Install Aluminum Roofing System

Aluminum roofing won’t rust, even three blocks from the bay or ocean-no red streaks, no pitting, no coating failure at fastener holes. That simple fact explains why I’ve watched aluminum roofing systems steadily replace standard steel panels across Nassau County coastal neighborhoods over the past decade. Meanwhile, the same steel systems I installed in Massapequa or Point Lookout fifteen years ago are often showing corrosion spots and requiring premature replacement or recoating, despite quality installation work.

The trade-off? Aluminum roofing typically costs more up front-sometimes 15 to 35 percent more than comparable steel systems-and it requires installation expertise that goes beyond “I’ve done metal roofing” to “I know how aluminum behaves, expands, and performs near saltwater.”

If you’re considering aluminum roofing for your Nassau County home, this guide will walk you through what makes aluminum different from other metal roofing options, which aluminum systems work best for coastal and near-coastal properties, how TWI Roofing installs them step-by-step to meet local wind and exposure conditions, and when aluminum is-or isn’t-the smartest choice for your roof, budget, and timeline.

What Is an Aluminum Roofing System?

Aluminum as a Roofing Material

Aluminum roofing uses panels or shingles formed from aluminum coil, typically with baked-on paint or specialty coatings designed to last decades in harsh environments. The metal itself is naturally corrosion resistant because it forms a protective oxide layer on exposed surfaces, which is why you’ll never see the red rust stains common on uncoated or scratched steel. Aluminum is also significantly lighter than steel-about a third of the weight-making it easier to handle during installation and gentler on existing roof structures when doing re-roof projects on older Nassau County homes.

Common Aluminum Roof System Types

• Standing seam panels: Long, vertical panels with raised seams that interlock or snap together, usually with concealed clips-this is the clean, modern profile you see on coastal contemporary homes and high-end renovations from Long Beach to Sea Cliff.
• Aluminum shingles or tiles: Smaller interlocking panels shaped to mimic asphalt shingles, wood shake, slate, or Mediterranean tile, offering traditional curb appeal with aluminum’s performance and lighter weight.
• Aluminum panels for low-slope sections: Certain profiles and mechanical lock systems designed for lower-slope roofs, porch overhangs, or entry canopies, installed with careful attention to water management and manufacturer slope limits.

Why Choose Aluminum Roofing in Nassau County?

Corrosion Resistance in Coastal Air

Nassau County homes within a few miles of the Atlantic, Great South Bay, or Long Island Sound are constantly exposed to salt-laden air, fog, and wind-blown spray. Even if you’re not beachfront, that salt gets everywhere-on your car, your deck, and definitely on your roof. Standard galvanized or Galvalume steel roofing relies on zinc or zinc-aluminum coatings to protect the steel underneath; when those coatings get scratched, cut, or abraded-at fastener heads, panel cuts, or high-wear edges-the exposed steel can begin to rust. Aluminum doesn’t have that vulnerability. There’s no underlying steel to rust, so cut edges, drilled holes, and scratched surfaces don’t compromise the material’s long-term integrity. This is why I specify aluminum for waterfront homes in Island Park or Atlantic Beach and recommend it strongly for any home where wind-driven salt is a regular occurrence.

Weight, Structure, and Retrofit Projects

Aluminum’s light weight-roughly 1 pound per square foot for typical standing seam versus 1.5 to 2 pounds for steel-makes it a strong option when re-roofing older homes where existing framing wasn’t designed for heavy loads. On a 1940s Cape in Bellmore or a 1960s ranch in Merrick, that weight difference can mean the difference between needing structural reinforcement or moving forward with the existing structure. Aluminum also performs well in tear-off-and-replace scenarios, and in certain approved situations, it can be installed over a single layer of existing shingles without overloading the roof deck-though I usually recommend full tear-off to inspect and repair deck issues before committing to a premium roofing system.

Appearance and Curb Appeal

Aluminum roofing comes in dozens of colors, finishes, and profiles. Standing seam systems deliver that crisp, vertical-line look that pairs beautifully with modern farmhouse, coastal contemporary, or minimalist designs. Aluminum shingles and tiles can mimic slate, cedar shake, or clay tile closely enough that many people don’t realize they’re looking at metal until they touch it. On homes where appearance matters-resale value, neighborhood aesthetics, or personal pride-aluminum can be a showpiece. I installed a charcoal standing seam aluminum roof on a Glen Cove colonial last year, and the homeowner said it was the single upgrade that got the most compliments from neighbors and guests.

Cost and Value Trade-Offs

Aluminum roofing systems typically cost more than architectural shingles and many steel systems. Material costs for aluminum panels or shingles run higher, and installation requires more specialized tools, training, and care. A standing seam aluminum roof in Nassau County might range from $12 to $18 per square foot installed, compared to $9 to $14 for comparable steel and $5 to $9 for quality architectural shingles. That’s a meaningful difference on a 2,000-square-foot roof. But aluminum makes the most financial sense when you plan to stay in the home for many years, when you value lower maintenance and longer service life, and when the alternative-replacing a corroding steel roof in 15 or 20 years-would cost nearly as much as upgrading to aluminum today.

Aluminum Roofing System Options for Your Home

Aluminum Standing Seam

Aluminum standing seam is the system I install most often on coastal Nassau County homes. Panels run vertically from ridge to eave, and the seams are raised and mechanically locked or snapped together, with fasteners hidden under the next panel. This design resists wind uplift beautifully-critical in our 110 to 140 mph wind zones near the water-and sheds water quickly without relying on sealants that can fail over time. Standing seam aluminum also pairs well with rooftop solar installations using non-penetrating clamps, which is a common request from homeowners looking to maximize their roof’s long-term value and energy performance.

Aluminum Shingles and Tile-Look Systems

If your home is in a more traditional neighborhood-think Garden City, Rockville Centre, or parts of Oyster Bay-and you want aluminum’s performance without the modern standing seam look, aluminum shingles or tile profiles are excellent options. These systems interlock to form a weather-tight surface, with most fasteners hidden by the overlapping pieces. They’re available in colors and textures that closely mimic asphalt, slate, cedar shake, or clay tile, so your home keeps its classic curb appeal while gaining the corrosion resistance and lighter weight of aluminum. I’ve used aluminum shingles on several historic-district homes where design review boards required traditional appearances but owners wanted to avoid the maintenance and moss issues of real wood or slate.

Mixing Aluminum with Other Roof Materials

Not every part of your roof needs aluminum. On a two-story colonial in Manhasset with a main hip roof and a front porch entry, we might specify aluminum standing seam for the main roof-which takes the brunt of wind and salt exposure-while using architectural shingles on a detached garage or shed roof. The key is designing transitions so water flows correctly and materials meet cleanly at valleys, ridges, and wall junctions. Your contractor should detail those transitions on paper before work starts, so you know exactly how the system will look and perform.

Overview of Aluminum Roof Installation Process

1. Roof Evaluation and Design Choices

Every aluminum roofing project TWI Roofing handles begins with a roof inspection and design conversation. We measure slopes, document existing conditions-deck material, leak history, structural issues-and discuss your goals: appearance, budget, timeline, and performance priorities. This is when we choose the aluminum system type (standing seam versus shingles), profile and panel width, color and finish, clip spacing for your wind zone, and whether any coastal upgrades-like stainless fasteners or enhanced underlayment-are recommended. On a Freeport canal-front home last fall, we specified 24-inch-wide standing seam panels in a bronze finish, with clips every 12 inches and stainless fasteners throughout, because the house sits 200 feet from open saltwater and regularly experiences 50+ mph gusts during winter storms.

2. Tear-Off or Lay-Over Decision

In most cases, I recommend full tear-off: removing old roofing down to the deck so aluminum is installed over sound sheathing with proper underlayments and flashing. This approach lets us inspect and repair deck issues-rot, warping, or fastener pop-ups-before they’re hidden under a premium roof that should last decades. Some manufacturers and local codes allow installing aluminum over a single layer of existing asphalt shingles if the deck is solid and slopes are adequate, but multiple layers, moisture damage, or sagging always require tear-off. If we’re re-roofing a home that’s had leak issues or questionable ventilation, tear-off isn’t optional-it’s the only way to deliver a reliable long-term result.

3. Underlayment, Ice Protection, and Ventilation

Once the deck is exposed and repaired, we install high-quality synthetic underlayment across the entire roof and ice-and-water barrier at eaves, valleys, around chimneys and skylights, and along any wall intersections. Nassau County building code requires ice barrier protection, and aluminum roofing manufacturers specify certain underlayment types and coverage areas to maintain warranty coverage. This stage is also when we correct or upgrade attic ventilation-adding ridge vents, improving soffit vents, or installing baffles-so the aluminum roof performs well thermally and doesn’t trap moisture that can damage deck and framing over time. Ventilation is especially important under metal roofing because temperature swings can cause condensation on the underside of panels if airflow is inadequate.

4. Installing Aluminum Panels or Shingles

For standing seam systems, we lay out panels from eave to ridge, attach them with clips or concealed flanges fastened to the deck, and then lock the seams using a hand seamer or powered seaming tool. Each panel must be straight, properly aligned, and secured at the manufacturer’s specified clip intervals-typically every 12 to 18 inches on-center, tighter near edges and in high-wind zones. For aluminum shingles or tiles, we work in courses from eave to ridge, interlocking each piece and fastening it in a pattern that sheds water and hides most fasteners under the next course. Careful cutting and fitting around chimneys, dormers, skylights, and valleys is critical to keep details watertight and visually clean. Aluminum is easier to cut and form than steel, but it also dents more easily, so we handle panels carefully and avoid foot traffic on finished sections until trim and accessories are installed.

5. Trims, Flashings, and Final Details

Once all panels or shingles are in place, we install ridge caps, hip caps, gable and rake trim, wall flashings, and any accessories like snow guards or decorative finials. These trims are typically aluminum to match the roof, pre-finished in the same color and coated to resist UV and corrosion. Every penetration-plumbing vents, exhaust fans, skylights-gets custom-fitted flashing designed to integrate with the aluminum roofing system and maintain the roof’s weather barrier. We perform a final inspection for panel alignment, seam integrity, fastener coverage, trim fit, and overall appearance, then clean up debris, haul away old materials, and walk the homeowner through care and maintenance expectations.

Special Considerations for Aluminum Roofing in Nassau County

Wind Uplift and Edge Detailing

Nassau County sits in wind zones ranging from 110 mph near the coast to 120+ mph directly on barrier islands and exposed waterfront areas. Aluminum roofing systems must be designed and installed to resist those wind loads without panels peeling back or fasteners pulling out. That means specifying the right clip type and spacing, using proper edge metal at eaves and rakes, and ensuring panels are long enough to minimize horizontal seams that can be weak points in high wind. On a Long Beach oceanfront project two years ago, we used heavy-duty clips every 10 inches and mechanically locked edge trim because the home’s exposure history included multiple hurricane-force wind events. Aluminum systems rated and installed for higher wind speeds perform very well in Nor’easters and tropical storms-if the installation follows manufacturer engineering and local code requirements.

Salt Exposure and Material Choices

The closer you are to open saltwater, the more important aluminum becomes over standard steel. Homes within a half-mile of the ocean or bay benefit most, but even homes several miles inland see enough salt to justify aluminum if the budget allows. I also pay attention to fastener and flashing material compatibility: pairing aluminum panels with stainless steel or aluminum fasteners and clips, avoiding galvanized steel components that can create galvanic corrosion where dissimilar metals touch. On a Point Lookout home we re-roofed last spring, every fastener, clip, and trim screw was stainless-adding about $800 to material cost but eliminating any risk of fastener corrosion over the roof’s 40+ year expected life.

Neighborhood and HOA Considerations

Some Nassau County neighborhoods and homeowners associations have rules about roof materials, colors, and reflectivity. Aluminum systems can typically meet these requirements-many finishes are low-gloss or matte, and colors can be specified to match existing homes or approved palettes-but it’s smart to check early in the design process. TWI Roofing can provide product data sheets, color samples, and installation photos for any review boards or HOAs that require submission and approval before work begins. I’ve never had an aluminum roof rejected by an HOA, but I’ve had approvals delayed because homeowners didn’t submit documentation until after they’d signed a contract.

Is an Aluminum Roofing System Right for Your Home?

Great Fits for Aluminum Roofing

• Homes within three miles of the coast or bays, where salt air and wind-blown spray are regular occurrences.
• Long-term or “forever” homes where you want to minimize future re-roofing cycles and corrosion maintenance.
• Design-forward or higher-end projects where premium appearance, clean modern lines, or traditional tile looks are priorities.
• Homes with structural or weight constraints that benefit from aluminum’s lighter weight versus steel or heavy tile materials.
• Properties where solar panel installation is planned or likely, since standing seam aluminum pairs well with non-penetrating clamps.

When Aluminum Might Be Overkill

If you’re five or more miles inland, on a tight budget, or planning to move within five to seven years, aluminum’s extra upfront cost may not deliver enough added value compared to quality steel or architectural shingles. Steel roofing with good coatings performs well away from direct salt exposure, and shingles remain the most cost-effective option for many Nassau County homes. Discussing your time horizon, exposure level, and budget with a contractor who understands both aluminum and alternatives will clarify whether aluminum is a smart investment or more than you really need.

Working with a Contractor to Install Aluminum Roofing

Questions to Ask Potential Installers

• How many aluminum roofing systems have you installed in the last two to three years in Nassau County, and can I see photos or references?
• Which aluminum system manufacturers do you work with, and are you trained or certified by them?
• How do you design clip spacing, panel length, and edge details for my specific wind zone and distance from the coast?
• What warranties do you offer on aluminum roofs-both manufacturer material warranties and your own workmanship coverage?
• Do you use stainless or aluminum fasteners on coastal projects, and is that included in your standard pricing or an upgrade?

What a Good Proposal Should Include

A solid aluminum roofing proposal will specify the aluminum system type, manufacturer and model, panel profile and color, underlayment and ice barrier products, clip and fastener materials, and all trim and flashing components. It should outline whether the project includes full tear-off, deck inspection and repair allowances, disposal of old materials, and site protection. The proposal should also clarify timing-aluminum roofing typically takes longer to install than shingles because of the precision required-and include any contingencies for hidden issues like rot or structural repairs discovered once the old roof is removed. Transparent, detailed proposals prevent surprises and help you compare contractors on an apples-to-apples basis.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aluminum Roofing Systems

Is aluminum roofing noisier than other roofs when it rains?
With solid decking, quality underlayment, and typical attic insulation, noise levels under an aluminum roof are similar to other metal roofs and only slightly louder than asphalt shingles-most homeowners don’t notice a difference indoors. Open structures like covered porches or pavilions will be louder unless you add insulation or a finished ceiling underneath the panels.

Does aluminum roofing cost much more than steel?
Yes, aluminum typically costs 15 to 35 percent more per square foot than comparable steel roofing systems, due to higher material prices and sometimes specialized installation requirements. That cost gap is easiest to justify on homes close to the coast, where aluminum’s superior corrosion resistance translates to lower maintenance and longer service life.

Can aluminum roofing be installed over my existing shingles?
In some cases, yes-if you have only one layer of shingles, the deck is solid, slopes are adequate, and local code allows it. But I recommend full tear-off in most situations because it lets us inspect and repair deck issues before covering them with a premium roof that should last 40+ years. An on-site inspection will determine the best approach for your home.

How long will an aluminum roof last?
With proper installation and routine maintenance-keeping gutters clear, trimming overhanging branches, checking fasteners and seams every few years-an aluminum roofing system can provide 40 to 50+ years of service in Nassau County. Longevity depends on system type, finish quality, exposure to salt and wind, and how well the installation follows manufacturer specifications.

Do you install aluminum roofing systems across Nassau County?
Yes. TWI Roofing installs aluminum standing seam, aluminum shingles, and specialty aluminum panels on homes and small commercial buildings throughout Nassau County, from waterfront properties in Long Beach and Atlantic Beach to inland neighborhoods in Garden City, Manhasset, and Oyster Bay. Contact us to schedule a roof evaluation and receive a detailed aluminum roofing proposal tailored to your home’s exposure, structure, and design goals.

Turn the Idea of Aluminum Roofing into a Concrete Plan

Aluminum roofing systems deliver standout corrosion resistance, light weight, and strong curb appeal-especially valuable across Nassau County’s coastal and near-coastal neighborhoods. But the best results come from matching the right aluminum system to your home’s architecture, wind exposure, and budget, and from careful installation that respects local conditions.

If aluminum roofing sounds like a fit for your home, schedule a roof assessment and design conversation with TWI Roofing. Bring your questions about appearance, performance, cost, and maintenance. Use this guide as a checklist during that conversation, so your aluminum roofing plan feels like a well-informed decision-not a leap of faith-and your new roof delivers decades of protection, beauty, and peace of mind.