Are you are thinking of installing a new metal roof? Then you may have questions about the best metal roofing option for your house. Residential and commercial roofing experts generally look for metal roofing that is made of aluminum or steel. If you want to know the differences between the two types of metal roofing, your best bet is to contact a professional Huntsville Roofer to get advice regarding metal roof installation. Here, we explain the pros and cons of each roofing material so that you have an easier time selecting the best one.
Steel Roofing
Pros of Steel Roofing
Steel is the most common roofing material. Steel generally refers to a zinc-coated material, such as galvanized metal, zincalume, or galvalume.
- A steel roof can easily be shaped into multiple roofing styles without compromising the strength
- It is superior to asphalt when it comes to durability and weather tolerance
- This roofing material is more lightweight as compared to asphalt tile roofing
- It is long-lasting with an average lifespan ranging between 40 and 60 years.
A great thing about steel roofing is that it can withstand high winds of up to 140 mph. The roofing material meets the building code requirements in areas that are prone to high winds and storms. The material is also highly resistant to fire and is classified as a class A heat-resistant material.
Cons of Steel Roofing
Steel roofing’s biggest disadvantage is that it is not resistant to corrosion. Steel is a ferrous metal that turns to ferric oxide or rust when exposed to oxygen and moisture. Corrosion on steel not only looks unsightly but also degrades the structural integrity. While protective coatings help reduce rust formation, corrosion may develop on exposed parts due to dents, bends, scratches, or holes that are inevitable during installation. Most steel roof warranties don’t cover damage due to rust formation.
Aluminum Roofing
Pros of Aluminum Roofing
If you want a premium quality metal roofing for your workplace or home, you should select aluminum roofing. Aluminum roofing is more expensive than metal roofing. But it is more durable since the material is non-ferrous that does not rust when exposed to weather elements. Aluminum does not rust even when exposed to high humidity. This makes the roofing material ideal for houses located in coastal areas. Another benefit of aluminum roofing is that it’s much lighter than other types of metal roofing. The strength-to-weight ratio of aluminum material is the highest among all the common metals. That is the reason the material is used in the manufacturing of airplane frames. The thinness of aluminum roofing also results in another advantage. The material does not absorb high heat and remains cool soon after it stops receiving sunlight. So, installing the roofing material helps reduce energy bills as less cooling is required to keep rooms cool during summers.
Cons of Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum roofing is lighter than steel roofing. But the lightweight also makes the material softer. As a result, the roofing material can’t take a lot of load on the structure of the house. Your aluminum roofing will also not be able to withstand damage from hailstorm as well as steel roofing. Aluminum is also not as strong as steel roofing. The roofing material is less resistant to fire as compared to steel roofing. Unlike steel roofing, aluminum material does not have a class A rating. An extra sheathing and underlayment are required to achieve a class A rating that also bumps the cost of the roofing. Always contact a professional Huntsville Roofer for roof installation. An experienced roofer has the knowhow and expertise to install the roofing material properly.
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