Aluminum roofing is famous as a versatile and lightweight option for a variety of home and business owners. This roofing material has many benefits that appeal to property owners looking for durability, energy efficiency, and corrosion resistance.
Its light structure and outstanding versatility have made it an appealing choice for aluminum siding that is also very durable.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about aluminum roofing in Canada and its pros and cons.
What is Aluminum Roofing?
The term “aluminum roofing” describes roofing materials composed mainly of this lightweight, anti-corrosive metal. Aluminum roofing is renowned for its adaptability to a variety of settings and building types, as well as its longevity and low maintenance needs.
These roofing materials are suitable for both residential and commercial buildings, and they are available in many forms, such as sheets, shingles, tiles, or panels.
Corrugated metal roofing is frequently used for constructions where weight is an issue or where the current structure might not be able to sustain heavier roofing materials due to its lightweight nature.
Aluminum Roofing Applications
Aluminum roofs are becoming more popular for various purposes due to their unique features and benefits. In the following section, we will take a closer look at the applications of aluminum metal roofs.
Residential Roofing
For residential properties, aluminum metal roofing is a standard option. Because it is lightweight, homeowners can install it more efficiently, and the structure will experience less structural stress.
Additionally, ACM panels can be designed in various styles and colors that enhance the aesthetic appeal of homes.
Commercial Buildings
Aluminum roofing is often used on commercial buildings because of its minimal maintenance needs and long lifespan.
As aluminum composite panel roofs are weather-resistant, they are suitable for office buildings, warehouses and retail establishments.
Some manufacturers offer weatherproof warranties to ensure that the roof system will perform successfully over time.
Coastal Applications
Aluminum is particularly advantageous for coastal applications. Its resistance to corrosion from saltwater and humidity makes it a preferred material for homes and buildings near the ocean.
Some manufacturers provide extended paint warranties expressly for coastal constructions to ensure that the roof looks and functions as intended, even in the event of inclement weather.
Agricultural Structures
Aluminum metal roofing is a common choice for greenhouses, barns, and storage buildings in agricultural settings. Its lightweight design simplifies installation on large structures.
Additionally, its durability enables it to withstand the harsh conditions of agriculture.
Pros
· Resistant against Corrosion
Aluminum’s capability to resist corrosion is arguably its most significant benefit. Iron oxide is what causes rust, and iron is found in minimal levels in most aluminum. However, because aluminum oxidizes, you should choose a paint method appropriate for your region in Canada.
It is the perfect material for coastal applications and climates with a lot of rainfall. While sea salt spray from the water would cause a steel roof to corrode quite fast, it does not affect the aluminum substrate.
· Lightweight
The lightest roofing material is aluminum, which weighs as low as five pounds per square foot.
Additionally, being lighter than heavier materials, a lightweight roof is easier to work with and move around your house.
· Eco-Friendly and Energy-Efficient
Aluminum cools down more quickly than steel and doesn’t get as hot, which helps keep your house cooler and reduce power costs, especially on hot summer days.
Homeowners can expect up to a 20% reduction in heating and cooling expenses with an aluminum roof.
Additionally, aluminum roofing is environmentally beneficial as it’s made from approximately 95% recycled aluminum.
· Long Lasting
Aluminum is a long-lasting roofing material. Though it has been reported that it lasts more than 70 years, aluminum roofs typically last 50 years.
Cons
· Easier to Bend or Dent
On the one hand, aluminum is less prone to shatter or crack and is more straightforward to bend and work with than steel because of its greater malleability. It is useful when roll-forming and fabricating panels.
Fortunately, aluminum’s tensile strength is comparable to that of steel; aluminum is just more prone to surface denting.
Contractors should exercise extra caution when handling and installing aluminum materials/panels, though, as aluminum is known to dent more quickly than other metals during and after installation.
Additionally, if a structure is under trees or other objects that could fall on the roof, consider using a different type of metal material to preserve the roof’s aesthetics.
· Medium to High Price Range
Depending on thickness, finish, profile, location, installer, and numerous other factors, the cost of an aluminum standing seam metal roof can range from $7 to $18 per square foot.
It is important to note that steel and aluminum prices are subject to frequent fluctuations so that the final cost may differ significantly.
Also, you can check out more precise prices in the below link:
· More Excellent Space Needed for Thermal Movement
Aluminum expands and contracts approximately twice as much as steel roofs, so contractors must account for this during installation to allow enough room for the thermal movement of the panels.
Aluminum roofs are limited in their ability to expand and contract, which may lead to excessive noise and the need for more maintenance for fasteners.
Consequently, an appropriately engineered expansion clamp must be used when using mechanical seam panels that are longer than fifteen to twenty feet.
· Natural Color
Avoid using bare aluminum products in their original silver-gray color as the metal will weather, oxidize, and lose its mill-finished color over time, looking washed out and spotted.
The best solution to this problem is to purchase painted roofing coils or panels, which will age much cleaner over time because the paint will cover any color changes in the metal.
Is Aluminum Suitable for Roofing in Canada?
In Canada, aluminum makes an excellent roofing material. The country’s diverse environment is a good fit for aluminum metal roofing due to its strength, lightweight, energy economy, and resistance to corrosion.
Look no further if you’re searching for the best possible aluminum composite panel roof in Canada, as Wiedehopf is known for producing high-caliber aluminum sidings in high demand.
Our Aluminum composite panels elevate every building to the peak of modern beauty.
