We offer a variety of roofing sheets – we manufacture them in both copper, steel and aluminum. But have you wondered what the differences between these materials are? Is it worth paying more for a theoretically better roofing sheet? Let’s find out!
When it comes to roofing applications, comparing the durability of steel roofing material with a thickness of 0.025 inches (about 0.635 mm) and aluminum roofing material with a thickness of 0.032 inches (about 0.813 mm) is essential for determining the right material for a given project. Below is a breakdown of both materials and their typical uses in roofing.
Steel roofing is widely used in construction due to its strength and durability. A thickness of 0.025 inches offers adequate rigidity and resistance to mechanical loads, which is crucial for roofing applications. Additionally, steel can be coated with protective layers like galvanization or powder coating, which enhance its resistance to corrosion and the effects of weather. In roofing, steel is appreciated for its robustness and long lifespan.
Aluminum roofing is known for its lightweight properties and resistance to corrosion, making it a popular choice in certain environments. With a thickness of 0.032 inches, aluminum provides sufficient rigidity but may be slightly less mechanically resilient than steel at 0.025 inches. However, its high resistance to corrosion makes it an excellent option for coastal areas or regions with high humidity, where the risk of rusting is greater. Aluminum roofing is valued for its corrosion resistance and light weight, making it an attractive material choice in specific climates.
In roofing applications, steel roofing with a thickness of 0.025 inches offers higher mechanical strength compared to aluminum roofing at 0.032 inches. This means steel can better withstand mechanical loads, such as snow or wind. However, aluminum, despite being mechanically weaker, provides superior resistance to corrosion, which can be a deciding factor depending on local weather conditions.
The choice between steel and aluminum should depend on the specific requirements of the project, local climate conditions, and aesthetic preferences of the homeowner. While steel may be stronger under mechanical stress, aluminum may be the preferred option for areas where corrosion resistance is a higher priority.
Steel roofing sheets with a Kynar coating offer excellent resistance to corrosion, especially in humid or coastal areas. Kynar is a high-performance coating that provides added protection against the elements, making steel roofs more resistant to rust and deterioration. This coating helps maintain the integrity of the metal for longer periods, even in environments with high moisture levels. While Kynar-coated steel is not entirely immune to corrosion, it significantly improves the material’s durability compared to untreated steel, making it a good choice for areas prone to moisture.
When considering roofing materials, the initial cost of steel and aluminum can vary. In general, steel roofing sheets are more affordable than aluminum, with prices around $6.50 per linear foot for steel compared to $7 for aluminum. While the price difference is not huge, it can add up, especially on larger roofs.
Steel roofing is typically the more economical choice, especially for homeowners on a budget. At approximately $6.50 per linear foot, steel roofing offers excellent durability and strength, especially with protective coatings that enhance its resistance to corrosion. It’s a great option for regions with moderate climates, and it’s cost-effective for most residential roof replacements.
On the other hand, aluminum roofing comes at a slightly higher price of around $7 per linear foot. While the price is a bit steeper, aluminum is known for its corrosion resistance, making it a preferred option for coastal areas or places with high humidity. It’s also lighter, which can sometimes lower installation costs, despite the higher material price.
While the cost of aluminum roofing materials is slightly higher than steel, the installation process is generally more affordable. This is due to the lighter weight of aluminum sheets compared to steel. Since aluminum is less dense, it is easier and faster to handle, which reduces both transportation and labor costs. Installing aluminum sheets takes less time, as workers can move and position the panels more quickly, ultimately leading to lower overall installation expenses. Despite the higher material cost, these savings in labor and handling can make aluminum roofs more economical to install in certain situations.
When comparing the safety features of steel and aluminum roofs, both materials offer excellent protection against various hazards, with only minor differences in specific areas.
Both steel and aluminum roofs are non-combustible, making them highly resistant to fire. They won’t catch fire or contribute to spreading flames, offering a high level of fire safety compared to materials like wood or asphalt shingles.
In terms of impact resistance, steel may have a slight edge. Steel is generally stronger and less prone to bending or denting from falling branches or debris, especially in thicker gauges. However, aluminum still holds up well in most situations, as its durability is sufficient for most weather-related impact events.
Both steel and aluminum roofing systems are similarly resistant to wind damage. They are both able to withstand high wind speeds when installed correctly, making either option a safe choice in regions with strong storms. There’s virtually no difference between the two materials when it comes to wind resistance.
Overall, safety-wise, there are very few differences between steel and aluminum roofs, and both provide solid protection against fire, wind, and impact. The choice between the two materials will depend more on other factors like cost, installation, and specific environmental considerations.
When deciding between steel and aluminum roofs, one of the most important factors to consider is how long the roof will last. The longevity of a roof can greatly influence its overall value and performance, as both materials have different levels of durability depending on the conditions in which they are installed. Here’s how steel and aluminum roofs compare in terms of their lifespan.
Steel roofs are known for their exceptional durability, especially when coated with protective materials such as zinc (galvanized steel) or a corrosion-resistant finish like Kynar. A properly maintained steel roof can last anywhere between 40 and 70 years, depending on the quality of the materials used and the climate in which the roof is installed. In areas with higher humidity or close to saltwater environments, steel roofs may need additional care to prevent corrosion, but with modern protective coatings, their lifespan is significantly increased. Steel is also highly resistant to physical damage from storms, falling branches, and hail, contributing to its longevity.
Aluminum roofs, while similar to steel in terms of durability, typically have an even longer lifespan, especially in coastal or high-humidity environments. Aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion, which makes it an ideal choice for areas prone to saltwater or heavy rainfall. On average, aluminum roofs can last 50 to 80 years, with some high-quality systems lasting even longer. This makes aluminum slightly more durable in certain climates compared to steel. However, aluminum is more prone to physical damage, such as denting from hail or falling debris, so care must be taken during installation and maintenance. Still, its resistance to rust and corrosion is a major advantage, giving it a slightly longer overall lifespan in the right conditions.
The environmental impact of roofing materials is an increasingly important consideration for many homeowners. Both steel and aluminum roofs offer sustainable advantages, but they also differ in terms of production emissions and recyclability.
Steel production, especially when it involves processes like smelting, can be energy-intensive, resulting in a higher carbon footprint. However, steel roofs are highly recyclable, and many steel roofing products are made from a significant percentage of recycled steel. This makes steel a more environmentally friendly option when considering the full lifecycle of the material. The recyclability of steel reduces its overall environmental impact after the roof has reached the end of its life.
Aluminum production, particularly primary aluminum extraction, is also energy-intensive, requiring substantial amounts of electricity. However, aluminum has a major advantage in its recyclability. It is one of the most recycled materials globally, and recycled aluminum requires much less energy to process compared to virgin aluminum. This makes aluminum roofs an eco-friendly choice over time, especially if they are made from a high percentage of recycled material. Additionally, aluminum’s resistance to corrosion means it generally requires fewer resources for maintenance, further reducing its long-term environmental footprint.
When it comes to roof insulation, both steel and aluminum have unique properties that affect their thermal and acoustic performance. Understanding how each material behaves can help homeowners make more informed decisions regarding comfort and energy efficiency.
Steel roofs are known for their durability and strength, but they don’t offer exceptional natural thermal insulation properties. Without additional insulation materials, steel can transfer heat more easily than other materials. In hot climates, steel roofs can absorb heat during the day and release it into the building at night, making the interior temperature less stable. However, steel roofs are often paired with reflective coatings or insulation layers to improve thermal performance. These additions can significantly reduce heat absorption, making steel roofs more energy-efficient.
Steel is a hard, solid material that can reflect sound rather than absorb it. As a result, steel roofs tend to create more noise during rain or hailstorms. Without proper soundproofing measures, such as adding underlayment or other insulation materials, the acoustics under a steel roof may not be ideal for homeowners who are sensitive to noise. This can be mitigated by using additional insulation layers to dampen sound, but steel on its own does not provide substantial acoustic insulation.
Aluminum roofs, like steel, are naturally conductive and can absorb heat. However, aluminum’s reflective properties help it to reflect a significant amount of solar radiation, which can help to reduce heat buildup in the building. While aluminum on its own might not be an excellent insulator, its reflective surface combined with the right insulation layers can enhance energy efficiency. Additionally, aluminum roofs are commonly used in cool-roof designs, which are designed to reflect sunlight and reduce the need for air conditioning in warm climates.
Aluminum roofs tend to perform similarly to steel in terms of sound insulation, as they too are reflective materials. However, aluminum’s lighter weight can sometimes result in even more noise transmission than steel during heavy rainfall or storms. To mitigate this, aluminum roofing systems are often paired with thicker underlayments and insulation materials to provide better soundproofing. Without these additions, aluminum roofs may contribute to a noisier environment during inclement weather compared to other roofing materials.
If you’re looking for a more durable, long-lasting option with a slightly lower upfront cost, steel is likely your best bet. It offers excellent strength, resistance to the elements, and longevity, especially with proper maintenance. On the other hand, if you prioritize energy efficiency, lighter weight, and a material with better resistance to corrosion in coastal areas, aluminum could be the better choice. Ultimately, if you’re balancing durability and cost, steel might offer more value, while aluminum is ideal if you need extra protection against corrosion and don’t mind paying a bit more.
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Looking for personalized offer?
Call or write to us – let’s talk about what we can do for you!
(847) 947-6797
Contact us
Do you need personalized offer?
Call or write to us – let’s talk about what we can do for you!
(847) 947-6797
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Northshore Sheet Metals
ABM Distributing, Inc.
418 Mercantile Ct.
Wheeling, IL 60090
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Monday – Friday: 7AM – 4PM
Saturday: Appts Only
Sunday: Closed
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