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It’s one thing to decide if you want a metal roof for your building; it’s another to decide on the type to choose. In this article, we will be discussing aluminum metal roofing. You must be familiar with aluminum as a metal, but do you know anything about it as a roofing material?
Aluminum metal roofs are a common roofing material typically used in coastal areas. However, it is less prevalent than Galvalume. There’s a lot to know about this roofing material, including its pros and cons. Keep reading to familiarize yourself with it and see if it is ideal for your roofing project.
What is Aluminum Roofing?
Over the years, aluminum roofs have become more popular among property owners. They are made mainly from aluminum, which is a light and corrosion-resistant metal. Aluminum metal roofs are low-maintenance, durable, and can function well in any building or environment. However, their lightweight and versatility are their top selling points.
Aluminum metal roofs can be used on commercial or residential buildings. They are available in different forms, including shingles, sheets, panels, or tiles. As a result of their lightweight, an aluminum metal roof is usually adopted for buildings with weight concerns.
Pros and Cons of Aluminum Metal Roofing
Pros
Suited for use in coastal environments
Aluminum’s ability to adapt to coastal environments is one of its noteworthy benefits. In comparison to steel products, aluminum roofs are more resistant to corrosion, particularly in environments with saltwater that can deteriorate the state of a metal roof. In the case of aluminum roofing, it oxidizes during the corrosion process, making it sturdier and long-lasting.
Self-protecting against corrosion
Aluminum has a distinct way of dealing with corrosion. This metal roof experiences minimal corrosion. However, when it does, it oxidizes to form an oxide film on its coating instead of the red rust metal like steel will produce. This film it produces protects the metal and preserves it, causing it to survive environments that are corrosive.
Variety of warranty
Aluminum roofs have several warranty choices, including weathertight, paint, and substrate warranties. These warranties assist in protecting your asset, assuring you that your roof will last long. Additionally, aluminum coils or sheets used in coastal environments come with paint warranties.
High recyclability
Metal materials are usually recyclable, and aluminum metal is one of the most sustainable and recyclable globally. According to statistics, about 95% of aluminum metal roofs installed across the globe are manufactured with materials that were previously recycled. Because of its high sustainability and recyclability, many property owners and architects select aluminum for their projects. It is even more common among those who aim to satisfy the LEED certification requirements.
Lightweight
In general, metal roofs are light. They assist in reducing the extra pressure on the building’s structure. However, aluminum metal material is one of the lightest metals, particularly in comparison to steel products. Because aluminum is lightweight, it is easier for roofing contractors to handle, transport, and place panels on the roof deck.
Availability
An interesting fact about aluminum is that of all the elements, it is the third most abundant. Coupled with that, aluminum metal roofs are typically made from recycled aluminum metals. So, it makes sense that they are readily available for purchase or use. It is, in fact, a standard product for many manufacturers.
Easy access to skilled labor
An advantage many people tend to overlook is the ease with which one can get a skilled and experienced roofing contractor to install an aluminum metal roof. There are several professionals who are qualified and have expertise in installing the roof following the manufacturers’ installation guide.
Color variety
Compromising your choice of color for your aluminum materials is not something you have to deal with. Do you know why? It is because they typically come in colors similar to Galvalume.
Cons
Relatively costly
Aluminum metal roofing is not the most affordable metal roofing material because its price range falls between mid and high. Standing seam aluminum metal roofs cost between $7 to $18 per square foot, depending on the finish, location, thickness, profile, and contractor, among other determinants.
Prone to dent and can bend easily
This disadvantage is an interesting one because it can also be an advantage. In terms of malleability, aluminum is superior to steel. You can easily manipulate or bend aluminum metal without worrying about it breaking. As an advantage, this characteristic aids the roll-forming and forging of aluminum panels.
Now, let’s talk about this feature as a disadvantage. Aluminum’s malleability makes it easy to dent. It, in fact, dents faster than other metal materials at and after installation. Hence, roofers need extra carefulness when handling them. Also, aluminum metal roofs are not ideal for buildings with trees hanging over them because they can get easily damaged when branches fall on them.
Raw color
Typically, experts do not advise property owners to use aluminum roofs in their natural color (silver-gray). Over time, aluminum metal loses its original color due to weathering, aging, and oxidation. So, experts recommend purchasing coated panels or coils to prevent your roof from looking washed over the years. They will age better and have a better appeal than when bare.
Needs more room for thermal expansion
An aluminum roof’s thermal expansion is approximately two times of a steel roof. Roofing contractors need to keep this in mind when installing an aluminum roof so that they can create enough space for the expansion and contraction of the panels. This is even more note-worthy when dealing with panels that are seamed mechanically and have lengths above 15-20 feet. When dealing with panels of such length, we recommend that you use a suitable expansion clip.
When enough room isn’t created for thermal movement, the following can happen: more noise, oil canning, and increased maintenance for exposed fasteners.
What Is Aluminum Roofing Best Used For?
As we’ve established so far, aluminum metal is a superior metal roofing material. Although it costs more than steel, it is an investment you’ll be thankful for in the long run when installed and maintained properly.
Aluminum roofing is ideal for architectural roofing, environments that are corrosive, like coastal areas, and roofs with at least a 3:12 slope.
Conclusion
By now, you know that aluminum metal roofing has its benefits and drawbacks. Aluminum roofs are resistant to corrosion, lightweight, energy-efficient, readily available, recyclable, and easy to manage. These qualities make them a good choice for different projects. Despite these numerous benefits, we can’t overlook its disadvantages, such as its tendency to dent easily and its price.
Knowing what is most important to you in a roof will help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks and decide if the drawbacks are less significant to you than the benefits. Contacting a reliable roofing contractor will also help with your decision-making because they give you more perspective from the lens of a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the drawback of using an aluminum roofing sheet?
In comparison to steel, aluminum is a softer metal and more malleable. This quality makes it susceptible to dents when it experiences high impact from fallen branches, hailstones, and human weight. To improve its sturdiness, we recommend using a gauge that is thicker. This will cost you but will be worth it in the long run.
Why does my metal roof leak in heavy rain?
There are many possible reasons for this. When a metal roof experiences cracks and areas around the fasteners corrode, it creates enough room for leaks during rainfall. When metal roofs expand and contract, the seams in the roof begin to loosen over time. Cracks in metal and corrosion around fasteners can create enough space for water to leak. This occurrence can also lead to leaks in your roof.
Can you walk on aluminum roof panels?
Yes, you can. However, we do not recommend it. It is easier to lose balance and slip on some roofing materials than others. However, you should always take precautionary steps, regardless of the type of material you are dealing with. So, when you decide to get on your roof, ensure you wear suitable footwear for a good grip. They should also be free of rocks or abrasives for your roof’s safety.
