I ended up switching to galvanized sheets a few years back after dealing with painted ones peeling and rusting way too soon. They're definitely tougher, but I agree they're not totally hands-off. Had a tree branch scrape mine pretty good last winter and it started showing rust surprisingly fast. Just a heads-up, if you do spot damage, it's worth getting on it quick with some zinc-rich paint or coating. I learned that one the hard way... waited too long and ended up with more sanding and patching than I bargained for. Curious if anyone's tried aluminum sheets? I've heard they're pricier but supposed to be pretty resistant to corrosion without the zinc coating hassle.
I've seen aluminum sheets used on a couple of jobs, and yeah, they're pretty corrosion-resistant—definitely less maintenance than galvanized. But they're also softer, so hail or branches can leave noticeable dents. Not a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind if your area gets rough weather. Price-wise, aluminum's definitely steeper upfront, but if you're tired of the zinc touch-ups, it might balance out long-term. Still, I'd suggest checking out some samples first... the finish can look a bit different than galvanized or painted steel.
"Still, I'd suggest checking out some samples first... the finish can look a bit different than galvanized or painted steel."
Definitely agree with this point—samples are a must. Aluminum finishes tend to have more of a matte or satin look compared to galvanized or painted steel, which can be glossy or textured. Personally, I'm still skeptical about aluminum for roofing due to the softness factor. I've seen even moderate hailstorms leave some pretty unsightly dents, and repairs aren't exactly straightforward. Just something extra to think about before pulling the trigger.
- Good point about aluminum softness... hadn't really considered hail damage.
- My neighbor installed aluminum roofing last year—looked great at first, but after one storm, dents everywhere.
- Now I'm wondering if galvanized steel might hold up better long-term?
- Definitely gonna grab some samples first though, just to see the finishes in person.
Galvanized steel definitely has a reputation for durability, especially against hail. But keep in mind, it can still dent under severe conditions—just less noticeably than aluminum. I'd suggest checking thickness specs closely when comparing samples... thicker gauge might be worth the extra upfront cost.
