' should be a very important detail in your mind, even if your needs are for interior use. You should find the word 'IRON' to be thought of as a 4-letter swearword in your vocabulary, as do I. Same as the word 'RUST'. I will openly refuse to work with steel (other than my hand tools of course). Some people may see rust as a charming rustic aged look; like the patina on copper. Although, a patina will not continue to wear a hole through the copper surface and compromise that product. Rust won't kill germs on contact, as copper will. You should only see rust as the unsightly cancer eating away at that cheap metal, commonly known as steel. Rust, as you may know is the oxydize process that gradually deteriorates steel, in order to break it back down to our Great-Mother; Earth. Or one of Mothernature's fastest ways to reclaim her stolen treasures. Where tarnished copper remains a clean bacteria free surface with a much longer life-span; if built well, which is where I come in.

The use of steel has been a huge problem in the roofing work industry, yet remails the standard in that industry to this day. Roofers will use cheap painted steel for at least 90% of the roof flashing required. Even with long-life roofing material sold, which is intentional fraud. Any product is only as good as it's weakest link. Even when insisted by the Homeowner to use an iron-free metal, and firmly written in the contract, they will more often still use cheap steel flashing and nails. They act as if there are no other alternatives to steel. Although, all Roofer know steel does not last as long as a low life 25 year roofing material, which in tern voids the shingle warranty. Especially when using a better 35 year, 45 year, or even a life-time roofing material you paid a small fortune for. Yet, you will not get a decent rust free flashing to match? Unless you are there on site to test it with a magnet before it goes up on your roof, you are very likly going to be swindled and cheated out of getting a decent roof job. Only steel or a low-grade stainless-steel will attract a magnet.

I've caught Roofers in the act of intentional fraud; who were paid to install real copper flashing. Yet, instead use steel sheet metal painted to look like untarnished copper. The same for stainless steel, which turned out to be just cheap galvanized steel. They count on most Homeowners to not discovering their swindle for a decade or so, when it starts to rust. By then you are not likely to recall for certain the terms of your agreement, let alone be able to do anything about it.

From what I know of steel it is not even worth the effort to install. Even if they sold steel flashing with a decent automotive quality paint or a powder coat. Steel flashing or roofing of any sort should be made illegal for use in the roofing industry, to help minimize our land-fill issue with so many kilotons of this 'hazardous waste' each year. Yes, that is what asphalt shingles are listed as. Because of this issue I do not use cheap steel sheet metal or screws in my work where it would be exposed to the elements.

This is not just the fault of your local Roofer. It has been a Nation wide consorted effort by the roof shingle manufacturers to compel all Roofers to only use steel flashing; by making aluminum  or copper flashing very difficult to acquire, besides being more expensive. The roofing suppliers are under strict contract to not stock any aluminum or copper flashing, so those manufacturers will never have to pay out on a warranty claim. Sadly paying more will not get you a rust free flashing in most cases, unless you (a) demand it (b) make sure it's written in the contract (c) and you will also need to inspect the metal before it goes on your house using a strong magnet.

I am not exaggerating here. Only steel and low grade stainless steel will attract a magnet. What does this say about most Roofing Contractors who will try to pull one over on their Clients with this intentional fraud?

Germ Killing Benefits of Copper -V- Stainless Steel:
Even your kitchen knive blades should be made of copper. Not stainless steel. Copper is not more expensive, but it may not hold a sharp edge quite as long. Some hospitals (outside the USA) have used copper over stainless steel to help dramatically reduce staff infection. The only reason stainless steel is so popular here in the States is because it looks cleaner than tarnished copper with little to no maintenance. But looks can be deceiving. Applying a wax coating to a copper surface serves to eliminate this germ killing benefit, but seems to help keep it looking cleaner. The Hospital Management knows this. Yet, they figured it is too expensive for the labor to have staff polishing copper to make it look cleaner, yet are not really accomplishing any actual benefit. Other than a perceived cleanliness. Most hospitals here in the States are literally killing their patients and even their visitors by using stainless steel in stead; just for the sake of this false perception of cleanliness. Dare we say intensional 'murder'? Where all they would need to do is simply take a moment to educate their patients and their visitors to the huge benefits of copper, but it is quite clear they are not interresed about your health, odd as this may seem. The proofs in the pudding, as they say.

Lower cost, yet better quality? Is that really possible?
I've been told I should charge more, like other shop do.  Especially for all CBD puts into each project. I have a smaller overhead than most sheet metal shops, and seem to be less greedy. I try not to focus so much on chasing the almighty $ each day. That is far too stressful. In stead I place my focus on the long-term satisfaction and service to our Clients. I believe by doing this the $ will be there as needed. With this focus CBD will remain plenty busy with Clients who see the value in our service. Not just slapping out projects quickly and as cheaply as possible, like most companies business model. Often resulting in the outsourcing to those slave-labor markets for manufacturing.

A little about CBD:
Let me introduce myself: my name is David Rich. I am rich in life, but will never be wealthy. I have a small modest sheet metal shop located in Sherwood, Oregon. I am still a hands-on licensed Gutter Contractor specializing in No-clog aluminum and copper residential gutter & downspout replacement since 1993, which is still a strong portion of my work and income, so there's a good chance I will be up on a 2 story ladder when you call me for advice.

This custom copper work started with a copper gutter client of mine, who had a rusty steel chimney cap, which was falling apart. I had offered to rebuild it for them using copper in stead, so that sort of deterioration would not happen again. Also, knowing copper can handle heat far better than aluminum. I added those photos to my gutter web site: dmr-gutters.com over 20 years ago, and started getting requests from Homeowners across the Nation for chimney caps, turret and gazebo roof peak caps, as well as a variety of other unique projects. Fire pit covers have become a very popular item as well.

Eventually I felt the need to author this alternate web site back in 2003 to cater to those Clients specifically. Most of which are out of State. It has grown from there. Replacing gutters is still a lot of what I do, but it is nice to have the chance to be more creative with this in-shop work. Especially in bad weather.

I've had dmrgutters.com since 1996. Well before it was common place for small businesses to have a web presence. I've personally spent thousands of hours authoring and updating my business web sites, so please excuse all the typos you'll find here. English was never my strong suit. I was more the art and math geek.

Bookmarks:

Site Map

Lead-time & FAQ? 

Qualifications?
Do You Work w/Homeowners? Who is Copper-By-Design?   Designed to Last
What if I Need it Fast?  Long Term Value  Awards and Referrals
Other Advice Short Term Value  Our Personal Ethics
Intermission Time  135 Facebook Photo Albums What if We are not Local? 
Why Copper? What all do You Do?  Warranty Policy
What about Patina or New Copper Look? Magazine Interview Apprenticeship
 Where did the Craftsmen of Old Go? Most Interesting Projects Our Contact Info

Note: We do not intend to be misleading in the pricing shown on these web pages, but as you may have noticed; metal and fuel prices had doubled in 2006. Far beyond any reasonable inflation.  Some of the older prices listed on these web pages may not accurately reflect current costs, but also keep in mind most of what you are paying for with this custom work is not the material, but the extensive labor and freight costs for larger projects.  You can read more on this subject: Latest News/FAQ

Here is another examples of the more interesting projects that I've designed & created from scratch:

$14k for this 5X scale Crown style flue (2018)
Skiatook, Oklahoma

Then in 2022 we made them a set of 4 matching lamps for their back patio made in that same style. Just half the size. That project ran another $20k delivered.

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$12k for this 1/2 scale Lighthouse style Chimney Cap (2010)
Seneca Falls, New York
Besio Chimney Cap

Do I need a GC (General Contractor) to work this out with you?
No, I've been mostly working directly with Homeowner for at least 90% of these projects. Actually, I've not had the best experiences working through GCs for several reasons, but I will if needed. Maybe this will help you understand where I'm coming from here. I love dealing with Homeowners directly; who have a vested interest in the quality of the work I do, and greatly appreciate the extra effort I put into each project. Homeowners are more willing to wait for their project to be done right, where GCs just want it done fast and demand we cut corners to drive costs down. With Homeowners I'm able to take the time needed to bounce ideas back and fourth to help improve the outcome for their long term satisfaction. This way there's a better chance to explore options, so the final results are what suits their needs best. GCS are not willing to take this time and effort to even convey my concerns with their Clients, so it has been quite challenging, if not impossible to work this out with them.

Most GCs are not willing to put that much thought and time into this process for you. Their focus is more on speed and lowest cost, regardless of what is sacrificed in the process, so they can maximize their profit margin. Most any GC will do a great job pretending they care deeply about their Clients (such as any other Salesman), yet from the supplier end this simply does not ring true, and I've pretty much lost faith it could ever happen, where they are true to their word.

It is far more rewarding for me to work directly with the End-user. There is less lost in communication w/o that middleman who's only looking for cheap shortcuts. So this means less problems arise, and you the Homeowner gets what you wanted (or better) for a fraction of the cost.

It's funny how my work seems to offend so many Builders. Compelling them to rip on my work. They vehemently advise against do business with me, because my work makes them look bad in comparison. They may even claim my work is over-kill. My woodwork is pretty much near cabinet quality craftsmanship that far exceeds normal house construction. It's clear my work threatens what they do; crude sloppy workmanship with lower quality parts, yet often charging their clients even more than I do.

[as you can tell I do not have much respect for General Contractors]


I designed, made and installed this lighted copper covered cupola for a Client in Lake Oswego, Oregon (2/11) I also replaced worn cedar shakes w/plywood covered with 20oz copper.
Click on this image to see more of this project.

Do you have a crew of apprentices to help speed up production?
No, I run just a small hands-on business w/1 apprentice: Torrin Rich (my Son). More workers would cause a great sacrifice in quality control. I cannot be bribed to push your project ahead of my schedule, so don't ask. If you insist, it could get your project terminated from our schedule. My Wife had assisted me from time to time, but she's very busy with her business as a Midwife, Hypno-birth, Placenta Encapsulation, and Cranio Sacral Work and such: https://www.healingwithserenity.com

Sure, you could say we are Hippies (drug-free) with pie in the sky ideals. My personal attention to design and fabrication of projects should be seen as a plus, but in this world of fast-food service and speedy deliveries from Amazon, many see our slow timeline a deal-breaker, when they had not planned ahead properly. Are you one to appreciate craftsmanship that is not rushed? A project like this will take a whole month of full time work to create.

A Grecian style copper chimney cap for Dr. Adam Andrews in Columbia Missouri

What else does this web site have to offer if I'm not in need of your services at this time?
Even if you are not looking to contract with me for a project; you would do well to take time to read over this web site for our ideals on Ethical Responsibility and find valuable
advice on the highest standards for gutters, roofing, and roof moss control on the Net.  We aim to do what we can to set a good example in the business community; serving to abolish planned obsolescence in all forms, since it is 'intentional fraud'. Which should be a prisonable offense, yet it has been allowed to be standard operating procedure in most industry, which also has more than tripled our pollution and landfill problems. I believe changing this one detail would do more to help the planet than all our recycling efforts combined. We need to pass a law which makes planned obsolescence illegal from this point on. I'm not suggesting the recall of all products already on the shelves. Yet if it can be proven that planned obsolescence was unnecessarily implemented  in new products hence fourth a crime was committed.

I feel nails are for Neanderthals (there, I've said it). Even the gutters we install are mounted with a pair of #12 stainless steel screws every 2' for an 8X Building Code quality installation on each and every job we do. Visit our DMR Gutter web site to explains these differences in more details.


My logo plaque engraved on both sides of this 11" sheet of 32oz copper

David Rich in 2009 with his design of a Tuscany style triple side arch chimney cap
(which seems to be our most popular design)
Total weight 317#, Cost $6,125 installed

Same chimney caps in the background from their gazebo we restored a year later (2/11)

Gazebo restoration w/new cupola covered in 20oz copper $10,563 installed

"Quality and service is not expensive. It's priceless!"

Designed to Last:
These projects will be very noticeable as the crowning jewel on top of the highest peak of your house, so I keep in mind that looks are very important as well as strength, but they also need to be designed to be practical and functional.  With our artistic flair you will see we go out of our way to design some of the most stunning functional art for houses (insert your opinion here). Like with an investment in gold; these are rock solid investments in a metal that is a valuable commodity with a strong recycle value.

I know that most of you may read these statements as nothing more than fancy lip-service. Simply 'Too good to be true' sort of thing. Although, if you take the time to read over our web site carefully and see our 9,000+ photos on display you will see we back up these statements with undeniable proof, along with many of our client's reviews.  My suppliers say I am the only Contractor in this area that consistently buy the better parts. Also, there are not many businesses that can claim to have received a Business Integrity Award from the Better Business Bureau, let alone 2 years in a row in the late 90's, and again in 2018.

Anything is only as good as it's weakest link. Coatings on metal like zinc or high temp paint are not made to last more than a decade or so. I feel that is unacceptable. As a highly ethical person my greatest challenge is to design each products with the best blend between: Aesthetics, Function, Strength, Longevity, and of course made at a reasonable Cost for the best benefit to our Clients.  These 5 elements do not naturally blend together cohesively, but are more apt to oppose each other, so my challenge is to reach the best possible balance between each of these important elements. Not to push what I want to sell. As with any product if all of these elements are not well balanced it's not a good product.

Why use a life-time metal like copper and high grade non-magnetic stainless steel if it is thin, weak, and dents easily; prone to wind or snow damage? I will never build in planned obsolescence!  I passionately feel that planned obsolescence should be made a crime; for the simple fact that it is intentional fraud. Yet it is standard operating procedure in most industry throughout the world (sorry for repeating myself).

July 2008 Angie's List Tough Times articalClick on this image to read the magazine article in a National Consumer Protection web site, which has the initials A L, where I was interviewed to discuss my thriving business during this recession. It was for their July 2008 issue. It seems I was the only one in their poll who had responded saying their business was doing better than ever.

I attributed my success to doing better quality work, at a more reasonable price, along with good communication though this web site, and through e-mail to deal with even small project other shops won't bother with:

(A. L. requested not to be named here)

"Intermission time"

Who Killed the Pneumatic Car?

This may be a bit off topic, but I have a question for you to consider: why has pneumatic motors for cars and larger trucks been suppressed for nearly a century now. Especially when it still beats the pants off hydrogen or electric cars? Diesel trucks still use this sort of pressurized air for their suspension and brakes. This is just pressurized air driven motors, like the power tools auto shops use, so it's not a new tech at all.

They now make 5k PSI tanks with carbon fiber for better safety and less weight like they've been using for scuba divers and Firefighters for years, which has recently proven to provide up to a 200 mile range per charge in small cars in Europe. It has no pollution to speak of, and no risk of a violent fiery explosion if in a serious collision.

This also has a far less hazardous land fill issues than old lithium-ion batteries, as well as a fraction of the cost and weight for the energy source storage. Less expensive processing, which can be set up at any fueling station for a fraction of the cost to recharge a tank in just minutes, compared to hydrogen refueling.

Another very important yet suppressed issue is vehicle safety. Follow this link to read more about the rubber safety bumpers my Grandfather made 40 years ago:
http://dmr-gutters.com/history.htm#1969

Another very important yet suppressed issue is aluminum alloy frame vehicles. Over 20 years ago Honda made their first sports car with an aluminum frame, suspension, and body, yet we still have to buy these heavy steel cars that rust to this day. They claimed most people would not spend that much for a car, which would save them 25% on fuel. It is true that you had to spend over $1k for a decent bike with an aluminum frame back then, but this no longer holds true today, when you can now get an aluminum frame bicycle for $200 at Wal-Mart.

 I can only imagine that OPEC had organized their oil companies to invest their profits in buying controlling stock in all the automakers around the world to force them to continue to make heavy cars that get poor mileage just so they can sell a little more petrol. This is also why steel flashing is used on most roofs still today, so they can sell more asphalt shingles, causing 150% more hazardous landfill than necessary each year. These are the Monsters we are fighting, and we are getting desperately close to loosing this battle for survival against their unethical business practices. Wasn't the Gulf Coast spill enough of a wake-up call?

Please write to your Congressman and tell them about this new/old tech to save our planet and society. Also, spread the word to as many people as you can to put pressure on 'The Man' and force these issue out into the light of day.

Resources:
http://www.thetorquereport.com/2007/06/the_worlds_first_airpowered_ca.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compressed_air_car
http://www.aircaraccess.com/catcomps.htm 

PS: I have no financial investment in such to cause any bias here. My aim is just to help break our dependence on fossil fuels with better options.

Why Copper?
Copper is the real deal listed on the periodic chart.  The reason we proudly use copper sheet-metal over other common rust-free metals like: aluminum, brass, or stainless steel is this: The Classy Earth-tone Look!

Copper is the one metal meant to be seen. Like with an investment in gold; copper is a good solid investment in a metal that has long term value, which not subject to inflation like your savings account. It is a sturdy metal that can handle heat well. It also has an antifungal property to it, so virtually no cleaning needed. It is said to be 10X more antimicrobial than stainless steel, so it makes for great counter tops, but not so good for potting plants in where bacteria is needed in the soil.

What is the long term look I can expect with copper?
Raw copper exposed to the elements will naturally turn brown within a few months, and gradually get darker over time. It normally takes a few decades to turn that chalky green color, unless your house is right on the coast and is subject to salt-air. If you like the 'new penny' look of copper and want to retain that look you could coat it with a lacquer, but you would then loose the natural anti-fungal property of copper. Also, if this is used for the outdoors the plastic coating would get ravaged within a decade or so and begin to look bad; cracking and pealing. It will then of course tarnish between those cracks. It can always be stripped down and polished again, but that kind of defeats the purpose of using a life-time metal like copper that should require little to no maintenance. Copper can be gold-gilded to retain that look, but at $100 per square foot it a rather costly process. I'm told how a century back tarnished copper was thought to be a poor-man's flashing. There is another process called a PVD coating that lasts, but is also expensive. They use a colored chrome plating on the better doorknobs on the market, so it is much more scratch resistant with frequent use.Architectural Copper Use

Cost -V- Value:
Copper is not an easy metal to work with, but I feel it is a much better value against even a high quality non-magnetic stainless steel. Stainless-steel is a harder metal, so it has to be thinner to be able to cut, drill, and bend it, so in the end it is not really stronger than copper. Copper is a more malleable metal. Less prone to crack when bending it. There is no misleading you that most of the cost for this sort of custom work is the labor of fabrication and shipping if you're not local to us. There is no way we can begin to compete with the cost of mass-produced items coming out of China or India with their slave labor force. Because of this fact we feel it is a waste of our clients money to use a thinner copper for these custom fabrications.

Maintenance Free:
Untarnished or tarnished copper is the one metal that is meant to be seen and last in it's natural state with out any need for a protective coating or cleaning with it's antimicrobial properties. Copper's attractive striated patina adds a very interesting classy look. Copper is also thicker for the same tinsel strength as stainless steel, making it heavier for better stability in high winds. Copper need not be cleaned, since it does not mildew, as any painted surface or stainless steel does. Copper has also been known to aid in reducing moss and mildew growth on the roofing below it.

Other Sheet Metals Compared (in order of cost):

Steel is by far the most common sheet-metal used on roofs for flashing or to cover whole roofs. Only because Roofing Suppliers across the Nation have made a consorted effort to make it nearly impossible for local Roofers to get their hands on aluminum flashing, so they never have to pay out on a claim for the roofing shingles they sell. I would like to see it become illegal to use steel for any exterior application, let alone for roofs, since it will not last even as long as a low life 25 year shingles, and causes at least 150% more landfill issues with this hazardous waste than should be necessary. Steel flashing is the primary cause of roof failure, with billions wasted each year on premature roofing replacement. This intentional planned obsolescence supports the oil industry to push their poison on us. Steel is a cheap and sturdy metal, but needs painted or galvanized to delay it from rusting holes through it. Coated steel is commonly known to develop unsightly rust stains within a decade of exposure to the elements. That rust show up long before it begins to fall apart, but will cause permanent stains to everything in close proximity. No matter how cheap steel is; in the long run steel is actually the most expensive choice when you consider cost of labor to rebuild and replace it every 15 to 20 years at best.

Galvalume may be a little better than just painted steel, but it is still mostly steel that will over time rust out and cause unsightly rust stains well before it has been completely compromised, which for any application used for outdoors to be a rain management is nothing other than planned obsolescence in my way of thinking. Why not just use aluminum that does not cost any more? Any metal that will attract a magnet should not be used outdoors. More than a waste of money it is a waste of labor to install and replace every 15 years if you want to keep ahead of the rust staining issue, which makes it far more expensive than aluminum in the long run

Zinc may not rust, but it is rather soft and melts at a low 800 degrees. Why not just use decent aluminum alloy, which can handle up to 1,200 degrees and does not cost any more?

Aluminum is soft metal, which is why they mix it with other metal to form a superior alloy in most pproducts. Most aluminum alloys are a mixture with copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon, and zinc. If left raw it develops a rather chalky appearance. Most commonly it is painted, so repainting is an issue within a decade or 2, but if not repainted it will still hold water out. Think of how long they have made aluminum ladders with no paint cover at all. The main reasons we had seen aluminum siding vanish from construction and remodeling several decades back is because it lasted too long, so they switched things up to vinyl siding, which has proven not to last well. Aluminum is still a common metal used for gutters, which won't rust. There may health issues to consider when used for food containers causing retardation and such, but that's no a factor for this exterior rain management.

Magnesium is a light weight harder metal than aluminum. Often a key component in aluminum alloy mixture to improve it's strength. Although by it's self could be potentially farmable. When ignited there is no putting it out until it is completely burned out. This is what was used in the old flash bulbs cut into fine shavings to burn very bright and fast from a low amperage charge. It is more used as a long-life casting metal, as opposed to a sheet metal.

Brass has a nice fools gold look before it has begun to tarnish to a black patina, but it is just a softer version of copper. Brass is made of 70% copper mixed with zinc, which turns the copper yellow to look like a poor man's gold, yet unlike gold it scratches a lot easier. The zinc makes it a softer and a cheaper metal than pure copper, so that is the real reason it is used so much. It is often coated with a fragile lacquer to retain that gold tone look, but will look unsightly within a decade as the lacquer starts to crack and peal from exposure.

Stainless Steel is the same cost of copper, but for the same durability you get less thickness, so it is not a better value, and very misleading as to the grade.  The modern development of stainless steel as a good strong lasting metal was great, but the bright shiny appearance does not look good on most residential structures (unless you want the look of a retro diner car).  Unlike copper, stainless steel will mildew, so there is regular maintenance required. I hear acid rain back East has compromise stainless steel in far less time that copper. In the long run stainless steel is a poor investment and does not add as much to the resale value of a house.

Bronze is a harder version of copper. Bronze is also 70% copper mixed as an alloy with silicates to make it harder and less malleable, so it is not useful in this sort of bending and drilling fabrication process. It is largely used as a good long-life casting metal; like expensive sculptures.

Titanium actually has been one of the best kept secrets for over the last 200 years +, even though it is one of the most common metal on our planet. Titanium would be an excellent metal for use as a strong light gray look that can handle heat very well, but even though it is one of the most abundant elements on our planet it is still far too expensive to be practical, and very hard for us to machine. Most people have been misled to believe it is a new composite metal like aluminum alloys, but it is actually one of the elements on the periodical chart prior to 1800. Titanium was discovered in Cornwall, Great Britain, by William Gregor in 1791 and named by Martin Heinrich Klaproth for the Titans of Greek mythology. If planned obsolescence was not such the standard in industry titanium would be much more widely used, and as a result it would be a lot less expensive. Cars could weigh half what they do now with the same strength and w/o corrosion issues of steel. Such as they do for many aircraft construction.

Sterling Silver would be excellent, but far too expensive to be practical for 95% of Homeowners. It will tarnish to a black if left alone, so you would loose that silver look in short order, unless you hire someone to scale your roof and polish it as needed.

Warning Note:
Other shops prefer stainless-steel over copper to save money on fabrication time because:
1. Stainless-steel is easier to assemble by just spot-welding it together for much quicker production time.
2. Stainless-steel can be easily handled without worry of finger prints, that could cause spotty tarnishing on copper and requires polishing before shipment.
3. Stainless-steel is harder, so a thinner sheet metal is used, therefore being lighter for lower shipping costs.
4. Often all or part of your project has cheap galvanized steel substituted for stainless-steel, since the End-user will be none the wiser until a decade latter
(I have seen this deception happen many times) when it begins to rust. Where copper would be harder to simulate. They do sell a good copper looking painted steel sheet metal: tarnished or untarnished. A simple magnet test will expose this deception; an indicator of iron in the metal that will cause unsightly rust stains.

We will work in stainless steel, but since copper cost about the same and is a thicker heavier sheet-metal our clients have preferred the solid 20oz to 32oz copper we use in most of the projects we build. None of the thinner 16oz copper is used in any of our fabrication projects. Yet, that is the standard used in most shops willing to work with copper at all.

Discussion about patina, or retaining that new copper penny look:
Numerous Clients have ask me about the color or patina of the copper and how to keeping the new look or adding an antiqued rustic look. It is possible, but this can be a costly process, and still subject to change over time. Copper is thought to be a living surface; ever changing. If you do not like that look it can always be polished to start over to get a different effect.

Personally love the look of new shiny copper, but aesthetics is very subjective. Indoors just from the humidity in the air raw copper will gradually turn a satin brown. If you get the tone you like it can be waxed to retain that look for a while. Finger prints may make the copper turn darker in a spotty manner, but that can also be a rustic charming look many clients like. Although, once you achieve the look you are after to keep it looking that way it would then require a soft lacquer coating over it to retain that look, which will later get scratched, crack, and peal over time and then tarnish between the cracks. You could try to stay ahead of the curve by giving it a good cleaning and relacquer every 5 years or so.

For keeping your project that new copper look requires an expensive PVD coating or gold gilding. Those are the only type of decent lasting scratch resistant coating I know of to retain that new look of copper or brass. The PVD coating is really just a colored chrome metal plating, which is what they use on better door knobs. Although, large projects like this would cost much more to coat than it had costs to make and ship them. That is if I can find a company that has such a large plating tank. It runs about $100 per square foot for the gold guilding process. (I know a guy) fire-pit cover

After discussing the pros and cons of this with our Clients they usually decided to forgo that costly option. Left untreated copper outdoors will turn a satin brown within a few months of exposure and remains 10X more anti-microbial than stainless steel, so virtually no cleaning is needed. Without a lacquer you're not stuck with that one certain look you may not like.

If we do work it over with chemicals to age the copper this is a very organic process and turns out different each time, so I cannot guarantee what we acheived will be just what you wanted. We cannot afford to keep polishing it again to redo that treatment several times in order to get just the look you're after. Besides the fact that photos may not propperly represent the look it has when seen in person, but most of our Clients are out of State, so that is not an option.

Copper fire-pit coverThere is a mutitude of different chemical combinations to get a variety of different colors and textures to the copper. As seen here the heat from a torch can also produce a rainbow of different colors in random patterns. If you decide you don't like that look it can be polished again to start over and find the look you like best, but this can be a long process.

Here's a link to a chart for different copper patinas:
http://www.sciencecompany.com/-W160.aspx

http://www.colorcopper.com/

..David Rich with a large circular turret roof cap
for Andrea Steele in Meridan, Kansas 4/08
(just after I had 13" of hair cut off for cancer patients)

Long Term Value (if built well):
For over a Millennia copper has been well known for it's advantages over all the other types of metal exposed to the elements.  I know it has to be attractive enough that you will want to see it up there on your home for that long and stay looking nice decade after decade, or why bother to use a life-time metal like copper?  Above aesthetics my primary focus is on the strength and longevity to be a cherished heirloom quality product for the next 100 years or so. Some building in Europe that had been covered with copper have lasted some 650 years. Here is a blog post I found on this: Fine Metal Roof Tech

A lot of thought is also put into designing an easy installation as well, so I even supply the stainless steel fasteners needed, along with personalized detailed installation instructions.  I may be a bit eccentric with all this, but it has been found that using copper sheet metal is the best long term and short term value.  Please, let me explain:

We all know how the cost of 3 or 4 replacements would be far more expensive than 1 quality product, but we often do not have the resources to do projects right the first time. There has been a long standing dilemma in the roofing industry with the use of very thin 16oz copper typically used. It seems to me illogical to have a product made with a long life metals like copper if it is just made so thin and fragile to save on cost.  It will just end up looking dented or even fall apart within a few decades anyway, so why bother.  In that case steel would last nearly as long and be a fraction of the cost for the material. 

If built well copper would last well over a century, but this is very rare to find because of the added cost of materials and the ignorance of most people to these issues. That is why steel has long been the standard in roofing Nation wide, since it is strong and a far more economical initial investment. Although, as a short term investment the use of copper usually would increase the resale value of a property more than the cost difference of using a cheaper material, so it is actually profitable from a realestate issue.

Above are photos of old rusty roof caps shared by our clients
Below is the replacements I made for them:


Client: Boll - Jellico, Tennessee 5/04


Willard - Grass Valley, California 3/07

Just like with the auto industry, where the use of steel remain the standard for over half a century. Long after the advent of aluminum.  Although, I imagine you expect to keep these rain management products in service with little to no maintenance a lot longer than your car.  It would be very costly to hire a detailer to scale your roof to clean and wax painted steel covers and flashing a couple times each year, but if left unattended they will cause ugly rust stains long before they begin to form holes and fall apart like many of the roof caps I've replaced (shown above).

Again, if built well copper products will not need maintenance or even cleaning.  The custom labor, shipping, and installation cost that go into any of these projects account for well over 75% of the cost, so it is unwise to use a cheaper metal that will not hold up.  Some reports will suggest that copper is only good for 50 to 60 years, but I also know that is based on standard 16oz copper. Thinner copper like that is only used to help minimize cost, so most sheet metal shops will use a very thin 12oz or 16oz copper, which will actually wear holes through it in that time-line (as seen in these photos below) and the soldered seams will crack apart.  Water may not seem abrasive to the touch, but it has been known to wear down mountain given enough time.  If it is not made well with sturdy materials then using copper is a moot point if it is just going to look all dented and fall apart. I have saved this thin copper scupper as an example to remind me what I work to avoid.

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This is a beautiful scupper made before I was born.
I removed it from a clients home for replacement.

Left side close-up shot of the worn holes:

This image shows the paper thin 16oz copper sheet metal with holes worn through the sides and solder joints splitting open without any signs of an impact or distress. This demonstrates why I refuse to use such thin copper just to save cost. The minimum 20oz copper I use is just 25% thicker, yet is 50% stronger. The 24oz copper may be just 50% thicker than 16oz copper, yet is 2X stronger.

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Short Term Value:
Even if you plan to sell your house soon; using high quality parts like this will most always increase the resale value of your house far more than the cost difference of using a cheaper metal, so you could actually make a profit from paying a little more for better materials. Most prospective buyers know the added value of copper. It also has them thinking you must have attended to this sort of quality detail with most other aspects of the restoration of your house with that same sense of care. Just check with your local Realtor to verify this fact within your area.

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David & Tia Rich 3/07

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Total weight 110.58#, Cost $3,116.60 shipped to Indiana (6/07)

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Tia and David Rich
(New Years Eve party 06)

Who is Copper-By-Design?
We have just a small hands-on custom sheet-metal fabrication shop located in the Great Northwest. I cannot seem to bring myself to sacrifice quality for a higher production volume, so I may not have the fastest turn around, but I trust you will appreciate how this makes CBD well worth the wait. I only works with rust-free metals and even provide the stainless steel, bronze, or copper fasteners for your installation. I started out as a local Gutter Contractor willing to take on odd projects for my clients, and I'm still very active with that; climbing up on ladders and thousands of roofs to personally see the evidence of what works, and what doesn't. Every time I take something apart that had failed, it tells a story. I then do it differently, so this same failure does not occur.

We are located in Sherwood, Oregon just a little South of Portland. Besides being self proclaimed (drug free) hippies with a profound compassion for those we do not even know (see: mind-temple.com), I also seem to have a unique aptitude for mechanical comprehension and spatial arrangement, which help immensely to visualize, design, and create these unique 3-D projects out of flat sheet of copper sheet metal. I've recognized the need for these custom products for clients across the Nation like: decorative turrets and gazebo roof caps, roof ridge caps for moss control, chimney caps & flue covers, scuppers or leader heads, water features, along with an assortment of other original designed and personally fabricated products.

This growing work had inspired us to develop this alternate web site to my local gutter work in order to reach clients through the Internet. These days over half our gutter clients contact us on-line, and around 80% of the custom copper work is for out of State clientel.

I had first published my web site for the gutter business back in 1996 under http://dmr-gutters.com, but at that time the web address on the side of my work vehicle got more attention than the actual web site.  Over the last decade this has gradually changed to the point that our web site is now more beneficial to our gutter replacement sales than even referrals.  I've now published over 10,000 photos and put thousands of hours into it's development over the last 2 decades. Homeowners have become a lot more web savvy. More and more people are carefully researching the web to find something better than just the normal contractors who talk a fancy jargon, but only deliver a fraction of what they promised. Looking in the local phone directories just wasn't cutting it, so Homeowners have been networking on-line through web sites like A's List and The Old House Web .

I struggle to find the best quality parts available at a reasonable cost, yet sadly our suppliers report that I seem to be the only contractor in our area who consistently buys the better materials, so it is not profitable to stock them for just one client.  It seems to be true; as I have not personally met a decent roofing or gutter contractors in our local area.

We stand behind our quality with our extensive warranty (see: our Warranty & Service web page for details).  There's a 20 year manufacturing warranty on the copper products we sell.  The only reason I do not offer a longer warranty is that it would be unrealistic and would insult your intelligence to offer more. Where will I be more than 15 years from now at the ripe age of 70+?


A CBD copper chimney cap after only a few months on a beach house on the Jersey Shore

What are Our Qualifications?

Besides my high standards and ethics, I (David) had been tested in High School to have an unusually high aptitude for spatial arrangement, art, math, along with a 99% mechanical aptitude, which I was told was the highest score possible and quite uncommon, so they needed to figure out how I must have cheated that test. It takes these sort of abilities to visualize and diagram new original designs for fabrication, and make sure it will be strong to last over the next century, easy to install, as well as attractive. I strive to place a lot of focus on strength and function. If built well; it should be able to last well over 100 years and be reused each time re-roofing is needed. That is why we supply the stainless steel screws along with a new #3 Phillips tip to do the installation with, so it can be a cherished heirloom.

I honestly seek to raise the bar, after seeing what commonly fails in construction over the last few decades. I would not want anyone to work on my house who's only hope is the parts to last a year trouble free: just enough to avoid their liability.  About 30 years ago, this was the motivation that inspired me to go into construction, after needing to figure out how to do everything on my own.  Schooling was useless, since their primary focus was how to get jobs that can be done fast and cheap, so they would maximize profitability for contractors to financially succeed.

I am personally diligent to respond to client e-mail within 24 hours, but it can take as much as a dozen hours of my time to get all the details ironed out over the course of several weeks of correspondence with a new client on just a small one time project. That is depending on how fast the client responds back with the info I need.  Then several more hours to design, fabricate, box up, and ship a simple $200 roof cap.

I was highly interested in art since third grade. At 17 I got my first professional contract to make a life-size Darth Vader for the promotions of Empire Strikes Back (first release) with working LEDs in the belt units and a lit light saber. All built on a shoe-string budget of only $300. One of my artistic passions is authoring these hundreds of web pages, but most notably is how I am the primary designer and fabricator of the copper work you see here.

One reason that I have these talents is my Grandfather (John William Rich) who was a brilliant inventor of several well known products, but most known for his Rich's Frozen Food Program back East, and his TV chairs seen at large airports and bus terminals. But his greatest invention was the development of the Rich's Safety Bumper for cars and City busses made of a large hollow rubber cell filled with water for the low-tech hydraulic absorption of the impact.  It made driving like playing bumper cars; with his 15 mph no damage bumpers, affording drivers a 20% discount off their auto insurance. He stepped on the toes of the major auto makers here in the USA and his company was crushed like an annoying bug. You can read more about it on our Ethics web page.

Tia has demonstrated a talent in artistic design and has assisted in designing these web pages since early 2000 and helps proof read them. She also consult in design ideas for copper work and helps in the shop. Tia's Father worked on the robotics of the Disney rides in California, and her Mother was very involved with crafts and paintings.

This attention to detail and reliable service has earned us a spot as finalist 2 years in a row for the BBB Business Integrity Award (shown below).

What about contacting you and good swift communication?

We have been told by numerous clients that in searching the web for this sort of information; we clearly have the most comprehensive web site on custom copper sheet metal design and fabrication in the world, with our 300+ web pages and over 4,000 photos, that link to full screen digital images for a better look at our work with prices listed of what they had paid at that time. You are likely to agree. Some people feel we have over done it here with so many step-by-step photo sets, but these are from the pictures I take to send to the client each night while working on their project. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I do what I can to best communicate with our clients through this medium.

We feel there are already hoards of simple web sites that you could navigate and read over within a few minutes, but that is not the grouping we want to compete with. We virtually stand alone here on the web for an on-line store front for a small business like ours.

If nothing else this web site shows our commitment to good clear communication, which is very important to us. I am personally careful to check e-mail at least twice a day, and respond within 24 hours. If you had not heard back from me with a personalized reply within that time, call  me  to check if I received your e-mail. I answer calls personally, but I do not quote projects over the phone for a couple reasons:
(a) it often takes an hour or two to do the careful calculations and write up a detailed quote.
(b) it is foolish to rely on memory as to what the terms were, so through e-mail we will both have a written record.

We specialize in custom copper designs.  We rarely get a chance to reuse a pattern or template a second time, since each clients needs have been uniquely different. We actually encourage unique designs, as opposed to pushing clients over to generic designs by offering discounts.  The only discounts we offer are for clients who have carefully read through our web site and have provided us with all the info we need to provide a quote in the first e-mail exchange. There is also a volume discount, but that rarely happens.

David, Torrin, and Tia Rich 8/07


Another original design Chess Piece 'King' style roof mounted chimney
Total height10', weight 132#, cost $3,405.50 delivered to California (8/07)

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We have worked hard to maintain the highest reputation for quality and honest work.  First off with using a thicker 20oz to 48oz copper for our custom work, instead of the standard 12oz and 16oz copper most other shops use when working with copper.  I feel it's pointless to use copper if it's built so flimsy that it will not last longer than a cheap painted steel. We also provide the stainless steel screws for a better installation with detailed instruction.  For shipping projects even as small as the ones shown here to the right (made for a playhouse turret roofs in Arizona) we make a wood frame crate that is screwed together, with the screw holes pre-drilled so they will not crack the boards. For larger projects like chimney caps the crate has a 3/4" plywood base and a 3/8" sides and top shell. No cheap OSB chip boards they usually build houses with. Details you are not likely to find elsewhere.  I fee even with shipping insurance the time delays alone would to repair a damaged item is not worth the savings of building a cheaper shipping crate.

Total weight 14#, Cost $336 client picked up (2/06)
(just before the cost of copper shot up)

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Why is quality and craftsmanship so hard to find these days?
I would say it's mainly our fast pace world of chasing the almighty dollar, and not giving a crap about the consequences. Most building contractors seem to look at building code as a thorn in their side and seek to quickly do their work as cheaply as they can get away with. Just enough to get past a 1 year minimum warranty most State's Construction Contractors Board require.  Each house I have worked on tells a story: why the old parts had failed, which is the only reason I'm called in to fix it. It is my duty to evaluate the evidence and solve the short comings of the previous work and the materials used. Sadly that's not the focus of most contractors, contrary to the slick double talk of their salesperson. I see these codes as a minimal recommendation, and strive to better it in every aspect of what I do in an effort to build products to last a century or more. I know I could not possibly be perfect, so I feel it makes good sense to over compensate on parts and installation quality, so the project has a better chance to even out what short comings I may have.

Ethics and integrity are words with a powerful meaning, but seems to have lost much of it's relevance these days, like the words: super turbo charged, titanium, or platinum cards. We have been told by many clients how our prices are quite reasonable and even lower than many other shops.  Being a small hands-on business I have a low overhead compared to most shops. I'm still just a humble low-life 'renter' myself. That makes our swift production capability much more limited though. If some of the prices listed on this web site seem a little high, try to keep in mind that many of these items are shown with the priced including the cost of  a strong wood custom made crate with shipping charges, unlike you'll see elsewhere.  We do not play the game of showing you a lower price, and then tack on a huge shipping and handling charge.  If you happen to be local enough to drive here to pick up the fabrication we will gladly discount those costs of course, which could save you over $1k. I am often using more copper than estimated, yet will stick to my quoted price.

Copper is gauged as weight per square foot for sheet-metal.  When it is shown gauged any other way there is a good chance it is only painted or copper plated steel, so beware of this sort of scam.  To minimize the costs and be easier to work with most fabrication shops use 12oz or 16oz copper. We use 20oz copper or thicker for our custom fabrications, so they are heavier and more dent resistant, and less prone to wind and debris damage.  Thicker copper like 24oz, 32oz, and 48oz is of course more costly and harder to work with, so that greatly raises the cost, but I price it at the same cost per pound as the 20oz copper, so it is usually $20 #..


Large copper chimney cap. Total weight 182#, Cost $4,000 delivered to Alabama (2/06)
(just before the cost of copper shot up twice as much)

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Just a few of the shapes and sizes of roof caps I had made for some non-local clients in 2006

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What if you are not local to us?
I would say well over half of our work over the last few years has been making unique custom copper sheet-metal products for clients back East, a few in Canada, and 1 in the Caribbean.  We have been filling orders for a variety of uses, like: chimney caps, gazebo & turret roof peak caps, scuppers, water features, and such.  Turret and gazebo roof caps had been our most popular items, but requests for custom chimney caps have steadily risen to overshadow roof peak caps.  I'm happy to talk with you on the phone, but please go to our contact info page and read it before calling me, since I may be up on a 2 story ladder with a 40' gutter in my hands when you call.


I made this white aluminum fascia metal
over birch plywood shipped to Arizona, along
with the copper scuppers and downspout parts

Installation:
I am not able to work legally outside Oregon State and do not carry the liability insurance to do roofing related work, so ironically I am not able to install these roof caps even locally.  There is no network for us to find and refer you to a good local roofing contractor.  Although, if you are searching for a reliable contractor, this web site is one of the most comprehensive and honest web sites on gutters, roofing, Moss Control, and Roof Treatment.  You should find the information here very helpful to better know what questions to ask of your local contractors.  Helping you better able to weed out the less reputable contractors, to find one that you can hopefully rely on.  And in so doing you should save a lot of money and future head aches. 
For a good honest resource to find reliable contractors in your area that your neighbors have used and reviewed:

If you are not able to do the installation yourself; I wish you good fortune finding a reliable contractor in your area.  I have several links to A's List here to help our clients find relatively competent and honest contractors in their local area to do the installations of our products.  If you are able to find a contractor that you feel comfortable with, have them look over our web site here to see just how we do our installations and have them contact me with any questions.  If they claim they completely understand just what to do already, that is probably not a good sign.

I will be able to provide all the high quality parts and stainless steel fasteners with detailed installation instructions for them to use. You will not want to trust them to get any of the parts needed. Even the lumber.  I hope you do not think I say this to pad my pocket with more sales $.  All the contractors I have met see the building codes as a thorn in their side, where I see it as a minimal guide line: just as they were intended.

What all do we have to offer?

Custom Chimney Caps and flue extensions from $200 to $12k

Custom 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, & 16 sided Roof Caps
for turret and gazebo roof peaks ranging from $100 up to $2.4k

Custom decorative Scuppers
(as shown here to the left)

Custom Range Hoods and Mantles

Other custom Sheet Metal Fabrications

Retail seller of inexpensive Cupolas, Weathervanes,
& Finials through Good Directions, Inc.

Non-local Supplies of special custom aluminum and copper sheet metal gutter parts

Rust-free Gutter Replacement

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David & Tia Rich
Owners, Designers, & Fabricators
(Feather, Leather, & Lace event 2005)

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Our Personal Thought on Ethics
We are a small hands-on company that does the design and fabrication personally here in the USA. We've always focuses on quality over profit. Our reputation is far too important to let it fall to a greater production volume.

The next statement is a simple concept that is un-debatable (we dare anyone to try), which doesn't require a subscription to any particular dogma. It is simply logic.  These are words we strive to live by.  Why is this not being taught in our Schools, let alone a strong philosophy in the business world? Planned obsolescence should be a crime, yet it's a standard in most industry through out the world. What a sad state of affairs.

Quote:

 Setting a good example is the only thing we truly have control over, and the best we can hope to accomplish within our life. Unless we are honorable with those of our association; be it business and or personal, we have no right to even hope for any better from others, let alone expect it. We each need to strive to create the world we would hope to live in, regardless of what we may get in return, as an absolute rule without waiver.

I imagine you or anyone you'll ever meet could not honestly say "I don't mind living in a world of lies and deceit", so the least we can do is not add to that muck from what we put out there as to our words and actions. Even when no one's looking.

We also need to accept how others have just as much right to live and prosper as we do; unconditionally! Others are not be cheated through our selfishness. Beside unjustified WAR, this is manifested in many more ways than you could possibly imagine; in how we conduct our daily life and purchases. Please take some time to research 'Fair Trade'.

I wish Ethical Responsibility were not such a rare quality in our modern business world, but wishing and waiting on the side lines is not going to help. The best any of us can truly hope to accomplish in one's life-time is to set a good example in every aspect of what I do; to show it is possible to still make a modest living while running an ethical business.

​My ideals are not because I was raised a Mormon in Utah. I have not found the LDS share my passion for ethics, let alone implement it in their actions beyond their pretenses, or else it would have impacted the business world a great deal more than it has through fair competition. Don't be just a clich'e hypocrite.

I can only hope to inspire others to seek out opportunities for good karma to enhance their lives and character through helping to enhance other people's lives in their chosen field of work with compassion and care. Every aspect of all we do should be approached as an art-form with conscious intention.

We can try to teach others how to live and love, but until they own it and becomes a part of them this sort of philosophy will just be a pretty string of words with little real meaning. As long as we strive to set a good example perhaps those around you will eventually gleam wisdom from your example. You can not force it on others, and we need to be very patient, as they still need to grok it within their own time-line, or perhaps the next.

author: David Rich

Read much more of our thoughts on 'Ethical Responsibility'. 

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David & Tia Rich
owners & fabricators
(Vampire's Ball June 2006)

 
Note: We hope that we can be mutually beneficial, but if not there is still a lot of helpful information here on these web pages on dozens of different topics.  If you find the information here very helpful, but you are not in need of our services, it would be kind of you to show your appreciation for the generous advice we spent thousands of hours to provide here for your benefit.  Perhaps like you would tip a waiter.  Maybe this information is worth enough for you to send us a nice gift certificate of a dinner for two at a restaurant local to the Portland Oregon area?  A favorite of ours is Newport Bay, but even something at Burger King would be nice.  Don't feel too bad if you are not feeling that generous, as we have rarely had someone actually send us a gift. I'm just providing an opportunity for you to benefit from good karma ;)

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Below is a photo of our Better Business Bureau's NW Business Integrity Award we earned for the year 1998

1999 Better Business Award

We were also a 1997 finalist for this same award. See our referral web page to see how we managed to be honored with this special award

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"Quality and service is not expensive,
it's priceless!"

 

David & Tia Rich
dba: Copper-By-Design
S. W. Portland, Oregon

A fan made video of our photos from our portfolio

Chimney
Caps
Gazebo & Turret
Roof Caps
Custom
Work
Gutter &
Downspouts
Shipping
Parts & Info
Contact &
Ordering Info

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Some profound one-liners:
(I do not mean to get political here, but these days it is just too hard to ignore.
I am not the author of these phrases, but did add my own comments in purple)

Let's Fix Democracy in This Country First!
(We are actually suppose to be a Republic, not a Democracy. Big difference)

You Can't Be Pro-War And Pro-Life At The Same Time!
(This statement does not say which ethical or moral side you should subscribe to. It is just to point out this dycotomy. Although, I do find it quite odd so many people are willing to fight and die for liberty. Yet, it is clearly not the purpose of life here on Earth. The Spirit Rrealm is our utopia We are here for the limitations of living as linear creatures with limited mobility and communication; by translating a thought or memory into a string of words. Hoping their definitions are at least similar. As well as the conflicts they cause from of our diverse standards of ethics or mortality)

Who Would Jesus choose to bomb or Torture?

Which God Do You Kill For?

No, Seriously, Why Did We Invade?

Rich Man's War, Poor Man's Blood. Is It Vietnam Yet?

Bush Didn't Care About Most White People Either.

When Bush Took Office, Gas Was Less Than $1.50 a Gallon, Yet 3X More When He left Office.
(
which is too high for that poison)

Patriotism is not Blind Loyalty to Our Current Leadership.

Then skipping ahead from the next 2 terms of office: don't even get me started with our international disgrace of #45! But sadly I guess it takes monsters like those to evoke the passions of good people to push for posive change. Such as 'Me Too' and other social reforms we are seeing finally make ground these days.

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Top 14 corporations w/documented human rights violations

 

 

 copper-by-design.com