Metal Roofing Materials: Galvalume® vs. Aluminum vs. Specialty Metals

Whether you’re a contractor, installer, architect, distributor, or building owner, knowing the pros and cons of the most popular metal roofing materials can help you make the best choice for a structure’s roofing project.

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.

Galvalume® Metal Roofing

Metal roofing project in 26-gauge Dark Gray

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.

Pros of Galvalume® 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.


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Cons of Galvalume® Roofing

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:

  • Hiring an experienced contractor who knows the best methods to reduce oil canning, including:
    • Panel thickness
    • Appropriate space between panels
    • Underlayment
    • Deck or other supporting structure is in alignment
  • Buying trustworthy brands of coil 
  • Using striations or bead stiffeners in the flat area of the panel to minimize the appearance of oil canning

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 Metal Roofing

Regal blue aluminum metal roof in the Cayman Islands

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.

Pros of Aluminum Roofing

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.

Cons of Aluminum Roofing

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.

Zinc Metal Roofing

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.

Pros of Zinc Roofing

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. 

Cons of Zinc Roofing

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 Metal Roofing

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.

Pros of Copper Roofing

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.

Cons of Copper Roofing

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 Metal Roofing

Unrolling of a metal coil at a paint coating line

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.

Pros of Stainless Steel Roofing 

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.

Cons of Stainless Steel Roofing

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.

Final Thoughts on Metal Roofing Material Types

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:

  • Cost
  • Material strength (consider the structure’s climate, UV/weathering exposure, snow, rainfall, etc.)
  • Weight your structure can withstand
  • Sustainability
  • Energy-efficient/recyclable
  • Maintenance
  • Other materials your roof or water run-off will come in contact with
  • Availability of materials

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!


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