Why Galvalume Is a Copper Alternative Your Roofing Contractor May Recommend
When it comes to maximizing roof durability, homeowners are becoming increasingly drawn to metal. Compared to traditional materials like asphalt shingles, metal roofing has many clear advantages that asphalt roofing just can’t compete with. As a skilled metal roofing contractor, we often see homeowners initially attracted to copper as an option due to its beautiful and signature appearance—before being driven away by the steep price tag.
But all is not lost! At Dolan Roofing & Construction, we always try to help our customers get the roof of their dreams while staying within their budget. And as an alternative to copper roofing, Galvalume is a contractor favorite, balancing the gorgeous appearance of copper while costing significantly less to purchase and install. Let’s take a closer look at this copper alternative!
What Is Galvalume Roofing?
Galvalume is a branded term referring to a specific type of metal composed of steel sheet dipped in an alloy of aluminum, zinc, and silicone. It’s designed to emulate the appearance of copper roofing without incurring the high cost of this much more valuable metal. As a metal roofing contractor in San Antonio with experience working with copper, we have to say it does the job quite well, providing an elegant appearance that looks nearly identical to copper roofing.
What Are the Advantages of Galvalume Roofing Over Copper?
There are many reasons why an experienced roofing contractor would recommend Galvalume over copper. The main reason is cost, which is difficult to understate. Copper roofing averages around $14 to $30 per square foot to install, with prices trending toward the higher end due to ongoing supply chain considerations.
Galvalume, on the other hand, is much more reasonable, with the average cost including both materials and installation falling anywhere from $6 to $12 per square foot. In other words, while both of these ranges are rather wide, you can typically expect copper to cost around twice as much as a comparable Galvalume installation.
Plus, while providing a very similar look at a lower cost, Galvalume sacrifices very little in terms of durability. Galvalume roofs are resistant to rust, storm damage (including wind, rain, and hail), fire, and most forms of corrosion. These roofs also provide excellent reflectivity, which can help cut down on cooling costs during the summer.
Copper Roofing Contractor: The Pros of the Real Thing
Of course, there are still many reasons why copper remains a favored roofing material for those able to overcome the high upfront cost. For example, copper does not typically need to be painted or coated, with the bare metal material providing all the aesthetics and durability the roof needs to perform at a high level. A contractor installing copper roofing may also be able to provide a longer warranty exceeding the typical 30 years offered for Galvalume.
In general, though, most who opt for copper roofing installation from their metal roofing contractor do so for the truly unique aesthetic that these roofs provide—both immediately and as they change colors with age.
Dolan Roofing Is Your Go-To Galvalume or Copper Contractor!
At Dolan Roofing San Antonio, we’ve worked with both of these metals and have seen the advantages of each. We frequently recommend Galvalume to homeowners and business owners looking for a durable, aesthetically pleasing roof that won’t break the bank—but sometimes you just can’t beat the real thing.
If you’re considering metal for your next roofing project, our experts will be happy to present all of your options and help you choose which material makes the most sense for you. Contact us today to learn more!
