Aluminum Roofing Advantages & Disadvantages

Have you ever wondered if an aluminum roof might be a smart choice for your home? We at Excel Construction Group get this question from homeowners looking to upgrade their roofs.

According to Decra, metal roofing systems like aluminum can provide substantial energy savings compared to traditional roofing materials. Aluminum roofing is a unique option among the many roofing materials on the market today. It has some pretty cool benefits but also has a few downsides you should know about. Before making such a big choice for your home, it helps to understand both sides of the story.

Roofing is one of our main services at Excel Construction Group. Since 1992, we’ve been helping homeowners across Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and the DFW area make smart roofing choices. Our team knows all about different roofing materials and how they perform in real-world situations. We want to share some honest facts about aluminum roofing with you.

In this guide, we’ll talk about the aluminum roofing advantages & disadvantages. We’ll share real numbers about costs, lifespan, and energy savings. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether aluminum roofing fits your home. Let’s dive into what makes aluminum roofing special, where it shines, and where other options might work better.

Aluminum roofing weighs only about 50 pounds per square (100 square feet). This makes it one of the lightest roofing options available. Compare this to asphalt shingles at 250-400 pounds per square; you can see the big difference! This lightweight nature brings several benefits:

• Less stress on your home’s structure.
• Can often be installed over existing roofing.
• Easier and faster installation.
• Lower labor costs during installation.

Many homeowners don’t realize that heavy roofing materials can put extra strain on a house over time. We at Excel Construction Group always consider the weight factor when recommending roofing options to our clients.

One of aluminum’s best features is its amazing resistance to rust and corrosion. Unlike steel, aluminum naturally creates a protective oxide layer when exposed to air. This means:

• Perfect for coastal areas with salt in the air.
• No rusting even after decades of rain exposure.
• Great for areas with acid rain concerns.
• Little to no corrosion at cut edges or scratches.

We’ve installed aluminum roofs in coastal Texas homes that still look great after 20+ years of exposure to salt air that would destroy other metal roofs.

Aluminum roofs offer excellent durability with a typical lifespan of 40-60 years when properly installed. This makes them a fantastic long-term investment. Consider these facts:

• Outlasts asphalt shingles by 20-40 years.
• Can withstand extreme weather conditions.
• Maintains appearance and function for decades.
• Comes with warranties of 30-50 years from quality manufacturers.

Our customers are often shocked when we tell them their aluminum roof might be the last roof they’ll ever need to buy for their home!

Aluminum roofing can help lower your energy bills, especially during hot summers. The natural reflective properties make it an energy-efficient choice:

• Reflects up to 95% of solar radiation.
• Can reduce cooling costs by 10-25%.
• Keeps attic temperatures lower in summer.
• Some coatings can improve this reflectivity even more.

In Texas and Oklahoma, where summer heat can be intense, homeowners save hundreds of dollars annually on cooling costs after installing an aluminum roof.

For environmentally conscious homeowners, aluminum roofing offers several green benefits:

• Made with up to 95% recycled content.
• 100% recyclable at the end of its life.
• Reduces landfill waste (can often be installed over old roofing).
• Energy efficiency reduces your carbon footprint.
• Zero waste in a true closed-loop recycling process.

The biggest hurdle for most homeowners considering aluminum roofing is the initial price:

• Costs $4-$10 per square foot installed.
• 2-3 times more expensive than asphalt shingles upfront.
• A typical 2,000-square-foot roof might cost $8,000-$20,000.
• Premium aluminum options can cost even more.

While the long-term value is excellent, we understand this higher initial investment can challenge many homeowners. We can help you explore financing options to make aluminum roofing more affordable.

Aluminum is softer than steel, which makes it more prone to denting from:

• Hailstorms with large hailstones.
• Falling tree branches or debris.
• People walking on the roof incorrectly.
• Improper installation techniques.

We recommend thicker aluminum panels (at least 0.032 inches) for areas prone to hail or if you’re concerned about denting.

Many homeowners worry about noise levels with metal roofs. The truth about aluminum roofing and noise:

• A properly installed aluminum roof with solid decking is about 52 decibels during rain (similar to a refrigerator).
• Only about 6-15 decibels louder than asphalt shingles.
• Proper insulation and installation greatly reduce noise.
• Open-frame installations (like on barns) are much louder at about 61 decibels.

At Excel CG, we use proper installation techniques and insulation to minimize noise concerns for our customers.

“Oil canning” refers to the wavy appearance of metal roofing panels. With aluminum:

• More noticeable than with steel due to aluminum’s flexibility.
• Mostly an aesthetic issue rather than a structural problem.
• More common in large, flat areas of roofing.
• Can be minimized with proper installation and panel choice.

Aluminum roofing demands proper installation by experienced professionals:

• Expands and contracts more than other metals with temperature changes.
• Requires special fastening techniques.
• Poor installation can lead to leaks and other problems.
• Not a good DIY project for homeowners.

At Excel Construction Group, our installation teams have years of specialized training in working with aluminum roofing materials.

When deciding if aluminum roofing is right for your home, consider these important factors:

• Your budget for both short-term investment and long-term value.
• Local climate conditions (coastal, high winds, hail frequency).
• How long do you plan to stay in your home.
• Your energy efficiency goals.
• Aesthetic preferences and neighborhood look.

We understand that every home and homeowner has unique needs. What works perfectly for one house might not be ideal for another. We discuss all these factors with our clients before making recommendations.

Since 1992,  Excel Construction Group has built its reputation on integrity, community relationships, and unrivaled customer service. What started as a small roofing and masonry company has grown into a trusted construction partner across Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and the DFW area.

Our approach to aluminum roofing installations includes the following:

• Detailed pre-installation inspection and planning.
• Using only the highest quality materials.
• Expert installation by trained professionals.
• Comprehensive warranties on both materials and workmanship.
• Post-installation follow-up to ensure satisfaction.

We’re proud to offer a complete range of roofing services, from new installations to repairs and maintenance. Our knowledge of all roofing materials, including aluminum, helps us guide you to the best choice for your specific situation.

We hope you understand about aluminum roofing advantages & disadvantages.

If you’re considering an aluminum roof for your home or want to explore all your roofing options, we’re here to help. Our team at Excel Construction Group can answer all your questions, provide a free consultation, and give you an honest assessment of what would work best for your home.

Roofing is a major investment, and we want you to feel confident in your decision. Whether aluminum roofing is perfect for your needs or another material makes more sense, you can count on our expert guidance throughout the process.

Contact Excel Construction Group today to schedule your free inspection or free roofing consultation. Let us show you why we’ve been the trusted roofing partner for homeowners across the region for over 30 years. Your perfect roof is just a phone call away!