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Metal roofs can rust, but steel is a material that holds up well to environmental factors, especially if it’s painted or galvanized. One of the main determining factors regarding rust is the environment the roof is in. Harsher environments with a lot of salt in the air will rust much more quickly than a steel or metal roof in a dry climate. Zinc-coated steel, called galvanized steel, is excellent at preventing rust from forming.

The green coloration that develops on copper roofs is called a “patina,” and it’s a result of mild oxidation on the surface. The oxidation process is not harmful to your roof. In fact, the surface corrosion acts as a protective layer and won’t spread to the core of your copper roof materials. The discoloration will progress much more quickly in damp or humid climates than it will in dry climates. If you don’t like the green color, you can seal your roof to preserve the shiny, rose-gold look.

Asphalt shingle roofs are more likely to leak than metal roofs because they are more prone to uplift and damage from extreme weather, moss growth, and ice dams. Asphalt shingles also lose shingle grit over time, which decreases their waterproofing qualities. Metal is a more resilient material that will stand up better to strong winds and heavy precipitation, ultimately leading to a lower risk of leaking. As such, metal roofs add to home value with a higher ROI than asphalt roofs in most cases.

Metal roofs have an excellent reputation for longevity. Including aluminum roofing, you can expect a metal roof to last between 40 and 80 years under normal conditions and with proper maintenance. That longevity can shorten in areas where salty air is a concern and not accounted for during installation to provide additional material protections.