• Aluminum roofroof image by sanyal from Fotolia.com
  
  Aluminum roofs are different from traditional wood and oil-based roofs. They are easy to install, permanent, durable, energy efficient, environmentally sound and a good value. Because of their energy efficiency and ability to be recycled, aluminum roofs are seeing a resurgence in building designs.
  
  

Ease of Installation

• Aluminum roofs are much easier to install than traditional tar-and-shingle roofs. Aluminum shingles are designed to be interlocking, which means that they fit together like a puzzle. There are no nail holes used to attach shingles, which means that there are fewer spaces to allow moisture to seep through. The trim also locks into the shingles, which makes them fairly water tight and seamless.
  
  

Permanent Installation

• Aluminum roofs are meant to be permanently installed. Unlike traditional roofs, they do not have to be patched or replaced. Additionally, the light weight of the aluminum materials means that less stress is placed on the top of the house that can be created as shingles are topped on each other. Many aluminum roofing coverings offer a leak-proof lifetime guarantee. Most of the maintenance needed on an aluminum roof involves using a sealant paint.
  
  

Durable in Many Conditions

• Aluminum roofs are resistant to several forces. They do not promote moss or mold growth. They shed snow and ice quickly, which can cause leaking and damage to other roofing materials. Aluminum roofs and hardware do not rust when exposed to water and rain. Additionally, the strength and interlocking quality of the roofing materials make them especially resistant to wind. Finally, should the building catch fire, the roof will not fuel it and will instead retard flame spread. Unlike other roofs that can catch fire when hit by a spark, aluminum roofs will not burn or support combustion.
  
  

Energy Efficient

• Aluminum roofs are especially energy efficient. Common roofing materials such as asphalt, wood and slate can allow almost 90 percent of radiant heat to pass through them, causing the attic area to heat up significantly. Aluminum roofs have been known to decrease attic temperature by as much as 10 degrees since aluminum can reflect most of the sun's rays and is an excellent barrier to radiant heat. In the winter, heat inside the house is reflected back inside, which helps keep it warm.
  
  

Environmentally Sound

• Most aluminum roofs are made from recycled content while traditional roofs are made from oil-based products or wood. They are also recyclable, unlike conventional ones.
  
  

Value

• Aluminum roofs are a good value for the homeowner because they rarely need to be replaced and are not costly to maintain. Also, some homeowners insurance policies offer reduced rates for those with metal roofs because they are safer than traditional roofs. Additionally, Energy Star roofing materials allow homeowners to take advantage of a one-time energy-saving federal tax credit in 2010.