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19 March 2026 at 16:32 • 4 mins read
Whether you’re building a new home, barn, shed, or looking to construct a building for a new commercial business, the type of metal roofing material you use will determine the overall lifespan and various aesthetic qualities. Metals such as galvanized, galvalume, bonderized, corten, aluminum, and copper are staples within the roofing industry. Consideration factors when choosing a metal roofing material include durability, maintenance, aesthetics, and cost.
Factors that should be discussed when considering different types of metal roofing materials include:
Climate & Corrosion Resistance - Salt, moisture, temperature swings
Aesthetic & Architectural Style – Rustic to modern design options
Budget & Lifecycle Cost - Balancing upfront cost vs. lifespan and maintenance
IMS offers different types of metal roofing material options. Each metal variety offers its distinct advantages and disadvantages. After weighing the pros and cons of each metal, you should be able to make an informed and objective decision.
Galvanized steel is manufactured using a hot-dip method that protects against corrosion and rust, making it ideal for use as a roofing material in budget-friendly applications.
Pros: Cost-effective, fire-resistant, ideal for varied climates and agricultural use.
Cons: Prone to edge corrosion over time, shiny look fades.
Galvalume corrugated steel is manufactured from a 55% aluminum and 45% zinc coating substrate, making it lighter and more energy efficient than galvanized paneling. Galvalume steel is ideal for those looking for enhanced corrosion protection. However, due to its enhanced protection, it is more expensive than galvanized steel.
Pros: Exceptional rust resistance, easy to install, scratch resistant.
Cons: Limited color/finish options, not ideal for highly acidic environments.
Galvanized and Galvalume corrugated sheet metals are among the most popular roofing options on the market due to their excellent durability and ease of maintenance. Corrugated metal sheet products offer an overall low lifetime cost investment, making them ideal for many interior and exterior projects.
Pros: Lightweight, strong, historically proven; easy transport & installation
Cons: Vulnerable to wind uplift and dents; less premium appearance
Bonderized roofing steel is a galvanized metal product that has been soaked in a phosphate bath and then put through a chromate drying process, which allows the metal to accept paint.
Pros: Primer-coated for superior paint adhesion; great for painted, custom-finished roofs
Cons: Needs proper finish maintenance to avoid premature corrosion
Corten weathering steel was developed to eliminate the need for painting. Instead, the surface forms a stable rust-like appearance when exposed to environmental elements.
Pros: Rusty aesthetic, forms protective patina, low maintenance
Cons: Initial runoff staining; not suited for wet climates without proper drain design
Copper roofing materials maintain a reddish or pinkish hue and are ideal for architectural builds that require increased aesthetics and solid corrosion protection.
Pros: Ultra-durable—can last 100+ years; develops a beautiful patina; recyclable and low maintenance
Cons: Expensive; soft/dent-prone; requires structural support; may stain adjacent surfaces
Aluminum roofing sheets provide an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio and natural corrosion resistance. Aluminum sheets are available in various alloy and style options.
Pros: Lightweight; corrosion-resistant (ideal for coastal); reflective—boosts energy efficiency
Cons: Pricier than steel; less dent-resistant
At IMS, we offer a wide range of metal roofing materials tailored
to your specific needs. With seven locations serving California,
Arizona, Nevada, and Northern Mexico, IMS is your trusted source for
premium steel, copper, and aluminum roofing materials.
At IMS, we
offer the following advantages:
Same-day will-call pick-up
Next-day local delivery
Excellent high-volume discount pricing
Advanced precision cutting services
ISO 9001 certified
Support of Just-In-Time manufacturing processes
No minimum purchases
Contact us for more information on premium metal roofing materials, or request a quote today. Our experts will help you find the material that matches your project specifications.