Metal Roofing

Aluminum Roofing in Florida: The Coastal Metal Choice

If you live within a few miles of the Gulf or Tampa Bay, aluminum is the one metal roofing material that won't let salt air win. Here's the complete guide to aluminum roofing for Pinellas County homeowners.

Pinellas County is a peninsula on a peninsula. Nearly every home in the county sits within 10 miles of salt water, and many are within walking distance of the Gulf of Mexico or Tampa Bay. That geography creates a roofing environment unlike almost anywhere else in the country. Salt-laden air accelerates corrosion on steel, degrades organic materials faster than normal, and punishes any roofing product that isn't specifically designed for coastal exposure.

Aluminum roofing solves the coastal corrosion problem completely. Unlike steel roofing, which relies on coatings (galvanizing, Galvalume, paint systems) to resist corrosion, aluminum is inherently corrosion-resistant. It forms a natural oxide layer that protects the base metal from salt air, humidity, and rain without any coating at all. This fundamental difference makes aluminum the roofing material of choice for coastal Florida properties, and it's why you see aluminum on waterfront homes from Clearwater Beach to St. Pete Beach and everywhere in between.

But aluminum roofing comes with its own set of trade-offs: higher cost, softer metal, greater thermal expansion, and fewer contractor options. This guide covers all of it so you can make an informed decision about whether aluminum is the right choice for your Pinellas County home.

Why Aluminum Doesn't Corrode in Salt Air

To understand why aluminum is the coastal roofing champion, you need to understand how metals interact with salt air at a basic level. Steel (iron) corrodes through an electrochemical reaction: moisture and salt create an electrolyte, oxygen triggers oxidation, and the iron literally converts to iron oxide (rust). Rust is porous and flaky, which exposes fresh metal to further corrosion. It's a self-accelerating cycle that eventually destroys the panel.

Aluminum reacts with oxygen too, but with a completely different result. Aluminum oxide is incredibly thin (measured in nanometers), incredibly hard (nearly as hard as diamond on the Mohs scale), and completely non-porous. Once it forms, it creates an airtight barrier that stops further oxidation. When salt air contacts aluminum, it can't penetrate this oxide layer. Scratch the surface and the oxide layer reforms almost instantly.

This is why aluminum boats, aluminum window frames, and aluminum roofing panels can sit in direct salt spray for decades without structural degradation. It's not that aluminum doesn't react with the environment. It reacts immediately, and that reaction creates a permanent protective shield.

Salt Air Corrosion Zones in Pinellas County

Not all locations in Pinellas County face the same salt air exposure. The Florida Building Code and most roofing manufacturers define corrosion zones based on distance from salt water:

  • Severe coastal zone (0-1,500 feet from salt water): Direct salt spray exposure. Most steel roofing warranties are voided entirely. Aluminum or copper are the only recommended metals. This includes nearly all of the barrier islands: Clearwater Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, and Pass-a-Grille.
  • Moderate coastal zone (1,500 feet to 3 miles): Airborne salt particles are still present, especially during storms. Steel warranties are typically reduced to 10-15 years (from 25-40 years). Aluminum provides significantly better long-term value here.
  • Mild coastal zone (3 to 10 miles): Salt air concentration drops considerably, but during tropical storms and hurricanes, salt-laden air penetrates well inland. Galvalume steel with PVDF paint performs adequately here, but aluminum still provides the safest margin.
  • Inland zone (10+ miles from salt water): In most of Florida, this zone barely exists. In Pinellas County, it doesn't exist at all. The county is roughly 5-10 miles wide between the Gulf and Tampa Bay, meaning virtually the entire county is within a moderate coastal zone at minimum.

This is the key insight for Pinellas County homeowners: you live in a coastal corrosion zone regardless of your specific address. Whether you're on Clearwater Beach or in the middle of Largo, salt air reaches your roof. The question is simply how much, and what level of protection makes financial sense.

Aluminum Roofing Profiles for Florida Homes

Aluminum roofing is available in several profiles, each with different aesthetics, performance characteristics, and price points. Here's how each performs in Pinellas County's climate.

Standing Seam Aluminum

Standing seam is the premium aluminum roofing profile, and for good reason. The raised seams (typically 1" to 1.75" high) run vertically from ridge to eave, with all fasteners concealed beneath the seam. This means zero exposed screws, zero penetration points, and zero opportunities for water to work its way into the roof system.

For Florida's hurricane environment, standing seam aluminum offers several specific advantages:

  • Wind uplift resistance: Concealed clip attachment systems allow the panels to float slightly, absorbing wind pressure rather than fighting it. Quality systems are tested to 180+ mph wind uplift.
  • Thermal expansion: The clip system allows panels to expand and contract with temperature changes (and aluminum expands more than steel, which we'll cover below).
  • Watertightness: With no exposed fasteners, there are no rubber washers to degrade in UV and no screw holes to leak. The seam itself sheds water.
  • Longevity: With no penetration points and naturally corrosion-resistant metal, standing seam aluminum can realistically last 75+ years in coastal FL.

Standing seam aluminum panels are typically available in 12", 16", and 18" widths. For residential applications in Pinellas County, 16" panels offer the best balance of aesthetics and structural performance.

Corrugated Aluminum

Corrugated aluminum uses a wave-shaped profile with exposed fasteners. It's significantly less expensive than standing seam and still provides full aluminum corrosion resistance. However, the exposed fastener design means that rubber/neoprene washers at each screw point are the weak link. These washers degrade in Florida's UV and heat, potentially requiring re-screwing every 15-20 years.

  • Cost: $10-14 per square foot installed (roughly 30-40% less than standing seam)
  • Appearance: More utilitarian; works well on cottage-style, farmhouse, and Key West-style homes
  • Maintenance: Requires periodic fastener inspection and replacement
  • Wind performance: Good when properly installed, but exposed fasteners can back out over time under repeated wind cycling

5V Crimp Aluminum

The 5V crimp profile (five V-shaped ribs per panel) is a traditional Florida roofing profile that has been used in the state for over a century. It's an exposed-fastener system, but the fastener placement at the rib tops keeps them above the water plane. Many of the historic homes in downtown St. Petersburg and the Old Northeast neighborhood use this profile.

  • Cost: $10-13 per square foot installed
  • Appearance: Classic Florida/Cracker-house look
  • Historical accuracy: Often required or preferred in historic districts
  • Limitations: Not rated for the highest wind zones without additional engineering

Aluminum Shingles and Shakes

Stamped aluminum shingles mimic the appearance of wood shakes, slate, or traditional shingles while providing all the corrosion resistance of aluminum. Several manufacturers offer interlocking aluminum shingle systems that provide excellent wind uplift resistance (some rated to 160+ mph).

  • Cost: $14-22 per square foot installed
  • Appearance: Premium; can closely mimic natural materials
  • Weight: Extremely light (under 50 lbs per square)
  • Installation: More labor-intensive than panel profiles

Aluminum vs Steel Roofing: The Complete Comparison

The aluminum vs steel decision comes down to geography, budget, and time horizon. Here's a detailed comparison for Pinellas County conditions.

FactorAluminumGalvalume SteelWinner in Pinellas
Salt air corrosionImmune (natural oxide layer)Resistant with coatings; degrades near coastAluminum
Coastal warrantyFull warranty to waterfrontVoided or reduced within 1,500 ft of salt waterAluminum
Weight40-50 lbs per square100-150 lbs per squareAluminum (easier on older structures)
Dent resistancePoor to moderate (softer metal)Good to excellentSteel
Hail resistanceClass 3 typicalClass 4 typicalSteel (but hail is rare in Pinellas)
Cost per sq ft installed$10-20$6-14Steel (if corrosion isn't a factor)
Lifespan (coastal)50-75+ years20-40 years (depending on distance from coast)Aluminum
Lifespan (inland)50-75+ years40-60 yearsTie (aluminum lasts longer but costs more)
Thermal expansionHigh (expands roughly 2x more than steel)ModerateSteel (less movement at joints)
Recyclability100% recyclable, high scrap value100% recyclable, moderate scrap valueAluminum (higher recycle value)
Color optionsFull range with PVDF coatingsFull range with PVDF coatingsTie
Contractor availabilityFewer specialists in the areaWidely availableSteel (more options = more competitive pricing)

When Aluminum Clearly Wins

  • Any property on Pinellas County's barrier islands: Clearwater Beach, Belleair Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Shores, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille
  • Waterfront properties on Tampa Bay: Safety Harbor waterfront, Oldsmar bayfront, Philippe Park area, downtown St. Petersburg waterfront
  • Properties within 3 miles of either coast: This covers a significant portion of Pinellas County
  • Historic homes: Where light weight is important and the home's structure may not support heavier materials
  • Homes planning to stay in the family: When the 50-75+ year lifespan makes the upfront premium worthwhile

When Steel Makes More Sense

  • Budget-constrained projects: Where the 40-60% cost premium of aluminum is prohibitive
  • Areas with hail risk: Not common in Pinellas, but relevant elsewhere in FL
  • Properties in central Pinellas: Largo, Pinellas Park, and mid-county areas where salt air concentration is lower
  • Commercial buildings: Where exposed fastener steel panels provide the most cost-effective coverage

Aluminum Roofing Cost Breakdown for Pinellas County

Aluminum roofing carries a significant premium over steel. Understanding where the cost comes from helps explain whether the investment makes sense for your situation.

Material Costs

Raw aluminum costs roughly 2-3 times more than steel per pound. But because aluminum is so much lighter (about one-third the weight of steel for comparable strength), the material cost difference per square foot of roofing is smaller than you might expect. Here's the breakdown:

ProfileMaterials Only (per sq ft)Installed Cost (per sq ft)2,000 Sq Ft Roof Total
Corrugated aluminum$4.50-6.00$10-14$20,000-28,000
5V crimp aluminum$4.50-5.50$10-13$20,000-26,000
Standing seam aluminum$6.00-10.00$14-20$28,000-40,000
Aluminum shingles$6.00-12.00$14-22$28,000-44,000

What Drives the Premium Over Steel

  • Raw material cost: Aluminum commodity pricing is roughly 2-3x steel per pound
  • Fabrication: Aluminum requires different tooling and more careful handling during roll-forming
  • Labor: Fewer contractors specialize in aluminum, reducing competition and keeping labor rates higher
  • Specialty fasteners: Aluminum roofing requires stainless steel or aluminum fasteners to avoid galvanic corrosion (dissimilar metals reacting). Standard zinc-plated screws will corrode and stain the panels.

Long-Term Cost of Ownership

The upfront premium for aluminum often disappears when you calculate lifetime cost. Consider two scenarios for a 2,000 square foot home on Indian Rocks Beach:

Scenario A: Galvalume steel standing seam ($28,000 installed). Within the severe coastal zone, the Galvalume warranty is voided or reduced to 10 years. Realistically, the roof lasts 25-35 years before corrosion at cut edges, scratches, and fastener points becomes unacceptable. You'll need a full replacement at year 30, costing (adjusted for inflation) approximately $45,000-55,000. Total 60-year cost: $73,000-83,000.

Scenario B: Aluminum standing seam ($36,000 installed). Full warranty honored. The aluminum substrate will last 75+ years. At year 30-35, you may want to repaint the PVDF finish for aesthetic reasons, costing approximately $8,000-12,000. Total 60-year cost: $44,000-48,000.

For this coastal homeowner, aluminum saves $25,000-35,000 over a 60-year period despite costing $8,000 more upfront. This math is specific to severe coastal zones and changes significantly for inland locations.

Thermal Expansion: The Hidden Challenge

Aluminum has a coefficient of thermal expansion roughly twice that of steel. In practical terms, a 20-foot aluminum panel will expand and contract about 1/4 inch between winter mornings and summer afternoons in Florida. Over a full roof surface, this movement is significant.

This thermal expansion is not a defect. It's simple physics. But it means the roof system must be designed to accommodate it. Here's how:

  • Standing seam clip systems: Use floating clips that allow the panel to slide along the clip as it expands. Fixed clips are used only at one point (typically the ridge), and all other clips are floating. This is the standard approach and works extremely well when properly installed.
  • Panel length limits: Some manufacturers recommend maximum panel lengths of 30-40 feet for aluminum (versus 40-50+ feet for steel). Longer runs require expansion joints or two-piece panel designs.
  • Fastener design: For exposed-fastener aluminum profiles, screws must be in slotted holes (not round holes) to allow panel movement. Over-tightening screws will cause oil-canning (visible waviness) as the panel can't expand freely.
  • Sealant selection: Any sealant used at transitions must be a permanently flexible silicone or polyurethane, not a rigid product that will crack as the aluminum moves.

The thermal expansion factor is one reason that aluminum roofing requires an experienced installer. A contractor who primarily works with steel may not account for the additional movement, leading to oil-canning, popped fasteners, or sealant failure. When getting quotes in Pinellas County, ask specifically how many aluminum roofs the contractor has installed and request references for projects at least 5 years old.

Aluminum Thickness and Gauge

Aluminum roofing thickness is measured differently from steel. While steel uses gauge numbers (24ga, 26ga), aluminum is typically specified in decimal inches. Here's a comparison:

Aluminum ThicknessApproximate UseDent ResistanceCost Level
0.019"Economy corrugated panelsPoorLowest
0.024"Standard corrugated and 5V crimpFairBase
0.032"Standard standing seamGood+15-20%
0.040"Premium standing seam, commercialVery good+30-40%
0.050"Architectural, custom applicationsExcellent+60-80%

For residential standing seam in Pinellas County, 0.032" is the standard recommendation. It provides adequate dent resistance for Florida conditions (where hail is rare), sufficient structural rigidity for wind uplift, and a good balance of weight and cost. If your home is in a heavily treed area with overhanging branches, stepping up to 0.040" provides a noticeable improvement in dent resistance.

Weight Advantage: Why It Matters in Florida

Aluminum roofing weighs approximately 40-50 pounds per roofing square (100 square feet), compared to 100-150 pounds per square for steel and 200-400+ pounds per square for tile, slate, or concrete. This lightweight nature provides several specific benefits for Pinellas County homes:

  • Older home compatibility: Many homes in Pinellas County were built in the 1950s-1970s with roof structures designed for asphalt shingles (200-300 lbs per square). Aluminum can be installed over the existing structure without reinforcement, while heavier materials like tile may require structural upgrades costing $5,000-15,000+.
  • Overlay installations: In some cases, aluminum panels can be installed over an existing asphalt shingle roof (with proper furring strips), eliminating tear-off costs of $1,500-3,000. Always verify this approach meets local building code requirements and doesn't void warranties.
  • Reduced seismic and wind loading: Less weight on the roof means less mass for wind to act upon. While roofing weight is a relatively small factor in overall wind resistance (compared to connection points), it does contribute.
  • Easier handling: Lighter panels are easier for installation crews to maneuver, potentially reducing labor time and the risk of job-site damage.

Galvalume: The Middle Ground

If pure aluminum is the gold standard for coastal corrosion resistance and plain steel is the budget option, Galvalume sits right in the middle. Understanding Galvalume helps frame when aluminum is truly necessary versus when a less expensive option works.

Galvalume is a steel substrate coated with an alloy of 55% aluminum, 43.4% zinc, and 1.6% silicon. It was developed by Bethlehem Steel in the 1970s and has become the standard coating for metal roofing panels. The aluminum in the coating provides barrier corrosion protection (similar to pure aluminum), while the zinc provides sacrificial protection at cut edges and scratches.

Galvalume Performance by Zone in Pinellas County

ZoneGalvalume PerformanceAluminum AdvantageRecommendation
Barrier islandsWarranty voided, 15-25 year lifespanMassiveAluminum strongly recommended
0-3 miles from coastReduced warranty, 25-35 year lifespanSignificantAluminum recommended
3-5 miles from coastFull warranty, 35-50 year lifespanModerateEither works; aluminum for peace of mind
5-10 miles from coastFull warranty, 40-60 year lifespanSmallGalvalume offers better value

For many Pinellas County homeowners in areas like Seminole, Largo, or Pinellas Park (3-5 miles from either coast), Galvalume steel with a PVDF/Kynar paint system represents the sweet spot of cost versus corrosion protection. But if you're on or near the water, the aluminum premium is an investment in decades of additional service life.

Paint Systems for Aluminum Roofing

While bare aluminum won't corrode in salt air, most homeowners want a specific color rather than the natural silver/gray of raw aluminum. Paint systems for aluminum roofing are essentially the same as those used on steel:

  • PVDF (Kynar 500/Hylar 5000): The premium standard. Polyvinylidene fluoride resin provides exceptional color retention, chalk resistance, and UV stability. Warrantied for 30-40 years of color retention. This is the recommended paint system for any quality aluminum roof in Florida.
  • SMP (Silicone Modified Polyester): A good mid-range option at roughly 30% less cost than PVDF. Color retention is 15-25 years in Florida's UV environment. Acceptable for budget-conscious projects but will require repainting sooner.
  • Acrylic: Economy paint used on the cheapest panels. Not recommended for Florida residential applications due to rapid UV degradation.

A critical point: the paint system is the limiting factor on a quality aluminum roof. The aluminum substrate will outlast two or even three paint cycles. Plan for a repaint at the 30-35 year mark to keep the roof looking its best, and you'll get 75+ total years from the system.

Recycled Aluminum Roofing Options

Aluminum is one of the most recycled materials on earth, and the roofing industry has embraced this. Several manufacturers now offer aluminum roofing panels made from high-recycled-content aluminum (typically 70-95% post-consumer recycled content).

The performance of recycled aluminum roofing is identical to virgin aluminum. Aluminum doesn't degrade through the recycling process. It retains the same corrosion resistance, strength-to-weight ratio, and thermal characteristics whether it's been recycled once, five times, or a hundred times.

  • Environmental benefit: Recycled aluminum requires roughly 95% less energy to produce than virgin aluminum. Choosing recycled-content panels is one of the most impactful green building decisions available.
  • Cost: Recycled aluminum panels may cost slightly less than virgin aluminum (5-10% savings in some cases), though market pricing fluctuates with scrap aluminum values.
  • End-of-life value: When your aluminum roof eventually reaches the end of its service life (50-75+ years from now), the aluminum panels themselves have significant scrap value. A 2,000 square foot aluminum roof contains roughly 400-600 pounds of aluminum, worth $300-500+ at current scrap rates.
  • LEED and green certification: Recycled-content aluminum roofing can contribute to LEED certification and other green building programs, which may increase property value.

Galvanic Corrosion: The Fastener Trap

There's one corrosion risk with aluminum roofing that's not from the environment, but from the installation itself. When dissimilar metals are in contact in the presence of moisture (an electrolyte), galvanic corrosion occurs. The less noble metal corrodes preferentially, sometimes at an accelerated rate.

For aluminum roofing, this means:

  • Never use plain steel or zinc-plated fasteners. They will corrode rapidly in contact with aluminum, creating unsightly rust stains and eventually failing.
  • Stainless steel fasteners (304 or 316 grade) are the standard. 316 stainless is preferred for severe coastal zones due to its higher molybdenum content, which provides better chloride resistance.
  • Aluminum fasteners eliminate the galvanic concern entirely but are softer and can strip more easily during installation.
  • Watch for copper contact: Copper gutters, copper flashing, or copper plumbing vents in direct contact with aluminum will cause rapid galvanic corrosion of the aluminum. Use isolation barriers (plastic or rubber separators) at any copper-to-aluminum transition.

This fastener requirement is one reason aluminum roofing installation costs more. Stainless steel screws cost 3-5 times more than zinc-plated steel screws. A typical roof uses 1,500-3,000 screws (for exposed fastener systems), so this adds $500-1,500 to the material cost alone.

Florida Building Code and Wind Rating Considerations

Pinellas County falls within the Wind-Borne Debris Region (WBDR) of the Florida Building Code, meaning all roofing materials must meet specific impact and wind uplift testing requirements. Aluminum roofing systems that meet these requirements include:

  • Florida Product Approval: All roofing products installed in Florida must have a current Florida Product Approval (FL number). Verify any aluminum roofing system has this approval before purchasing.
  • Miami-Dade NOA (Notice of Acceptance): The strictest testing standard in the US. Products with Miami-Dade NOA can be installed anywhere in Florida with confidence. Many premium aluminum standing seam systems carry this approval.
  • TAS (Testing Application Standard) 100/110/111: The specific tests that Florida requires, covering air infiltration, water penetration, and structural wind load. Ask for these test reports for your specific system.

Most quality aluminum standing seam systems are rated for 150-180+ mph wind uplift, which exceeds the Pinellas County design wind speed requirements. Exposed fastener aluminum profiles may have lower ratings and should be verified against your specific location's requirements.

Installation Considerations Specific to Florida

Installing aluminum roofing in Pinellas County involves several Florida-specific considerations that differentiate it from installation in other parts of the country:

  • Underlayment: Florida Building Code requires a high-temperature self-adhering modified bitumen underlayment (peel-and-stick) for metal roofing in the WBDR. This adds $0.75-1.50 per square foot to the cost but provides a critical secondary water barrier.
  • Deck attachment: Ring-shank nails or screws are required for roof deck attachment (no smooth-shank nails). The deck itself must be a minimum of 15/32" plywood or 7/16" OSB (plywood is strongly preferred in Florida's humidity).
  • Edge metal and flashing: All edge metal, drip edges, and flashing should be aluminum (matching the panel material) to avoid galvanic corrosion. Using galvanized steel flashing with aluminum panels is a common and costly mistake.
  • Ventilation: Florida's heat and humidity make proper attic ventilation critical under any metal roof. Ridge vents, soffit vents, and potentially powered ventilation should be part of the system design. Inadequate ventilation can cause condensation on the underside of the aluminum panels.
  • Permit requirements: Pinellas County requires a building permit for all roof replacements. The permit process includes plan review, and the contractor must pull the permit (not the homeowner, per Florida law for projects over $1,000).

Insurance Implications of Aluminum Roofing

Florida's homeowner insurance market is complicated (to put it mildly), and your roofing material directly impacts your premiums. Metal roofing, including aluminum, generally qualifies for insurance premium discounts due to:

  • Wind mitigation credits: Metal roofing with properly documented attachment (clips or standing seam) qualifies for significant wind mitigation discounts. A licensed inspector must verify the installation and complete a wind mitigation form (OIR-B1-1802).
  • Non-combustible material credit: Aluminum is non-combustible, which can provide additional credits in some policies.
  • Longevity: Insurers increasingly consider roof age when setting premiums. A new aluminum roof resets the age clock and can save hundreds per year compared to an aging shingle roof.

Typical insurance savings for a metal roof in Pinellas County range from $500-2,000+ per year, depending on the carrier, your coverage, and the specific wind mitigation credits achieved. Over a 20-year period, these savings ($10,000-40,000) can offset a significant portion of the aluminum roofing premium.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Aluminum Roofing

Based on common issues seen on aluminum roofing projects in the Pinellas County area, here are the mistakes to watch for:

  1. Using steel fasteners on aluminum panels. This is the number one mistake. Galvanic corrosion will cause visible rust staining within 1-3 years and fastener failure within 5-10 years. Insist on stainless steel or aluminum fasteners only.
  2. Not accounting for thermal expansion. Aluminum moves significantly with temperature changes. Panels installed on a cool morning will expand considerably in afternoon heat. Every connection must allow for this movement.
  3. Mixing metals at transitions. Galvanized flashing, copper pipe boots, or steel drip edges in contact with aluminum panels will cause galvanic corrosion at every contact point. All flashing and accessories should be aluminum or isolated with a barrier.
  4. Choosing too thin a gauge. Saving $1-2 per square foot by going from 0.032" to 0.024" aluminum results in a noticeably flimsier roof that dents more easily and has less wind resistance. For standing seam, 0.032" is the minimum for residential.
  5. Hiring a contractor without aluminum experience. Aluminum fabricates, handles, and installs differently from steel. Bending aluminum too sharply can crack it. Over-tightening fasteners strips aluminum more easily. Ask for aluminum-specific references.
  6. Skipping the wind mitigation inspection. After spending $30,000-40,000 on an aluminum roof, failing to get a $75-150 wind mitigation inspection means you're leaving thousands in annual insurance savings on the table.

How to Choose an Aluminum Roofing Contractor in Pinellas County

The contractor matters as much as the material. Here's what to look for when selecting an aluminum roofing installer in the Pinellas County area:

  • Ask specifically about aluminum experience. Not just "metal roofing" experience, but aluminum specifically. How many aluminum roofs has the crew installed in the past two years?
  • Request to see completed aluminum projects locally. Drive by, look at them from the street. Look for oil-canning, misaligned seams, or staining at fastener points.
  • Verify Florida licensure. Must hold a current Certified Roofing Contractor (CCC) or Certified General Contractor (CGC) license. Verify at myfloridalicense.com.
  • Check for manufacturer certification. Many aluminum panel manufacturers (ATAS, McElroy Metal, Petersen/PAC-CLAD, Englert) offer contractor certification programs. A certified installer may offer extended warranties.
  • Get a detailed written proposal. It should specify: aluminum thickness (gauge), panel profile and width, paint system (PVDF vs SMP), fastener type, underlayment specification, and warranty terms for both materials and labor.
  • Confirm permit responsibility. The contractor must pull the Pinellas County building permit. Never agree to pull the permit yourself or skip the permit process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is aluminum roofing noisy in rain?

Not with proper installation. The combination of solid roof decking (plywood), self-adhering underlayment, and attic space creates sufficient sound dampening. Aluminum roofing over solid decking is only 5-10 decibels louder than asphalt shingles during heavy rain, which is barely perceptible inside the home. The "tin roof in a rainstorm" noise people imagine comes from agricultural roofing installed over open framing with no decking or insulation.

Can I install aluminum roofing over my existing shingle roof?

In some cases, yes. Florida Building Code allows metal roofing over one layer of existing shingles, provided the existing deck is in good condition and the additional weight (minimal with aluminum) doesn't exceed structural limits. However, this approach prevents inspection of the deck for rot or damage and may not qualify for all wind mitigation credits. Most roofing professionals recommend a full tear-off for the best long-term results.

Does aluminum roofing affect cell phone or Wi-Fi signals?

Metal roofing can attenuate RF signals slightly, but modern construction (with windows, walls, and multiple signal entry points) means the practical impact is negligible. If you currently have good cell and Wi-Fi coverage, aluminum roofing won't change that in any meaningful way.

What colors are available for aluminum roofing?

Virtually any color. PVDF paint systems are available in hundreds of standard colors, including popular Florida choices like Slate Blue, Colonial Red, Aged Bronze, Galvalume (bare metal look), Charcoal, and Bright White. Custom color matching is available for an additional charge. Lighter colors (white, tan, light gray) provide better solar reflectance, which can reduce cooling costs in Pinellas County's climate.

How does aluminum compare to tile for a Florida coastal home?

Aluminum and tile are both excellent for coastal Florida, as neither corrodes in salt air. The main differences are weight (aluminum is 40-50 lbs/square vs 600-1,100 lbs/square for concrete tile) and cost (comparable for standing seam aluminum vs quality concrete tile). Aluminum is better for older homes that can't support tile weight. Tile provides a traditional Mediterranean aesthetic that aluminum can't replicate. For hurricane resistance, quality standing seam aluminum is generally superior because it's a continuous surface with no individual pieces to blow off.

The Bottom Line on Aluminum Roofing in Pinellas County

Aluminum roofing is not the cheapest option. It's not the most dent-resistant, it requires specialty fasteners, and it needs an installer who understands its unique thermal expansion characteristics. But for coastal Florida homeowners, it solves the one problem that makes every other metal roofing option a gamble: salt air corrosion.

If your Pinellas County home is within 5 miles of salt water (which is most of the county), aluminum standing seam roofing offers the best combination of longevity, wind resistance, and lifetime value. The 40-60% premium over steel roofing pays for itself through decades of additional service life and avoided replacement costs.

For homeowners on the barrier islands or waterfront, it's not even a close decision. Aluminum is the material that matches where you live.

Ready to explore aluminum roofing for your Pinellas County home? Start by understanding the full range ofmetal roofing costs and comparingall roofing material options to make the most informed choice.

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