Knowledge Base · Metal Roofing Basics
Is Aluminum a Good Roofing Material for a New England Home?
Yes. Aluminum is one of the strongest choices for a New England roof because it cannot rust, it is light enough to spare older framing, and it sheds wet snow and wind-driven rain well. Its drawbacks are a higher upfront cost than asphalt and the need for an experienced installer, since the details at valleys, chimneys and eaves decide how well any metal roof performs.
Technically reviewed by Scott Plumptree, Director of Marketing · Updated 2026-10-07
At a glance
- Aluminum does not rust, so salt air on the coast is not a threat to the panels.
- It is far lighter than slate, tile or most other roofing, which helps older Colonials and Capes.
- Interlock panels carry a factory-applied finish backed by a 30 Year Alunar® coating warranty.
- The main trade-off is cost: it is priced above asphalt shingles.
- Good results depend on installation detail as much as on the metal itself.
Why does aluminum work well as a roofing metal?
Aluminum works well on a roof because it combines corrosion resistance, low weight and good strength for its mass. When bare aluminum meets air it forms a thin oxide film that protects the metal underneath, so it does not develop the red rust that eats through untreated steel. That matters in New England, where a roof sees rain, snowmelt and condensation for much of the year. A material that tolerates constant moisture without breaking down removes one of the main reasons roofs fail early. Aluminum is also easy to form. Interlock presses heavy-gauge aluminum into deep shingle profiles that look like slate, cedar shingle, shake or tile, then coats it with a baked finish. The interlocking edges let each piece lock to its neighbors, which helps the roof resist uplift during a nor'easter.
Does aluminum hold up to coastal salt air?
Yes, aluminum is one of the best metals for a home near salt water because it does not rust. Steel roofing depends on its zinc or zinc-aluminum coating; once that layer is scratched or worn at a cut edge, salt spray can start corrosion that spreads. Homes on Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, along the North Shore, on the Rhode Island and Connecticut shoreline, and up the Maine coast live with salt-laden fog and wind for months at a time. On those houses, the roofing metal, the fasteners and the flashing all need to be compatible and corrosion resistant. An aluminum roof avoids the rust problem at its source. It is still worth keeping gutters clear and rinsing heavy salt deposits off lower roof areas where rain rarely reaches, but the panels themselves are not going to rust away.
How does aluminum handle snow, ice and freeze–thaw cycles?
Aluminum handles New England winters well because it does not absorb water, so freeze–thaw cycles cannot split it the way they crack brittle materials. Water that soaks into a porous roofing product expands when it freezes; repeat that dozens of times a winter and the surface starts to break down. A coated metal surface also lets snow slide more readily than a rough shingle. That can relieve load on the roof, though it means snow guards are worth discussing over doors, walkways and decks. Ice dams are a separate issue. They form when heat escaping from the living space melts snow, which then refreezes at the colder eaves. No roofing material stops that on its own; insulation and attic ventilation are the real fix. Ice damming is also an exclusion of the material warranty, so we look at your attic with you during the estimate.
Is aluminum better than steel for a roof?
For most New England homes, aluminum is the better long-term choice when corrosion is the main concern, and steel is the cheaper one. Both can make a durable roof when installed well, and both are far longer lasting than standard asphalt. The difference is in how they age. Steel relies on its metallic coating and paint to keep rust away, so cut edges, scratches and fastener holes are its weak points, especially near the ocean. Aluminum does not have that vulnerability. Steel is stiffer for a given thickness, which is one reason it is common in exposed-fastener agricultural panels. Aluminum shingle systems make up for its lower stiffness with heavier gauges, formed profiles and interlocking seams. If you live inland and your budget is tight, steel may make sense; on the coast, aluminum has a clear edge.
What are the downsides of an aluminum roof?
The main downside of an aluminum roof is its upfront cost, which is higher than asphalt shingles and many steel products. Aluminum is a more expensive raw material, and a stamped shingle system takes more labor to install than a basic panel roof. Installation skill is the other factor. Metal roofs perform as well as their flashing, ventilation and trim details, and those details are where inexperienced crews cut corners. Ask any contractor how they handle chimneys, skylights, valleys and the eave edge. Some homeowners also worry about noise. A metal roof installed over solid decking and underlayment is generally no louder than other roofing in rain. Finally, aluminum needs a minimum slope of 3/12 for Interlock shingle profiles, so very low-slope sections such as some porch roofs may need a different product.
Who should consider an aluminum roof in New England?
An aluminum roof makes the most sense for owners who plan to stay in their home for many years and want to stop re-roofing. The higher upfront cost is spread over a long service life with little upkeep. It is a strong fit for coastal homes, for older houses with framing that should not carry heavy materials, and for owners who want the look of slate or cedar without the weight or maintenance. Many owners of Colonials, Capes and farmhouses choose the Slate profile for that reason. We have completed 5,036 Interlock roofs across the six New England states since 1999, from triple-deckers in Brockton to coastal homes in Gloucester. If you are in a historic district, check with your local historic district commission before choosing any replacement roof. An in-home consultation is the easiest way to see whether aluminum fits your house.
Common questions
Will an aluminum roof rust near the ocean?
No. Aluminum does not form iron rust. It develops a thin oxide layer that protects the metal, which is why it holds up so well on coastal homes on Cape Cod, the Islands and the Maine coast. Flashing and fasteners should also be corrosion resistant and compatible with aluminum.
Is an aluminum roof strong enough for heavy New England snow?
Yes, when it is installed over sound framing and decking. The roof structure carries the snow load, not the shingles alone, and a lighter roof leaves more of the framing's capacity for snow. We inspect the deck and structure before installing.
Does an aluminum roof stop ice dams?
No roof material prevents ice dams on its own. They are caused by heat loss into the attic and poor ventilation, which melt snow that refreezes at the eaves. Ice damming is an exclusion of the material warranty, so we review insulation and ventilation with you.
What warranty comes with an Interlock aluminum roof?
Interlock roofs carry the Guardian Lifetime Limited Material Warranty, which covers material and finish for the original purchaser while they own the home and transfers once, with the second owner covered to 50 years from substantial completion. Workmanship is excluded. The finish also has a 30 Year Alunar® coating warranty.
Is aluminum roofing loud in the rain?
Installed over solid decking and underlayment, an aluminum shingle roof is generally not noticeably louder than other roofing. The noise people associate with metal comes mostly from panels fastened over open framing, such as barns and sheds.
Ready for real answers about your own roof?
A 30–90 minute roof consultation, a written price after it, and the warranty walked through in plain English — no pressure, no expiring discounts.
