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Advanced Guide to Aluminum Roofing Sheets – How to Choose Aluminum Roofing Sheets with Different Materials and Processes
I. The Material Debate of Aluminum Roofing Sheets: Pure Aluminum vs. Aluminum Alloy
In the first article, we introduced several commonly used alloys for aluminum roofing sheets. However, in actual procurement, you may encounter a more specific question: Which is better, 'pure aluminum roofing sheets' or 'aluminum alloy roofing sheets'?
pure aluminum roofing sheets (1 series) are:
It has a high aluminum content (≥99.5%) and good ductility and processability.
It has excellent corrosion resistance and is suitable for general climatic conditions.
With relatively low cost, it is the first choice for entry-level aluminum roofing sheets.
aluminum alloy roofing sheets (3-series/5-series) are:
By adding elements such as manganese and magnesium, the strength is increased by 20%-30% compared to pure aluminum.
It has stronger rust resistance and is especially suitable for roofs that are exposed to the elements for long periods of time.
It has superior wind pressure resistance and is suitable for high-rise buildings and areas with high winds.
DIXXIN suggests that for permanent buildings, choosing 3003/3004 aluminum alloy roofing sheets is a wiser choice. Although the initial cost is slightly higher, the performance after 20 years will prove the investment worthwhile.
II. Surface Treatment: The 'Skin' of Aluminum Roofing Sheets Determines Their Appearance and Lifespan
While aluminum roofing sheets have natural corrosion resistance, long-term outdoor exposure typically requires additional surface treatment to extend their lifespan and enrich their color options. Mainstream surface treatment methods include:
| Handling method | Coating materials | Weathering life | Applicable Scenarios | Features |
| Fluorocarbon coating (PVDF) | Fluorocarbon resin content ≥70% | 20 years or more | High-end projects, coastal areas, and regions with strong ultraviolet radiation | It has the strongest weather resistance, the best color retention, and the highest price. |
| Polyester coating (PE) | Polyester resin | Approximately 8-10 years | General items under normal climatic conditions | Bright colors, low cost, the mainstream choice for export |
| Roller coating | PE or PVDF | 10-20 years | Large-scale standardized projects | The coating is uniform, with optimal |
| Wood grain/stone grain transfer | heat transfer film | 8-15 years | High-end villas, tourist attractions, and antique-style buildings | Combining the strength of metal with the beauty of wood/stone |
Fluorocarbon coating vs. polyester coating: What are the differences?
Fluorocarbon coating (PVDF) is currently the highest level of surface treatment in the aluminum roofing tile industry. Its core advantages are: superior weather resistance—reaching over 4000 hours in artificial accelerated aging tests; excellent color retention—no fading or chalking for 20 years; and good self-cleaning properties—keeping it clean simply by rinsing with rainwater.
Polyester coating (PE) is a more cost-effective option. Its colors are more vibrant (especially red, blue, and white), but its weather resistance is relatively weak, and it will fade after 8-10 years under strong sunlight.
DIXXIN recommends: If you are located in a coastal area, industrial zone, or high-altitude region with strong ultraviolet radiation, please prioritize fluorocarbon coated aluminum roofing sheets. If you are undertaking a short- to medium-term project in a typical inland area, polyester coating will suffice.
III. Plate Type Selection: Which waveform is suitable for your project?
The shape (waveform) of aluminum roofing sheets directly affects drainage efficiency, installation difficulty, and appearance. Below are some common standardized sheet shapes:
| model | Full name | wave height | Effective width | Features | Applicable Scenarios |
| Type 750 | YX35-125-750 | 35mm | 750mm | Large wave height, strong drainage and wind pressure resistance | Power plants, chemical plants, and large-span industrial buildings |
| Type 840 | YX24-210-840 | 24mm | 24mm | Mainstream models on the market, high cost performance | Industrial plants, warehouses, and general roofs |
| Type 900 | YX15-225-900 | 15mm | 900mm | High and low wave height | Wall cladding panels |
| Type 836 corrugated sheet | YX18-76-836 | 18mm | 836mm | 12 wave peaks, smooth drainage, and a soft appearance. | Factory rooftops are in high demand in overseas markets. |
IV. Aluminum Roofing Sheets vs. Corrugated Steel Roofing Sheets: A Comprehensive Comparison
This is the most common problem in purchasing decisions. Here is a comparison:
| Comparison Dimensions | Aluminum roofing sheets | Corrugated steel sheets |
| weight | Lightweight (approximately 3-8 kg/m²) | Weight (approximately 8-16 kg/m |
| density | 2.70 g/cm³ | 7.85 g/cm³ |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent (self-healing oxide film) | Generally (relies on zinc plating + c |
| Service life | 20-50 years | 8-15 years |
| Maintenance costs | Extremely low, maintenance-free | High level, requires regular inspection and touch-up painting. |
| Aesthetics | Rich in colors and with good color retention | Colors will fade. |
| Recovery value | 100% recyclable, high residual value | Low recycling value |
| Initial costs | higher | lower |
Conclusion: From a life-cycle perspective, although aluminum roofing sheets have a higher initial investment, considering their long service life of 20-50 years, almost zero maintenance costs, and high recycling value, aluminum roofing sheets actually offer better overall cost-effectiveness.
What can DIXXIN do for you?
As a professional aluminum roofing sheet manufacturer, DIXXIN offers a full range of alloy options (1060/3003/3004/5052), a full range of surface treatments (fluorocarbon/polyester/roller coating/wood grain transfer), and various standard panel types (750/840/900/836, etc.). We can also customize non-standard panel types according to your drawings to meet the personalized needs of special projects .
