Steel Vs Aluminum Roof Bars

Steel and aluminum both perform well as a metal roofing material.

Steel vs aluminum roof bars. Truck racks made from steel must use additional methods to protect them from rust. Especially for parts with deep and straight walls aluminum is the material of choice. However aluminum roofing depending upon the exact product chosen can run up to 20 percent higher in price compared to steel roofing. The car specific fitting kit went neatly around the contours of the qashqai s roof and the bars were then held securely with bolts.

Largest portion of cost is for complicated installation. All roof bars will generate some wind noise but an aerodynamically shaped bar will produce much less noise compared with a square bar thanks to the shape cutting through the wind in a more efficient way. Steel is susceptible to seawater damage overtime while aluminum is extremely resistant to corrosion caused by seawater. Roof racks weigh between say 30 50kg and cost in the range of 500 1200 roof bars will weigh a few kg and cost about 100 each if you want to carry a roof tent plus gear on your roof consider roof bars under the roof tents plus a couple of bars with a basket on.

Cheapest i ve found are cruz ones from roofbox co uk 69 99 for steel square profile bars foot pack etc 99 99 for aluminium aero bars i m wondering if it s worth the extra money to get the aero ones. I ve been looking to find a set of roof bars to fit my car with fixing points. Aluminum racks don t rust because aluminum alloys do not contain iron which is the primary component in steel. Locks aren t included yet they only cost 10 extra.

Commonly installed using problematic battens or strapping. Aluminum also holds heat better than steel. Aluminum roofing however can run 20 percent higher compared to steel roofing depending upon the exact product chosen. Aluminum is lighter than steel but softer so it s less of a load on your house s structure but won t take the punishment of a severe hailstorm as well as steel.

Quieter aluminium bars are much quieter than their steel equivalents thanks to their aerodynamic shape. Stainless steel resists rust well but it s also more expensive than regular steel and not as strong. Aluminum residential metal roofing is designated by decimal thickness and ranges from 023 to 040 thickness. It will warm quickly in the sun and won t cool off as fast at night.

Ferrous metal cannot be guaranteed to never rust. Non ferrous metal will never rust. Steel and aluminum both perform well as a metal roofing material. Aluminum is more corrosion resistant than steel.