Aluminum Roofing Guide: Uses, Pros and Cons, Cost and Types

If you are looking for a metal roofing system, here are many metal roofing options to choose from such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper and galvanized steel. Aluminum, a common metal roofing material, is not as popular as steel roofing though. But its strong, durable and energy-efficient roof will ensure your family’s long-term comfort and safety from heavy rains and scorching sun. Want to buy aluminum roofing but expensive? ——Hugh Aluminum is an aluminum roofing manufacturer，our factory prices to help you capture the local market, we offer more than 40 aluminum roofing models for you to choose from. If you want to learn about aluminum roofing or need some buying advice. Then this article can help you to understand the details of aluminum roofing in depth.

In this article we will introduce:

• What is an aluminium roof
• Application of aluminium roofing
• Pros and cons of aluminium metal roofing
• TYPES and prices of aluminium roofs

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What is aluminum roofing？

Aluminum roofing is a roofing system made of lightweight, malleable and corrosion-resistant aluminum panels or extruded aluminum. As the lightest metal material on the market, it has a stronger strength-to-weight ratio than any other type of metal. Because of its light weight, aluminum roofing is often used on structures where weight is a concern or where existing structures may not be able to support heavier roofing materials. Aluminum is the most corrosion-resistant metal roofing, and compared to other metals, it can be installed on the seashore without being subjected to saltwater erosion. While aluminum materials come in many forms, design-rich aluminum shingles can be attractive on commercial buildings.

Common Applications of Aluminum Roofs:

• Coastal Buildings —— Beach Shops, Coastal Condos, Marinas, Boat Storage, etc.
• Commercial Buildings —— malls, plazas, stores, casinos, etc.
• Residential —— Individual homes, luxury villas, condominiums, townhouses, etc.
• Public Buildings —— libraries, government buildings, hospitals, transit stations, etc.
• Industrial applications —— warehouses, factories, power stations, etc.

What are the types of aluminum roofing?

There are various types of aluminum roofs, which are classified mainly on the basis of their shape, processing method and application. Below are some of the common types of roofs and details.

Aluminum panel roofing:

This roof uses whole or spliced aluminum panels as the roof covering. It has the advantage of being easy to install, you just need to cover the aluminum to the roof panel of your house to complete the installation of the roofing system. It is lightweight but less decorative. If you want a simple roof it would be the best choice.

Aluminum Tile Roofing：

Aluminum tiles are tiles made of aluminum extruded into various wave shapes as roof covering materials. Characteristics of aluminum tiles: light weight, good waterproof, fireproof and corrosion resistance. It is available in a variety of styles, such as wave tiles, flat tiles, arc tile and v shaped tile. It is suitable for commercial building roofs of various designs.

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What are the advantages of aluminum railings?

1. Corrosion resistant and maintenance free:

Aluminium alloy has excellent corrosion resistance, and its oxide layer can fully meet the corrosion control requirements as a protective material. Powder coated aluminum roofs are more resistant to corrosion, so their use will reduce our maintenance frequency and costs. In a seaside environment, seawater can cause serious damage to metal roofing systems. Aluminum roofing systems are the only solution because the aluminum metal has an oxide film and a powder coating that protects the roof from seawater, salt spray and UV damage.

2. Aluminum is lightweight

Aluminium metal is often one of the lightest roofing materials available, and it helps to reduce the extra stress on the framing of a building. This is because aluminum metal weighs far less than other metals for the same volume. This table below can help you understand it better:

Material	density（g/cm³）	Tensile strength range (MPa)
Aluminum	2.7	100-400
Copper	8.96	200-400
Steel (mild steel)	7.85	300-600
Galvanized steel	8.85+	300-900

3. Multiple styles and color options

Metal roofs are similar in style and appearance, and the options available to the consumer will be small. Because copper and steel metal fabrication is so complex, manufacturers are unable to update their roofing systems. But you won’t have to worry about these issues when you choose an roof.

4. Aluminum is fully recyclable and non-toxic

Aluminum is one of the most reusable and sustainable metals in the world. As a point of reference, approximately 80% of all aluminum window and door systems installed globally are recycled as aluminum rods. When your community has high waste requirements, an aluminium roofing system would be a better choice. We take extra care when processing copper metal or zinc metal. Because when burned at high temperatures they release toxic gases, and safety is also an important determining factor in metal roofing. Aluminum was chosen because it is not toxic when burned or left on for long periods of time.

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So, what are the disadvantages of aluminum roofing？

Need more space to deal with the heat:

Since aluminum metal expands at high temperatures, it will expand twice as much as steel. Therefore, contractors will need to allow enough space when installing it, and additional expansion screws will need to be added when using more than 20 feet of aluminum panels to cover the roof. When you have a smaller roof size, using another metal roof would be a better option.

Aluminum roofing is relatively expensive

It is in the mid-to-high price range for materials, which is not the most affordable metal roofing option. Aluminum panel roofing has a price range of $9-$16 per square foot, while aluminum shingle roofing has a price range of $12-$28 per square foot. It depends on the thickness, finish, size, and many other factors.

Aluminum bends and dents more easily

Aluminum metal is much softer and malleable, which is both its advantage and disadvantage. On the one hand, aluminum’s malleability allows it to bend at an angle to meet the design needs of more architectural projects. However, because aluminum metal is more prone to bending, the builder or contractor needs to be more careful with it during installation. This can increase the installation and labor costs of a project.

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Final Recommendations on Aluminum Roofing

We’ve learned all kinds of information about aluminum roofing: types, prices, pros and cons, and styles. There is no denying that aluminum is outstanding roofing material. But which is the better choice it will be?

• Building a roof in a coastal environment
• Building structures that need to be lightweight
• You don’t want to maintain your roof too often
• Have a high budget and want a luxurious roof design

Hugh Aluminum is a professional manufacturer of Aluminium Roofing Materials, we provide our customers with high quality roofing materials. If you want to purchase a beautifully designed and reasonably priced roof? Don’t hesitate to contact our team!