Whether you’re in the market to purchase a new metal roof, a distributor trying to sell metal coils or sheets to customers, or a contractor dealing directly with a home or business owner, it’s vital to know the pros and cons of different metal roofing materials.
Five of the most common materials used in metal roofing are Galvalume®, aluminum, zinc, copper, and stainless steel. Luckily, there isn’t just one solution for every single customer, so the advantages and disadvantages of each metal should be discussed in depth with the contractor, distributor, architect, or manufacturer before making a final decision.
As one of the leading distributors of coated and bare metal products in the standing seam panel system industry, Sheffield Metals helps individuals find the solution that will work best for their specific residence, building, or business every day. Plus, we know how important it is to be an educated consumer, especially when purchasing something as significant as a new roofing structure.
Bethlehem Steel introduced the Galvalume coating to the construction industry in the early 1970s. Galvalume, a flat rolled steel-based metal roofing material, combines three of the most high-performing metallic coatings used in roofing today — steel, aluminum, and zinc. To create Galvalume, mills begin with a cold-rolled carbon steel base sheet that is then continuously hot-dipped with aluminum and zinc alloys (AZ) until it reaches a coating of 55% aluminum, 43.4% zinc, and 1.6% silicone. This process allows Galvalume to have some of the best characteristics of each metal, which is why it’s one of the most popular metals used in metal roofing.
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 ranges anywhere from $5.00 to $15.00 per square foot. Keep in mind that in 2021 and 2022, steel prices continually fluctuate and vary dramatically.
Corrosion resistant – Galvalume’s chemical formula was specifically designed to combine the toughness, strength, and self-healing properties of zinc with the rust-resisting properties of aluminum. That’s why Galvalume’s corrosion resistance is about two to four times better than galvanized steel. Galvalume’s self-healing characteristics help control the red rusting at any cut/exposed edges. Nearly all steel-based products will experience some level of normal edge creep from the exposed steel when the coil is cut, but it is minimal and will eventually stop with Galvalume. Remember that edge creep can also be offset by hemming the panels and touching up any exposed edges with paint pens.
Easy to handle & install – Another benefit of Galvalume is that it’s not as temperamental as other metals used in the roofing industry, like copper and zinc. Installers don’t have to worry as much about leaving fingerprints, deep scratches, etc., on panels because Galvalume is tougher and a little more tolerable. It also doesn’t have many strict ventilation or air gap requirements like some other metals. Plus, Galvalume is a standard metal roofing product and doesn’t have too many special requirements, which allows the installation details to be pretty standard across the board. Even though it’s a tough material, installers still find Galvalume easy to handle, rollform, cut, and beyond.
Warranties – One of the number one selling points of Galvalume is the 25.5-year warranty on the substrate, which is sometimes referred to as a perforation warranty. Galvalume systems also often come with paint warranties that further protect your investment and provide peace of mind that the roof or wall system will last (substrate or paint warranties are NOT available for Galvalume products within 1,500 feet of a coast). Plus, commercial property owners can buy a weathertight warranty for their Galvalume roofing structure, which ensures the roof was installed correctly and adheres to strict installation details.
Oil canning – Oil canning is an inherent characteristic of light-gauge, cold-formed metal products, especially products with broad flat areas. It is a visual phenomenon seen as waviness or distortion in the flat surfaces of metal wall and roofing products. Oil canning is subjective and normally only an aesthetic concern that does not affect a product’s strength or performance. This occurrence is possible for any kind of metal roofing or walls, including Galvalume. But there are methods to minimize the appearance of oil canning, including:
Not suitable for animal enclosures or buildings – Galvalume is not suitable for use on buildings where animals are housed or held. Manure from the animals breaks down into ammonia gas over time and then reacts with the Galvalume coating. This process breaks down the Galvalume coating and leads to the degradation of the metal. However, Galvalume is sometimes used on modern chicken houses built with a vapor barrier between the chicken area and the roof for appropriate ventilation. It’s best to check with the manufacturer before putting Galvalume on an animal confinement building, as it’s often dependent on the specific design and use.
Interactions with other materials – Combining different metals on a metal roof system can lead to interactions that could result in early degradation, staining, and potential failure of a system altogether. Galvalume performs best when not in contact with copper, lead, bricks, treated lumber, iron, and concrete. If Galvalume is in contact with one of these and is then introduced to an electrolyte such as water, it can lead to galvanic corrosion of the metal.
Aluminum is a lightweight, silver-white metal that is element 13 on the periodic table and is the third most abundant element on Earth. However, aluminum never occurs in its metallic form in nature. Its compounds, usually aluminum sulfates, are chemically broken down using electrolysis/electrolytic reduction to produce the aluminum metal material.
Overall, aluminum is suitable as a roof, wall, trim, and more in several different environments, including coastal environments, hurricane zones, locations with high rain or snowfall, high-temperature regions, and more.
Suitable for use in coastal environments – One of the most significant benefits of aluminum is that it can be installed in coastal environments. Aluminum has much better corrosion resistance than steel products, especially in harsh coastal environments where saltwater can wreak havoc on a metal roofing system. Because aluminum oxidizes as it starts to corrode, it actually makes it stronger and prolongs the life of the system on the coast. Best of all, aluminum roofing systems still carry a PVDF paint warranty when installed in coastal areas.
Warrantied product – Aluminum metal roofs come with a variety of warranty options, including paint, substrate, and weathertight warranties, which help to protect your investment and provide peace of mind that the roof or wall system will last. There are even paint warranties on aluminum sheets/coils used in coastal applications. For example, Sheffield Metals offers a 25-year PVDF paint warranty for coastal properties and a 20-year PVDF paint warranty for Caribbean properties. Plus, commercial property owners can buy a weathertight warranty for their aluminum roofing structure. Learn more about Sheffield Metals’ weathertight warranties in this comprehensive article.
Self-healing & no red rust – Aluminum is unique in how it handles the minimal corrosion it experiences. When it does corrode, it doesn’t red rust as steel does; instead, it oxides and forms hard oxidation (or oxide film) on its coating, which protects the aluminum. This helps to preserve the metal and make it last in very corrosive environments, like coastlines. Plus, the oxidation forms rather quickly, so there’s no edge creep that eats up the panel like a steel substrate with red rust.
Lightweight & strong – Aluminum is one of the lightest metal materials, especially compared to steel products. When you compare gauges and thicknesses on a weight-per-square-foot basis, 24-gauge Galvalume typically measures as .023” or .024” in thickness. The comparable aluminum thickness is .032” (equivalent to 24-gauge Galvalume in strength), so the aluminum is thicker but only half the weight. A typical 24-gauge Galvalume roof weighs anywhere from 1 to 1.5 pounds per square foot, and a .032 aluminum roof weighs less than 0.5 pounds per square foot. The lightweight properties of aluminum make it easier for contractors/installers to transport, handle, rollform, and get panels onto the roof deck.
Highly recyclable – Metal is almost always recyclable in one way or another, and aluminum is one of the most reusable and sustainable metals in the world. For reference, about 95% of all aluminum roofing systems installed worldwide are made from previously recycled aluminum materials. At Sheffield Metals, we use a 3000 series aluminum alloy (3105) primarily made from previously recycled materials and very little pure aluminum.
Medium-high price point – Aluminum is in the mid to high price range for material cost, which makes it a more expensive metal material option. Aluminum standing seam metal roofs come in at about $7 to $18 per square foot depending on thickness, finish, profile, location, installer, and many other factors.
Denting concerns – Aluminum is more malleable than steel, which means it can be bent and manipulated much more easily and won’t suffer breaks or cracks. However, it has also been known to dent easier than other metals during and after the installation. Contractors should be extra careful when handling and installing aluminum materials/panels. Additionally, if a structure is beneath trees or other objects that could fall on the roof, another type of metal material may be a better option to help preserve the roof’s aesthetic. Luckily, the tensile strength of aluminum is comparable to steel, but aluminum is more susceptible to surface denting.
Requires more space for thermal movement – Aluminum expands and contracts roughly twice as much as a steel roof. This is something that contractors need to be aware of during the installation to allow enough room for the thermal movement of the panels. This is especially important when using a mechanically seamed panel in lengths greater than 15-20 feet. For panels this length, it’s recommended that an expansion clip be used per the applicable engineering. Restricted expansion and contraction of an aluminum roof can cause oil canning, increased noise, and more required maintenance on any exposed fasteners.
Natural color – Using a bare aluminum product with its original natural silver-gray color isn’t usually recommended. As the metal ages, experiences weathering, and oxidizes (white rust), it doesn’t hold its original mill-finished color and often becomes washed out and spotty. The best way to overcome this issue is to buy painted roofing coils or panels, which will age much cleaner over time because the paint covers any of the metal color changes.
Zinc is a lustrous bluish-white metal and is the 24th most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. According to geogly.com, zinc is currently the fourth most widely consumed metal in the world after iron, aluminum, and copper.
Zinc is a material option that is relatively common in the standing seam metal roofing industry in Europe and is gaining popularity in the US, as it’s designed to withstand the elements, has self-healing characteristics, and is environmentally friendly.
Longevity – Zinc roofs have been known to last anywhere from 60 to 100 years. Studies have shown that zinc roofing could sometimes last up to 150 years, depending on the quality of installation, building properties, and climate.
Ecofriendly – Since zinc is a natural metal extracted from the ground, zinc’s toxicity levels are low, even after fabrication. Homeowners and business owners do not have to worry about toxic run-off or ground pollution surrounding their zinc roofing. Additionally, zinc is a non-ferrous metal, meaning it does not contain iron and therefore requires less energy to manufacture.
Self-healing characteristics – Zinc has an outer protective layer that prevents corrosion, scratching, and other panel markings. If wind or another element were to scratch the surface of the zinc roof, the metal’s protective layer would fix and correct itself over time.
Easy to form – Architects and contractors often use zinc in their projects because it’s a softer metal and can be easily shaped into different profiles for rollforming, gutter forming, and seam creation.
Limited warranty options – Zinc can come with some limited substrate warranty options. However, checking with your roofing material manufacturer is critical, as the warranty options will vary and often depend on specific environmental variables.
Expensive – The most prominent drawback to zinc roofing is the price. While many variables factor into the cost and prices continue to fluctuate dramatically into 2022, zinc roofing can cost anywhere from $650 to $1100 per roofing square (100 square feet).
Underside corrosion – If the zinc roofing is improperly coated on the underside and water molecules get trapped underneath/between the panels and the insulation or underlayment, the zinc metal can corrode.
Ventilation concerns – All zinc applications require adequate ventilation to help prevent the system from failing from the inside (or underside) out. Above deck ventilation products, such as Sharkskin Ventilated Mat or Enkamat, combined with using the appropriate installation details, will contribute to the longevity of a zinc system. The correct ventilation process for zinc roofing is more of a precaution than a disadvantage.
Expansion and contraction concerns – In climates with striking temperature differences, zinc roofing often expands and contracts during heating and cooling cycles more than aluminum metal systems. Your contractor should ensure that your system can accommodate this thermal movement.
Limited engineering options – There are limited uplift-tested options available for most types of zinc standing seam metal roofs. If you find one, it will most likely be a mechanical seam and not a snap-lock profile.
Copper is a reddish-orange metal that is malleable, ductile, and has very high thermal and electrical conductivity.
The use of copper roofing has been around for hundreds — if not thousands — of years. Historical data shows that the Romans used copper covering on the roof of the Pantheon in 27 B.C.
Today, copper is used as an eye-catching roofing material on architectural projects, commercial buildings, and even residential homes. Plus, many property owners utilize copper as an accent portion of their roof or have copper cupolas, chimney caps, awnings, and more.
Lightweight – Compared to different metal substances and other roofing materials such as shingles, concrete, or tiles, copper is extremely lightweight. Not only does this make it easier for installers and contractors to work with, but it also puts less stress on the structure of a home over time.
Durability – Copper is a durable element and can withstand numerous decades as a roof. If properly installed, copper roofing can last 100+ years in some instances. Copper also works well in locations with heavy snow, frequent rainfall, and strong winds.
Aesthetically pleasing – Copper is often referred to as a premium roofing material, as it enriches the outside of a building and adds a metallic reddish-orange/brown focal point to a structure. As the copper ages, it develops a blue-green covering called patina, which happens because of oxidation and sun exposure. Many building owners specifically buy copper because of how it ages and adds to the curb appeal of a structure over time.
Highly recyclable – Though not as recyclable as zinc, copper can be recycled and reused if still in good condition. Copper is also a naturally sourced metal and can be used in its original mined metallic form.
Solderable – Copper can be soldered, unlike other roofing materials. This means roof/wall flashings and gutter joints can be weather-tight with a soldered connection.
Limited warranty options – Coated copper material can come with limited substrate warranty options. However, most bare copper products do not have a substrate warranty. Again, verifying the available warranty options with your manufacturer is always best.
Very expensive – Copper is one of the most costly metal roof materials, as copper is not as abundant on the Earth. Plus, the price of copper fluctuates almost week by week. You can expect copper roofing to cost about $600 to $1,100 per roofing square (100 square feet).
Expansion and contraction concerns – In climates with striking temperature differences, copper roofing expands and contracts during heating and cooling cycles (more than steel but less than aluminum metal systems). Your contractor should ensure that your system can accommodate this thermal movement.
Unpredictable patina – Some people are drawn to the look of the patina that will happen on a copper roof, but some might not want this greenish-blue covering on their home or structure. There is currently no exact science to predict the color or time frame that patina will occur with copper. In some climates, the patina will turn a rich green; in other environments, it will maintain a dark bronze look for decades.
Run-off staining – Copper roof rain run-off is known to stain siding, brick, concrete, other metals, wood, etc. Home or business owners need to be aware of this factor and ensure the contractors install the roof so the water can safely run off it without coming into contact with other stainable materials.
Dissimilar metals issues – Copper roofing, and copper products in general, do not interact well with most other metal products used in roofing. It is important to know what products are used in the entire roof assembly to prevent dissimilar metal corrosion. This includes water run-off from the copper onto dissimilar metals as well.
Limited engineering options – There are limited uplift-tested options available for most types of copper standing seam metal roof systems. If you find one, it will most likely be a mechanical seam profile (and not a snap-lock).
Stainless steel is an iron alloy made up of at least 10.5% chromium and contains other elements (such as carbon) and metals/materials to obtain desired properties.
When people think of stainless steel, they often think of large architectural structures such as elevators, bridges, building columns, handrails, etc. Or perhaps their kitchen appliances, cutlery, cookware, or beyond.
However, stainless steel is also an option in the metal roofing industry — primarily because this material is known for its strength — which makes it a high-end specialty metal that could be the right material choice for some projects.
Durability – As mentioned before, stainless steel is used in some of the world’s most powerful and sturdy metal products. Because stainless steel can withstand corrosion and degradation for 60+ years, it makes an excellent choice for metal roofing.
Weathers elements – Stainless steel is specifically designed to withstand extreme weather and temperature climates. In addition to efficiently reflecting thermal temperatures away from a building, stainless steel doesn’t become brittle or crack during cold temperatures and keeps the warm air from escaping a structure.
Variety of finish options – Stainless steel comes in a variety of different finishes, which makes it easier to match a multitude of other building materials. It can range anywhere from a dull, subtle gray similar to zinc roofing, to a highly reflective, polished finish resembling a mirror.
Other uses (indoors) – Due to stainless steel’s flawless look and timelessness, some designers specify this material as a standing seam accent piece (or wall) to install on the inside of larger commercial or architectural buildings.
No substrate warranty – One of the significant drawbacks to stainless steel is that it doesn’t carry a substrate warranty. Remember that a stainless steel roof may perform well if handled and installed correctly, but it doesn’t come with that additional guarantee in the form of a substrate warranty.
Expensive – The cost of stainless steel is in line with the price of zinc and copper, making it a high-end metal roofing choice. Stainless steel roofing can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,300 per roofing square (100 square feet), depending on the finish, panel type, and thickness.
Expansion and contraction concerns – In climates with striking temperature differences, stainless steel roofing systems expand and contract during heating and cooling cycles (more than galvanized steel but less than aluminum). Your contractor should ensure that your system can accommodate this thermal movement.
Not recommended where there is standing water – Roofing made with stainless steel, especially if it’s in contact with other non-stainless steel metals, requires adequate draining methods to remain durable and functional. Too much standing water on stainless steel can act as an electrolyte and cause galvanic corrosion.
Galvalume, aluminum, zinc, copper, and stainless steel are all great solutions for metal roofing needs. Knowing the common and unique aspects of a structure, residential or commercial, is the best place to start when choosing the best metal roofing material. Then, determine what factors are important to you, including:
At Sheffield Metals, we are dedicated to providing and educating our customers with the information they need to make the best and most informed buying decision. Contractors, architects, distributors, homeowners — we can help you with your metal roofing project.
Our knowledgeable and experienced metal roofing specialists are ready to answer all of your questions; contact us today!
All products and services featured are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Your home’s windows can make a large impact on energy efficiency. Energy-efficient windows can lower your energy bills, but their higher efficiency ratings will also increase their cost. Everything from the glass type to the window frame material plays a role in improving efficiency.
Homeowners have several options for window frame materials, but most choose between aluminum and vinyl windows. Both are durable window frame types that need little upkeep, but neither is maintenance-free, and each material has specific qualities that may make one stand out over the other.
Our vinyl versus aluminum windows comparison explores each window type’s benefits, drawbacks, energy efficiency features, and more.
Vinyl is affordable, durable, and easy to install, making it one of the most popular window framing options. Vinyl is made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a synthetic plastic material resistant to rotting and decay from moisture. This material is flexible and resistant to extreme weather and temperature changes. There’s little upkeep required—typically only light cleaning and caulking and resealing when necessary.
Vinyl is also a great insulator, and ENERGY-STAR-certified windows give homeowners an average of 12% in energy savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the most energy-efficient vinyl windows are made with UV light stabilizers to prevent sunlight from eroding the material and have hollow cavities that homeowners can fill with insulation.
However, there are different types of vinyl windows, and not all have the same qualities.
This vinyl doesn’t contain additional material in its composition. Standard vinyl is the least expensive and is often recommended as a short-term replacement.
Composite is a blend of different materials, typically fiberglass and wood or vinyl and wood. Composite materials create a stronger frame compared to standard
vinyl windows
. Composite vinyl lasts longer than standard vinyl but is a larger investment.
Engineered
vinyl windows
are unique to each window manufacturing company. Engineered means the vinyl was processed differently than standard vinyl to enhance certain features, such as adding insulation, making the frame fade-free, or increasing its strength.
Aluminum windows are lightweight, strong, and recyclable, but aluminum is a poor insulating material. Aluminum windows can withstand harsh weather conditions, but they conduct heat very quickly. Experts recommend having a thermal break to reduce heat flow and increase energy efficiency. A thermal break is a plastic strip placed between the frame and sash to help improve the window’s insulation.
Aluminum has a thicker frame than vinyl and comes in a variety of colors. Frames are often finished in a smooth or powdered enamel coating to help give them a modern look. You can use enamel paint on aluminum if the coating begins to fade or wear.
Despite its durability, aluminum can corrode and isn’t recommended for home windows in coastal areas. However, some window brands may offer anti-corrosion coatings for aluminum windows.
Here are some of the biggest differences between these two types of windows.
Aluminum frames have a more modern look, while vinyl is often considered a more contemporary style. You can touch up aluminum frames with enamel paint if the coating wears away, whereas painting vinyl is not recommended. Paint doesn’t adhere to vinyl well, and your manufacturer’s warranty might not allow it.
If you’re going the do-it-yourself (DIY) route, vinyl windows’ flexible frames make it an easy project. Aluminum windows are less flexible, so they must fit the window perfectly, and you’ll have to pay more attention to insulation.
Unless you have experience replacing windows, we recommend hiring a professional installer. A pro can do the job efficiently and will know how to deal with any issues that arise.
Metal is a good heat conductor, which means there’s greater heat loss during winter with aluminum window frames. You can improve the thermal properties of aluminum frames by installing thermal breaks. Vinyl windows are far more energy-efficient, and homeowners can choose to add insulation to their vinyl frames. One downside of vinyl frames is that you may need to periodically caulk them to fill gaps and prevent leakage.
Both vinyl and aluminum window frames need less maintenance. Vinyl windows typically only require cleaning to remove algae or dirt, but aluminum frames require slightly more maintenance because they can rust.
Vinyl can discolor over time with exposure to the elements, and aluminum may require repainting to cover scratches. Aluminum windows are susceptible to rust and corrosion if you don’t remove moisture from the frames, especially if you live in a coastal area or somewhere with high humidity or heavy rain. You can use a special aluminum cleaner to clean and remove rust and lubricate moving parts. If you live in areas with extreme temperatures, you may need to frequently check your vinyl windows’ caulking since it can crack when there are dramatic temperature fluctuations.
Aluminum is an overall stronger material, but it does dent and scratch easily. Scratches are usually easy to cover with a layer of paint, but dents are more noticeable. Damaged vinyl is more difficult to spot and often looks better than aluminum in the long run.
When shopping for the most energy-efficient windows, you’ll need to look for energy-efficient glazing options, the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and the U-factor.
The U-factor measures the window’s insulating properties and ranges from 0.20 to 1.20. The lower the U-factor, the better the window’s insulation. The Department of Energy recommends the lowest U-factor possible for north and south-facing windows in colder climates. A low U-factor is also best for windows in warmer climates.
The SHGC measures how much of the sun’s heat comes through the window, with values ranging from 0 to 1. The lower the number, the less solar heat passes through the window. The DOE says colder climates should have the highest SHGC for south-facing windows and a low SHGC for east and west-facing windows. Warmer climates should have a low SHGC for east and west windows and a low SHGC with lots of shade for southern windows.
Homeowners will have energy-efficient glazing options to add to their windows, such as:
Generally, the more glass window panes, the higher its
energy efficiency
. Experts recommend double or triple glazing.
Spacers separate the panes of glass to improve the window’s insulating properties. Spacers made from vinyl, wood, and fiberglass are the most
energy-efficient
.
A low emissivity coating (low-e) slows radiant
heat transfer
and reflects heat from the sun.
Krypton or argon gas between the window panes slows
heat transfer
between your home and the outdoors.
Choosing ENERGY STAR-certified windows saves homeowners between $101 and $583 per year when replacing single-pane windows, or $27 to $197 per year when replacing double-pane, clear-glass windows.*
*Article data sourced from Fixr, Remodeling magazine, and the U.S. Department of Energy.
There are other factors that can influence your decision between vinyl versus aluminum windows. These include:
Vinyl windows
have the potential to last between 10 and 40 years, depending on the installation and window quality.
Aluminum windows
can last 20 to 25 years with regular maintenance.
Aluminum windows
are better at reducing noise compared to vinyl, but they won’t block out all noise.
Aluminum windows come in a smooth or powdered enamel coating finish but are prone to scratching and denting. Vinyl windows come in many finishes, such as smooth, textured, or faux wood. Vinyl has a relatively high return on investment at 69%, and high-quality vinyl windows can boost your home’s curb appeal.
Here are the steps to hiring a professional window installer:
Check online reviews for pros in your area, and ask friends and family for recommendations.
Look up the business on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, Trust Pilot, and other similar sites.
Get a quote from at least three window replacement companies , and ask about their experience, availability, and rates.
Check whether the company has the proper licensing and insurance in your state.
Ask for a project timeline.
Get cost estimates, guarantees, or
warranties
in writing.
Deciding between aluminum versus vinyl windows depends on factors such as energy efficiency, maintenance, durability, and budget. For most homeowners, vinyl is the winner due to their affordability, energy efficiency, and range of colors and designs. Our experts recommend contacting at least three local window installation companies for quotes.
Generally, vinyl windows are more energy-efficient than aluminum windows. Vinyl has better insulating properties to slow down the transfer of heat between your home and the outdoors. Homeowners can choose to improve the energy efficiency of aluminum with thermal breaks.
There are various designs and colors to match your preference and the style of your home. You can repaint aluminum windows if you change the color or finish. Painting vinyl is often not recommended, so color matching can be challenging.
Aluminum windows are better than vinyl at reducing noise. Vinyl keeps your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter but doesn’t insulate well against noise. Aluminum may be better for homeowners near busy streets or loud areas, but it won’t block all sound.
The biggest disadvantage of having aluminum windows is its poor insulation. Homeowners need to add weatherstripping and thermal treatment to improve their energy efficiency. Another drawback is its susceptibility to corrosion. Regular maintenance is vital to avoid rust and wear.