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Aluminum vs. steel vs. copper: low pitch, coastal

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Guest User
10/3/2002
We are considering a standing seam room on a residential addition that will have a 2/12 pitch. The addition has a bay window w/ hipped roof, also a 2/12 pitch. The house is on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, about 3-5 miles from the coast. The total roof area will be about 650 square feet. Given this location , roof pitch and size, does one material have an advantage over the others? What is the relative price comparison between aluminum, steel and copper? Are hips and valleys more difficult to fabricate in one material than the others? Thank you for your help
Guest User
10/9/2002
We are planing on putting on a metal roof next spring. Our home is in central Wisconsin. Approx. 2700 feet of area (including attached garage). What are the pros & cons between steel and aluminum roofs?
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.
10/11/2002
This is a test to see if this responses posts. I have had trouble posting a response to the previous message in this subject.
Todd Miller
Isaiah Industries, Inc.
10/11/2002
When you investigate metal roofing, you will find you have many options. By finding helpful sources for these products, you should be able to gather the information you need to make a decision as to the best product for your overall needs. I am a firm believer in all metal roofing. The options you'll be considering include profile and design, base metal, and coating / finish. Generally, steel would be the lowest cost, followed by aluminum and then copper and then some other even more exotic metals. However, there are many things more than just base metal which figure into the final cost of the product so there will be exceptions when products don't follow this price flow. Steel is usually the heaviest product, followed by copper and then aluminum, which is considerably lower weight than the other two. Again, though, difference in panel profile can affect this and may keep this from being a hard and fast rule but instead just a rule of thumb. Aluminum and copper are more malleable than steel, often meaning they can be configured into more complex profiles. However, especially in simpler profiles, you need fairly heavy gauge aluminum and copper and that will boost their cost. Also, while intricate forming of metal does build strength into it, like gauge steel inherently has more strength than aluminum or copper. Several aluminum roof profiles offer foam backers for extra support in heavy traffic roof areas. While there are many quality metallic coatings as well as paint finishes and aggregate coatings being used to protect the base steel from moisture, an obvious benefit of aluminum and copper is the fact that they do not red rust, even over a long period of time. I hope this helps.
Guest User
10/21/2002
#1: What is the advantage of steel over aluminum ? # 2: What is the advantage of aluminum over steel ?
Allan Reid
Dura-Loc Roofing Systems, Inc.
10/22/2002
I guess you wat the simple answer. Both are long life roof products that with minimal maintenance will provide a lifetime roof system. Aluminum is lighter and the substrate will last longer but it costs a bit more. Steel is still stronger with an economical advantage. Basiclly it comes to a value decision. Obviously you have moved metal as a material into the principle consideration set and now you just need to make a best value decision. chose a system of each material and get it priced and the decision will be easier. Good Luck.
Guest User
2/27/2003
aluminum lasts longer I am a contractor in your area and cal install a metal shingle roof for you
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