Near salt air, principally. Aluminum does not rust, so coastal exposure that will eventually find any break in a steel coating is the case where it earns its premium. It runs roughly 12 to 20 dollars per square foot installed against 10 to 18 for steel.
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The trade is corrosion resistance against stiffness and price.
| Aluminum | Coated steel | |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion | Does not rust | Rusts where the coating breaks |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Denting | Softer, dents more readily | More dent resistant |
| Thermal movement | Moves more | Moves less |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
how installed prices are built up covers where each lands on a full quote.
Aluminum expands and contracts more than steel over the same temperature swing, so clip choice and panel length matter more. Floating clips and correct fastening spacing are not optional refinements on a long aluminum run.
Done properly this is a non issue. Done as though it were steel, it shows up as buckling and stressed seams. the complete metal roofing guide covers how the system is put together.
Near the coast, generally yes. Inland, coated steel usually gives better value and better dent resistance for less money.
Yes, it is softer than steel at comparable thickness, so hail and foot traffic mark it more readily. Heavier gauge helps.
They come factory coated, commonly with a PVDF finish. Field painting is possible but rarely matches a factory coating for longevity.
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