Aluminum

When choosing a metal roof, homeowners often ask us which performs better — aluminum or steel. We install both materials and understand exactly how they hold up in our local environment. Here’s what you need to know:

Aluminum has a major advantage in areas with:

• High humidity
• Salt-rich air (coastal / lakeside homes)
• Frequent rain exposure

Why aluminum performs better:

• It forms a natural protective oxide layer that prevents rust
• Stays protected even if scratched or dented
• Requires no extra metallic coatings to resist corrosion
• Minimal maintenance required over time

Steel roofing relies on protective coatings. Once those coatings are damaged, rust can spread — especially in salty climates.

Near the coast, aluminum is the best long-term choice. 

Aluminum is extremely lightweight — one of the lightest roofing metals available. 

This offers big advantages:

• Less stress on your home’s structure
• Easier installation, which can reduce labor time and disruption
• More suitable for architectural designs where weight matters (e.g., reroofing over existing materials in some cases)

Steel roofing is heavier and may require structural review or upgrades for certain installations.

Feature                                     Aluminum                  Steel

Approx. Weight                  Very light                     Heavier

Stress on Structure          Low                                 Moderate

Ease of Installation           Higher                          Moderate

If your home has older framing or you are concerned about structural load — aluminum provides greater peace of mind.

• Superior corrosion protection in coastal climates
• Longer-lasting appearance and performance
• Lightweight yet durable
• Environmentally responsible (high recyclability + clean runoff)