Aluminum or Steel: Which Makes the Better Metal Roof?

Metal roofing systems are gaining in popularity as more effective alternatives to the usual wood and asphalt roofs. They are more durable and last longer, and they have more versatile aesthetics that last longer, too.

Steel and Aluminum are two of the most common alloys used in metal roof construction. Deciding between the two isn’t that simple as there isn’t a lesser material between the two. Both are great options that have their individual strengths and areas they excel in.

In this post, JAM Roofing compares the features of these two alloys so that you can pick the right one for your home.

Steel Roofs

Steel is what many consider the entry-level material for metal roofs. These are made of zinc-coated steels such as zincalume, galvalume and galvanized metal. They are lightweight and retain their innate durability and resilience regardless of their shape.

The standard steel roof comes finished with a color coating and is a step above asphalt roofs in terms of weather resistance and sheer durability. These two traits give it an average life span of 30 to 50 years.

Aluminum Roofs

As your local roofing contractor, we recommend aluminum if you want a more premium metal roofing system and you can consider it an upgrade to standard steel roof. These roofs are non-ferrous, which means they will never rust even when exposed to humidity and constant rain.

Aluminum roofs are also lighter than steel which means they are easier to install and don’t retain as much heat as other alloys.

Our Verdict

Both metals are great choices but there are instances where one is more applicable than the other. The standard steel roof is a great choice if you simply want a more resilient and longer lasting alternative to asphalt and wood. Aluminum is the better option if you live near the coast or beach, or if your area experiences more rain than usual as it’s naturally immune to rusting.

You can count on JAM Roofing to properly install your new metal roofing system. We are a roofing company with nearly 30 years of experience and we use our knowledge to provide quality roofing services in every project.

Call us today at (541) 644-8111 to learn more about our services. We offer complete roofing services in Grants Pass and Medford, OR, as well as other parts of Oregon.