Choosing The Right Aluminum Roofing For Your Project
Aluminum roofing is a popular choice as a new roof for homeowners and businesses alike due to its durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency. It is a high-quality, lightweight, and long-lasting metal roofing material that can be used in a variety of applications.
Once you’ve decided that aluminum is the roofing material you want to use, there are still more decisions to make. Western States Metal Roofing is proud to offer quality aluminum roofing and siding panels in multiple profiles,colors, and thicknesses.
In this article, we go over the different choices available for aluminum roofing and how to choose the right aluminum roofing panels for your project.
Choosing An Aluminum Panel Profile
Choosing the right panel profile for an aluminum roof depends on a few key factors such as:
- Roof slope
- Location
- Aesthetics
- Cost
Aluminum Roof And Roof Slope
The pitch or slope of your roof will determine the profile that is best suited for your project. Low pitch roofs, for example, will require a different profile than high pitch roofs.
While exact minimum roof slopes will vary based on the manufacturer, below are approximate aluminum panel profiles and recommended roof slopes:
- Aluminum Panel Profile
- 7/8″ Corrugated
- R Panel
- Western Rib
- Snap Lock Standing Seam
- Mechanically Seamed Standing Seam
- Recommended Minimum Roof Slope
- 3:12
- 3:12
- 1:12 to 2:12
- 3:12
- 0.5:12 to 1:12
Aluminum Panel Profile And Location
The local climate and weather patterns can also affect the choice of panel profile. If you live in an area with high winds or heavy snowfall, you should use a more weathertight panel profile like a standing seam panel.
Aluminum Panel Aesthetics
Different panel profiles have different aesthetic appearances. For example, ⅞” corrugated has a more traditional look while standing seam has a more modern appearance. You should choose a profile that complements the overall style of your home or building.
Aluminum Panel Cost
Cost is a major consideration when choosing as the right panel profile could come down to what the budget of your project allows. tStanding seam panels are more expensive than exposed fastener panels.
Below are approximate price ranges for the different aluminum panel profiles:
- Panel Profile
- Corrugated Aluminum Roofing Cost (.040)
- Standing Seam Aluminum Roofing Cost (.040)
- Material Price Only
- $5.00 to $7.00 Per Sq. Ft.
- $6.00 to $10.00 Per Sq. Ft.
The total cost including installation is $12 to $18 for standing seam and $8 to $12 per square foot for corrugated aluminum roofing. Please keep in mind that every job is different and pricing varies depending on the difficulty of the installation and the location of the job.
Choosing A Color For Your Aluminum Roof
Choosing the right color for your new aluminum roof can depend on several factors, including:
- Personal preferences
- Architectural style of your home
- Local climate/surrounding landscape
Consider the style and color of your home’s exterior: The color of your roof should complement the color and style of your home’s exterior. Take a look at the existing colors on your home’s siding, brick, stone, or stucco, and choose a roof color that complements or contrasts well with them.
If you live in a warmer climate, it’s best to choose a lighter-colored roof to reflect heat and keep your home cooler. If you live in a cooler climate, a darker roof can help absorb heat and keep your home warmer.
Look at color samples in different lighting conditions: When choosing a color, it’s essential to look at the color samples in different lighting conditions to see how the color appears during different times of the day. You can also hold the samples up against your home’s exterior to see how they look together.
You also want to consider resale value. If you plan to sell your home in the future, it’s best to choose a neutral color for your roof. Neutral colors like gray, beige, or black tend to be more appealing to potential buyers.
For a full list of available colors for aluminum, check out our aluminum panel color chart.
Choosing The Right Thickness For Your Aluminum Roof
Choosing the right thickness for your aluminum panel profile is important to ensure that the panels can withstand the loads and stresses of their intended use. The two most common thicknesses are .032 and .040. Carefully consider the specific requirements of your project and consult with a structural engineer for guidance.
The right thickness for your aluminum panel profiles depends on factors including:
- Load requirements
- Building codes
- Panel span
- Aesthetics
- Cost
Load Requirements
The thickness of your aluminum panel profile should be able to support the weight of any loads that will be placed on it, such as foot traffic, equipment, or snow loads. You should consult with a structural engineer to determine the required thickness based on the load requirements of your specific application.
Building Codes And Regulations
Building codes and regulations may specify minimum thickness requirements for aluminum panel profiles in certain applications. You should ensure that your chosen thickness meets or exceeds any relevant codes or regulations.
Span Of The Panel
If the aluminum panel is not installed over a solid wood substrate, you will need to verify that the load capabilities are correct.The thickness of the aluminum panel profile should be appropriate for the span or distance between supports. If the span is too long, a thicker panel may be needed to prevent deflection or bending. Again, a structural engineer can help you determine the appropriate thickness based on the span of your specific application.
Aesthetics
The thickness of your aluminum panel profile can also affect its appearance. Thicker panels can appear more substantial and provide a different look and feel than thinner panels. Consider the overall aesthetic of your project and choose a thickness that complements it.
Cost
Thicker aluminum panel profiles are more expensive than thinner profiles. You should balance the performance requirements of your project with your budget to choose a thickness that provides the best value.
Getting Started On Your Aluminum Roofing Project
To get started on designing your aluminum roofing project, we recommend using our free product visualizer to get a virtual view of how different panel profiles and colors will look on your roof.
Once you’ve decided on your desired aluminum panels, request a free quote to get your aluminum roofing project started.
Aluminum Roofing: The Pros and Cons
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Aluminum vs. Steel vs. Vinyl Siding: Which Is Better For My Home?
Deciding between aluminum, steel, and vinyl for your new home siding? We compare the pros and cons of each to help you decide which siding is right for your home.
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https://aluminumroofing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/product-video-western-rib-pros-cons-thumb.jpg 1080 1920 Mykela Agojo https://aluminumroofin.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/western-states-metal-roofing-logo-300x300-1-300x300.png Mykela Agojo2022-09-21 22:43:392022-11-03 20:02:18Western Rib®(7.2 Panel) Aluminum Panel: Pros & Cons
