Galvan Builders Blog: Corpus Christi TX Aluminum Roofing Tips: Is It Always Wise to Use Aluminum?

Aluminum roofing is the primary investment of many homeowners across Corpus Christi TX, and the benefits of doing so is definitely something that outweighs the cons. Aluminum is lightweight, can last for more than 70 years, and easier to install than their steel and tin counterparts.

Much as it may seem it is a perfect material, aluminum roofing does have many shortcomings. If you're a homeowner planning to use the best Corpus Christi TX metal roofing company to install an aluminum roof you've recently invested in, you should consider the benefits steel roofs have, too. Whirlwind Steel has an excellent breakdown on this -- read more below

HOW STEEL AND ALUMINUM ARE DIFFERENT

Malleability

Aluminum is a highly malleable and elastic metal, more so than steel. However, the price of aluminum tends to be about 20% higher than steel. Some roof profiles will require a heavier thickness of aluminum, which will drive the price higher. Even though aluminum is only about 1/3 the weight of steel, it could be more expensive to use. Steel may not be as malleable, especially for very ornate work, steel is much easier to weld. Aluminum welding is tricky. Aluminum also expands more than steel in the heat so you need to pay more attention to the attachment system.

Corrosion resistance</h3

Aluminum is also more corrosion resistant than steel, especially in coastal areas with high levels of salt water. Steel, even when coated, has a tendency to corrode along field-cut edges in these conditions. If anything chips the coating, rust will soon follow. On the other hand, aluminum can also be more susceptible to other types of oxidation and, due to its thinner, more lightweight nature, can catastrophically fail from pitting.(Continued

Perhaps corrosion is the common denominator between aluminum roofing and steel metal roofing systems. While most manufactures make the impression that aluminum roofs do not rust, they do corrode in some way. However, aluminum can slow down corrosion better than steel roofs, which do not have any way to reduce the rusting and corrosion when it happens.

All Metals Fabrication has an excellent post on aluminum corrosion that you can check out below.

Does Aluminum Roofing Rust or Corrode?

Aluminum doesn’t contain iron or steel so it doesn’t rust – but it is prone to corrosion when exposed to weathering and atmospheric oxygen. The process of aluminum corrosion is known as oxidation. The resulting aluminum oxide is a thin, hard layer that actually protects the metal from further corrosion.

Aluminum oxide appears as a powdery white or dull gray coating. As oxidation occurs, it hardens and creates a protective layer over the newly exposed areas of corroded aluminum. The aluminum corrosion process is actually halted by oxidation – the metal won’t continue to deteriorate unless the aluminum oxide is removed. Unlike rust, which has a flaky, reddish appearance, aluminum oxidation cannot be easily chipped off the metal surface. (Continued)

On the other hand, steel is an excellent choice for roofing alternatively with aluminum because manufacturers have found unique ways to preserve the material and improve its corrosion resistance. Galvanized and galvalumed steel are two types of steel roofs that can resist and even outlast aluminum. While they may cost as much as aluminum, galvanized and galvalumed roof applications in windy territories in Corpus Christi TX definitely make them the excellent roofing solution.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of these two materials with aluminum roofing, which is courtesy of Sheffield Metals.

Galvanized, Galvalumed and Aluminum Roofing: A Primer on All Metal Roofing Materials
<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>
Bethlehem Steel introduced the Galvalume coating to the construction industry in the early 1970s. Galvalume roofing material combines three of the most important metals used in roofing today—steel, aluminum, and zinc. Manufacturers begin with a carbon steel base sheet, which is then continuously hot-dipped with aluminum and zinc alloys until it reaches a coating consisting of 55% aluminum, 43.4% zinc, and 1.6% silicone over the base metal to protect it from the elements. This system allows for one material to have some of the best characteristics of each included metal—making it one of the fastest growing materials in today’s metal roofing market.
Pros of Galvalume Roofing

Color Options– One of the most appealing aspects of Galvalume roofing, especially for homeowners, is the fact that Galvalume can come in an array of different colors. These pre-painted options allow for more versatility when buyers are trying to match the roofing to their home or business.
Least Expensive – Compared to other high-quality metal roofing materials, Galvalume costs the least amount of money. Depending upon the thickness, color, and quality of the desired Galvalume panels, pricing could range anywhere from $75 to $250 per roofing square (100 square feet). (Continued)

Aside from superior roofing material, aluminum or steel roofs require proper installation procedures to function efficiently and allow you to maximize the material's lifespan and durability. In turn, you'll need the best roofers in town to help you. If you have yet to find one, you can count on Galvan Builders to help you. Contact us today to know more about what we can do.