Does aluminum roofing cost more than steel?

Usually yes upfront, but aluminum never rusts and is engineered to be a lifetime roof, so it avoids the recoating and replacement costs steel can incur over decades.

Will a steel roof rust?

Steel itself can rust; it depends on intact zinc or paint coatings. Scratches and cut edges are the weak points, especially in coastal or high-humidity areas. Aluminum does not rust at all.

Aluminum vs. Steel Metal Roofing | Interlock Metal Roofing New England

Aluminum vs. Steel Metal Roofing

For New England homes, aluminum is generally the better metal roofing choice over steel in coastal, humid, and freeze-thaw climates: aluminum never rusts, while steel depends on coatings that can corrode at cut edges and scratches. Steel can cost less upfront. Interlock installs aluminum for lifetime durability.

Both aluminum and steel make durable metal roofs that far outlast asphalt. The key difference is how each handles New England's salt air, humidity, and freeze-thaw cycles.

Factor	Aluminum (Interlock)	Steel
Corrosion	Never rusts; forms a protective oxide layer	Relies on zinc/coatings; can rust at cut edges & scratches
Weight	Lightweight	Heavier
Coastal / salt-air	Excellent	Vulnerable without intact coating
Lifespan	Lifetime (engineered to never re-roof)	Long, coating-dependent
Recycled content	~95% recycled aluminum	Varies
Upfront cost	Premium	Often lower

Why aluminum wins in New England

Coastal exposure and constant freeze-thaw are the toughest test for a roof. Aluminum's rust-proof nature means no edge creep or corrosion bleed over decades, which is why Interlock builds every system in aluminum (or solid copper).

When steel can make sense

For budget-driven or inland projects where upfront price is the priority, stone-coated or coated steel is a valid metal option — just maintain the finish and inspect cut edges.