Aluminium Roofing vs Roofing Shingles: Which Should You Choose?

Whether it's a new roof installation or a replacement, there are numerous options available for different roof types, materials, and designs. There are several choices to consider, such as asphalt shingles and aluminium roofing. In this article, let’s delve into Aluminium roofing vs Roofing shingles and which option is the best for you.

What is Aluminium Roofing?

Aluminium roofing is made from aluminium panels that are lightweight, malleable, and corrosion-resistant. Among roofing materials, aluminium stands out as the lightest and most durable. Aluminium has a higher strength-to-weight ratio compared to other metals used for roofing.

A variety of colours, easy maintenance, and a long lifespan are all benefits of an aluminium roof. When it comes to roofing, aluminium is commonly used for architectural purposes rather than structural purposes.

What is Shingles Roofing?

Typically, asphalt shingles are manufactured using a base material like felt or fibreglass. A petroleum-based product called asphalt is applied to the base material to provide waterproofing. Mineral or ceramic granules are embedded on the top surface to shield the asphalt coating from UV radiation and the elements. Three-tab shingles and architectural shingles are the two most commonly used asphalt shingle styles.

Aluminium roofing vs Roofing shingles

Let's explore the difference between aluminium roofing and roofing shingles.

Aluminium Roofing

Aluminium roofing sheets are the most preferred choice for many home and business owners due to the variety of benefits it offers. Here are some of the advantages of choosing aluminium roofing over shingles.

Longer Lifespan

Aluminium is known for its long lifespan as a roofing material. Aluminium roofs typically have a lifespan of 50 years, although some have been known to endure for over 70 years.

Upto 60% Resale value after useful life

One of the benefits of aluminium roofing sheets is their high resale value, as they can be sold for up to 60% of the initial purchase cost.

Environment friendly

Aluminium sheets do not absorb heat as quickly as conventional asphalt shingles do. It reduces the expense of air conditioning throughout the summer. Aluminium is also the most environmentally friendly alternative to roofing materials because it is fully recyclable. Made with 95% post-consumer recycled aluminium, these products are fully recyclable because of the material they are composed of.

Low maintenance

You can expect an aluminium roof to last between 40-70 years with hardly any maintenance necessary. Metal roofs, like asphalt shingles, deteriorate faster and need frequent replacement. Aluminium is highly cost-effective due to its durability and low maintenance costs over the roof's lifetime.

Aesthetically appealing

Aluminium roofing sheets come in a variety of designs and can be coated with various materials to get the desired look. These can help to improve the overall aesthetic appeal and give your building a more modern look.

Heat reflectivity

Aluminium roofs can save cooling costs by reflecting heat. Unlike ordinary metal roofing, which absorbs heat, its highly reflective surface returns solar radiation to the atmosphere. Up to 95% of the sun's rays can be reflected by aluminium roofs with adequate insulation underneath, keeping interiors cool and lowering electricity costs.

More compatible with solar installations

Roofing experts and solar installers strongly advise aluminium roofs since they can withstand the weight of the entire system and work well with solar panels.

Energy Efficient

Because aluminium has a lesser heat capacity than steel, temperatures will drop and cooling will occur more quickly. During the hot summer months, this is an effective way to keep your house cool and lower your utility bill. For homeowners, an aluminium roof can reduce heating and cooling costs by 20%.

Rust Resistant

The most common metal on Earth, aluminium is a naturally occurring chemical element. Aluminium is a very popular metal roofing material because of its inherent resistance to rust, strength, low weight, and recyclability.

Roofing Shingles

Shingles are commonly found in sheets, stacks, or rolls and have a consistent design and composition, including a ceramic granular upper surface and a smooth asphalt layer on a fibreglass base. On a sloped roof, shingles are usually nailed onto wooden frames, arranged in layers, and staggered from the lowest point.

Shingles are the most cost-effective choice for roofing due to their inexpensive materials and low manufacturing costs. They are easy to install and don't require any special skills or instructions to apply correctly.

Shingle roofs don't last as long as other roofing materials. Algae and mold are more likely to grow on shingle roofs. The heat from the sun is absorbed by asphalt shingle roofing and then transferred indoors. On the other hand, during colder nights, it draws heat away from your home, making the interior cooler. 

Shingles are at risk of damage from high winds as they can be easily torn or uplifted. Compared to other roofing materials, tree branches, and debris can cause significant damage more easily when blown by the wind.

Conclusion

Aluminium's countless advantages have made it the preferred choice in the construction industry for modern projects. Aluminium roofing sheets have a long lifespan and are budget-friendly. They are user-friendly and can be installed in no time. Depending on the purpose, there are numerous options available for aluminium roofing sheets.

Renowned for its international quality standards, Oralium is a sought-after aluminium roofing sheet brand in India, offering a wide selection of profiles and colours to choose from. We are equipped to handle roofing installations from start to finish. Our commitment is to always deliver high-quality aluminium roofing sheets and ensure timely delivery. If you need more information about aluminium roofing sheets, contact us.

Read To Know: Tips for Pre-Monsoon Roofing Maintenance