Thanks to its high recyclability and durability, aluminum roofing has become an affordable, long-lasting roofing solution for homes. Having aluminum roof panels can be advantageous if you are looking for a great return on investment from your new roof, thanks to its longer life span, high weather resistance, and low maintenance. In this article, learn about the benefits of aluminum roofing, its cost, and how it stacks up compared to other metal roofing materials.
Benefits of Aluminum Roofing
There are several benefits to aluminum roofing that make it appealing to homeowners looking for a new, high-quality roof.
Durability
Aluminum is incredibly fire, wind, and impact resistant. The material is also resistant to corrosion and rot. When it does corrode, it oxides and forms a protective coating that effectively seals the inner layers. This helps to protect the material in corrosive environments, such as coastal regions.
Eco-Friendly and Energy Efficient
Aluminum is recyclable, so it can be reused when it reaches the end of its usable lifespan. In fact, about 95% of all aluminum roof panels are made from previously recycled aluminum materials. Aluminum roofing also boasts reflective properties against the sun’s rays. This makes it an energy-efficient type of roof – it can help reduce utility costs by as much as 40% and reduce interior air temperatures by an average of 12 degrees in warmer months.
Lightweight
Aluminum roofing is considerably lighter in weight than other roofing materials, putting less stress on the home. This lightweight feature makes it easier to transport, handle, and install—helping to keep installation and labor costs at a minimum.
Long Lifespan
Because of their durability, aluminum roof panels typically last 40 years or more. Compare this lifespan to asphalt shingles, which last 15 to 30 years on average. With an aluminum roof, you will not have to worry about roof replacement costs until decades down the road.
Various Color Options
Luckily, aluminum roofing comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose the right fit for your home’s exterior look and feel. Popular color choices for aluminum roof panels in 2024 include neutrals such as beige or slate, gray, clay, and black. Some roof manufacturers also offer aluminum roofing that looks like cedar shakes or natural stone, so you can achieve a high-end look at a lower price.
How Much Does Aluminum Roofing Cost?
Aluminum roofing costs run from $2.15 to $7 per square foot on average. However, due to inflation, aluminum roofing costs can run as high as $14 per square foot in 2024 depending on where you live.
Aluminum Roofing
Average Installation Cost $6,450 - $21,000
Cost Breakdown
- Materials 60.5%
- Labor 39.5%
You can get aluminum roofing in the form of tiles and shingles, in addition to metal panels. Aluminum shingles are typically more affordable than aluminum roofing panels. Aluminum shingles typically cost $2.15 to $3.92 per square foot, or $6,450 to $11,760 to install on a standard 3,000-square-foot roof. For aluminum roof panels, the cost will be higher at $9 to $12 per square foot on average, or $27,000 to $36,000.
In general, the initial cost of a metal roof is more expensive than a typical asphalt roof but thanks to their long lifespans and warranties, they can become more cost-effective over time. As with other home improvement projects, the exact cost of aluminum roofing varies on several factors, including thickness, finish, profile, your region, installation costs, and more.
These are starting costs, and your contractor may charge more for demolition and removal of your old roof. When installing a new metal roof, you need to keep in mind that roofing underlayment and the other accessories needed for a successful metal roof installation can cost an additional $4 to $5 per square foot, which you should factor into the total installation price. Your roofing contractor will usually have this cost factor already integrated into your metal roofing installation estimate.
Aluminum Roofing Panels vs. Other Metal Roofs
Aluminum is one of several metal roofing options that homeowners have to choose from. Here’s a quick look at how some of the other common metal roofing materials compare to aluminum roofing in cost, durability and average lifespan.
Aluminum vs. Steel Roofing
- Cost. Steel roofing costs run from $6 to $12 per square foot on average, or up to 3 times the cost of an aluminum roof. Steel shingle roofing on a standard-size home would cost around $18,000 to $36,000 to install.
- Durability. Steel is stronger than aluminum and is more fire-resistant without the need for additional layers. Aluminum does not have a Class-A fire rating, but can achieve it with the proper underlayment and sheathing (which will cost extra). On the other hand, steel is susceptible to salt damage over time when installed in coastal areas, while Aluminum is extremely resistant to salt damage and corrosion.
- Lifespan. Aluminum has an average of 40 years or more, while steel has a longer average lifespan of 40 to 70 years with proper maintenance and care.
Aluminum vs. Copper Roofing
- Cost. Copper roofs cost between $13.54 to $24.69 per square foot on average. For a standard 3,000-square-foot roof, you can expect to pay between $40,608 and $74,064. Generally speaking, a copper roof will cost at least 3 times more than an aluminum roof.
- Durability. Copper roofs are incredibly strong, lightweight, and highly resistant to fire, hail, and mildew. However, they tend to expand and contract frequently during weather changes. When this happens, the fasteners can become loose and require repair. Thanks to its natural patina (oxidation) process, copper roofing is naturally protected against rust and corrosion. Note: Your contractor can add a clear, polyurethane coat or a clear lacquer to preserve the natural new shine of your copper roof.
- Lifespan. Aluminum roofing has an average of 40 years or more, while copper roofing has a longer average lifespan of 60-100 years or more.
Aluminum vs. Tin Roofing
- Cost. Tin roofing costs between $3 to $15 per square foot on average. For a standard 3,000-square-foot roof, you can expect to pay between $9,000 to $45,000, which tends to be a bit more expensive compared to an aluminum roof.
- Durability. Generally speaking, a tin roof is durable and resistant to cracking. A tin roof should hold up well during rain and snowstorm, however, tin roofing can dent in heavy hailstorms. Tin roofing tends to be slightly more durable in inclement weather than aluminum roofing.
- Lifespan. A new tin roof should last around 40 to 70 years when properly maintained, compared to aluminum roofing’s average 40 year lifespan.
Aluminum vs. Zinc Roofing
- Cost: Zinc roofing costs run from $5.65 to $11 per square foot, or between $16,950 to $33,000 for a standard $3,000 square foot roof, which is slightly more expensive than an aluminum roof.
- Durability. Zinc is fire-resistant, insect-proof, and prohibits the growth of mold and mildew. Similar to copper, zinc roofing materials undergo a patina process that protects them from rust and weathering. It is considered slightly more durable during inclement conditions compared to aluminum.
- Lifespan. Zinc roofing can last an impressive 60 to 100 years, which is about double the lifespan of aluminum roofing.
Is Choosing Aluminum Roofing Worth it?
Aluminum roofing can increase the resale value of your home and provide homeowners with an average return on investment of about 60%, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report.
Aluminum roofing, as with all metal roofing, can also lower your insurance rates and save you money due to its weather resistance, especially in states like Texas and California which are vulnerable to wildfires.
While these factors can make aluminum roofing an appealing option to homeowners, ultimately, it comes down to your budget, your home’s location, and what meets your personal style and needs. Connect with local contractors and request a personalized quote to see if a new aluminum metal roof is the right fit for your home and budget.
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