The World Copper Factbook 2019 International Copper Study Group 46 Major Uses of Copper Construction Copper an d brass are the materia l s of choice for plum bing taps valves and fittings Thanks in part to it s aesthetic appeal coppe r and it s allo ys such as architectural bro n ze is use d in a variet y of setting s to build facad e s canopies doors and window frames Unlik e plast i c tubing copper do es not bur n me lt or release noxio u s or toxic fumes in the event of a fire Coppe r tube s also help protect wat e r syste m s from potentially lethal ba cteria such as legione lla Copper fi re sprinkler syste m s are a valua b le safety feature in buildings The use of coppe r doork n obs and plates exploits coppe rs biostatic properties to help pr eve n t the tr ansfer of disease and micro b es Copper ro ofing in ad di t i on to being attractive is well known fo r its resist ance to extreme weather conditio n s Major public buildings commercia l buildings and homes use copper fo r their ra inwater goods and roofing needs The tellta le green patina finish tha t gives coppe r the classic loo k of war m th and richness is the result of natura l weather i ng Images court e sy of the Copper Development Association and the In t e rn at ion a l Copper Association