If you’re considering a new roof, you already know that roofs come in various materials. You’ve probably heard about the pros and cons of asphalt shingle roofs, but what about aluminum roofing?
Aluminum roofing is becoming increasingly popular for its durability, recyclability, and stylish look.
But how do you know if it’s the right choice for your home? To help you make an informed decision, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of aluminum roofing in this article.
We’ll look in-depth at the cost, appearance, environmental impact, and more—plus how to hire the right contractor for your installation.
If you’d like to learn more about using aluminum for your new roof, this article is worth a read. Let’s get started!
The Pros and Cons of Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum roofing is rapidly becoming one of the most popular materials used for home roofs.
It’s lightweight, durable, and even provides additional insulation against the elements.
However, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of aluminum roofing before deciding if it’s suitable for your home.
Pros of Aluminum Roofing
You’re likely already aware of some benefits of opting for aluminum roofing. After all, it’s one of the most popular materials on the market!
Here are just a few reasons why it makes sense to choose aluminum:
- Lightweight:
Aluminum roofs are much lighter than slate and clay tiles, making them less likely to damage your home’s structure.
- Durability:
Aluminum roofing is known for its durability and longevity. It can last up to 50 years and is very resistant to corrosion so it won’t rust over time like other materials.
In comparison, asphalt shingles typically must be replaced every 15-20 years unless they receive regular repairs.
They are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions like strong winds and hail without showing signs of wear and tear.
It is an incredibly durable material, making it perfect for roofs. It is impervious to rot, rust, and insect damage — issues that often plague other materials like wood and concrete.
- Energy Efficient:
Aluminum roofs act as a natural insulator for your home, trapping heat during cold months and keeping out hot air during summer.
- Easy Maintenance:
Aluminum roofs require very little maintenance due to their durability — you can usually get away with a simple power washing occasionally and occasional gutter cleaning.
Plus, if a trouble area does arise, you can quickly seal or fix it yourself without much fuss!
- Low Cost:
Aluminum roofing solutions are more affordable than other materials, such as tile or slate, with installation costs between $3-$8 per square foot.
The cost largely depends on the type of roof you have installed, its complexity, and its size.
Cons of Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum roofing isn’t suitable for some situations. However, here are a few drawbacks when deciding whether to use aluminum.
- Cost:
Aluminum is one of the more expensive roofing materials on the market than asphalt or wooden shingles.
Aluminum is an expensive material, and because of this, the installation cost can be higher than you’d anticipate.
If your budget is tight, you may have to look elsewhere for a roofing solution.
- Maintenance:
Although aluminum roofs are durable, they require an occasional coating to maintain their protective qualities. This can add to the overall cost of ownership.
It also needs periodic maintenance, and you may need to reseal it periodically, just like any other roof type, to protect against water infiltration and rust.
Additionally, those living in cold climates might see aluminum panels contract and expand with the changing seasons, meaning more potential maintenance and costs over time.
- Environmental Impact:
The recyclability of aluminum isn’t always optimal because it may need to be replaced sooner than other materials. This can lead to additional waste in landfills over time.
- Heating:
Its low thermal efficiency also means it won’t provide much insulation against extreme cold weather conditions.
- Distraction and accidents:
Because of its reflective properties, light-colored aluminum can create a glare if incorrectly angled towards pedestrians or traffic below.
- Weight:
Aluminum is a lightweight material that can easily be damaged during strong winds or storms.
It can also put extra strain on the structural supports of your home if it’s not installed correctly and inspected before use.
Cost Considerations for Aluminum Roofing
When it comes to cost considerations for aluminum roofing, there are a few things you should know. Aluminum does cost more than other roofing materials upfront.
On average, you can pay around $10-$15 per square foot for aluminum roofing. It pays off in the long run with its longevity and energy savings.
Aluminum has excellent longevity and is much less likely to warp or crack due to changing weather conditions.
This means it won’t need to be replaced as often as other materials, saving you money on repairs and maintenance.
Additionally, aluminum reflects the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them as other materials do, so your energy consumption could decrease significantly over time.
All in all, aluminum roofing may cost more upfront than other options, but its advantages add up quickly.
Conclusion
Aluminum roofing is an attractive option for those looking for a durable, long-lasting, esthetically pleasing roof.
While aluminum roofing may be slightly more expensive than other roofing materials, its unique properties, low maintenance needs, and wide range of color and design options more than makeup for the initial higher cost.
Aluminum roofing is also suitable for any climate, which adds to its appeal.
Though aluminum roofing has a few downsides, such as its susceptibility to denting and potential corrosion in certain climates, these cons can be addressed with proper maintenance and careful product selection.
In the end, the significant benefits of aluminum roofing far outweigh the potential drawbacks, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a long-term roofing solution.
Ultimately, deciding whether or not aluminum roofing is proper for you should be based on a combination of factors, including cost, maintenance needs, and environmental impact.
Weigh all these factors carefully and the pros and cons of aluminum roofing before deciding!
Overall, aluminum roofing has benefits and drawbacks—it’s essential to consider both before deciding.