What are some of the best dressed (and most protected) homes wearing these days? For a fresh take on roofing, anodized aluminum is all the rage and for good reason, according to the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), the leading nonprofit authority on residential metal roofing in the U.S. and Canada.
Part of what makes anodized aluminum so alluring is simply put, its attractiveness. The process of anodizing highlights the metallic depth and natural sheen of organic aluminum alloy, while minimizing color variations. The rich, dimensional hues available with anodized aluminum are helping drive its popularity among homeowners looking for stand-out curb appeal style.
“Anodized aluminum comes in a multitude of colors, shades, and finishes. It can even be used to replicate the look of other natural metals, while offering homeowners significant cost, performance, and maintenance advantages,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director.
The beauty of anodized aluminum is far more than skin deep. That’s because anodized aluminum is not a coating. Instead, it is created through an electro-chemical process where the aluminum is converted into aluminum oxide, giving it exceptionally strong, durable and damage resistant properties. Anodized aluminum protects against corrosion and rust, resists nicks and scratching and is one of the most durable surface finishes available.
Because anodized aluminum is not an applied coating, it doesn’t chip, flake, chalk, or peel. That makes it particularly well-suited for coastal regions and applications, where corrosion can its toll even on coated materials. Anodized aluminum also provides energy efficiency benefits, offering strong solar reflectivity which can help lower energy costs by keeping homes cooler during hot weather seasons.
Other sustainability benefits include the fact that aluminum can be 100 percent recycled at the end of its long life. While exceptionally strong, anodized aluminum also is lightweight, requiring no special structural supports and it is easier to handle and fabricate. Because of its superior formability and tighter tolerances, it comes in an array of different profiles, giving homeowners a greater range of design choices as compared to other materials.
“Anodized aluminum is a great choice for homeowners who appreciate all the performance and aesthetic benefits a quality metal roof can give their home over the long run,” said Ramey.