1. Steel. Among all others, steel is the most common metal used for roofs. Steel is a heavy and sturdy type of metal, which also works well with a number of pre-formulated coatings that would protect it from rusts and corrosions. This must be the reason why a lot of manufacturers opt to use steel for roofs. It is a given fact that roofs are subject to different weather conditions such as rains and storms. If the material to be used for roofing is not tolerant of water, then it is not going to last as long as it should.

Roofs are subject to a lot of wear and tear. They are exposed to changing weather conditions such that its durability is measured by its capacity to resist water. There are compounds designed to protect steel and make it last longer. Zinc, epoxy primer and acrylic are just a few of these aforementioned compounds that are also responsible in adding beauty to the whole roofing system.

Because of its durability, steel roofing is not only popular among residential structures but also with commercial establishments. The stainless steel is also a popular choice. Although it is a tad more expensive, people still opt for this type of metal. It is absolutely non-corrosive. Stainless steel roofs are meant to last as long as you want them to last.

2. Aluminum. Popular metal roofing choices also include aluminum. It is more lightweight than steel. It is more popularly used for residential roofing though, than commercial establishments. Although it is slowly gaining popularity in commercial and industrial sites, there are still those who are convinced that aluminum is inferior when it comes to the protection that it can provide.

But even if it's lightweight, aluminum doesn't easily rust. To achieve this though, it has to be painted or coated so that it sports an additional layer of protection. Aluminum also comes in the regular silver finish. So if you want your aluminum roof to look better or at least match the shade of your home, you have to get them painted after installing them. The materials used for coating aluminum are basically the same as the ones used for steel.

3. Copper. Of all the materials used for metal roofing, copper must be the best choice around. Copper have been used for many centuries when it comes to roofing. This material easily becomes a favorite because it doesn't rust or peel. Unlike steel and aluminum that needs coatings, which incidentally peel over time, copper has that natural red hue. It can go even without a paint job.

The only thing that makes copper "unpopular" is its cost. It can be very expensive. But with its better quality, the cost advantage of other inferior metals over copper evens out with time. Also, this material is relatively soft such that it allows easy installation. As a bonus, weathering will naturally allow copper to turn into a verdigris patina over time.

4. Alloys. Alloys as roofing material is also one of the more popular choices of modern establishments. The combinations of metals designed to highlight the superior properties of each of its components aims to create leverage over a single metal component. With these superior features combined, alloys have greater strength and durability. Alloys are custom-fit. Depending on the roofing requirement, metal components are chosen to come up with the best possible roofing material. As a consequence, alloys as roofing materials can be very expensive.

This variety of roofing materials give homebuilders and establishment-owners options that they can choose from. Each structure has its own requirement. Each metal roofing material has its own feature to answer that requirement. Just find the right match and your roofing will be there for you through any weather.