Yes, Metal Roofs Can Rust—Here’s Why (And How to Make Sure Yours Doesn’t)

Cody Giroux
Jul 4
2 min read

If you’ve ever driven past a metal roof streaked with rust and wondered, “Is that what I’m signing up for?”, you’re not alone.

This is one of the biggest questions we hear from homeowners:

“Do metal roofs rust?”

The short answer? Yes, they absolutely can.

But here’s the part most companies don’t talk about: it’s usually avoidable.

Below, you’ll see real examples of rusted-out roofs, why it happens, and how you can avoid ending up with a roof that fails long before it should.

What Causes a Metal Roof to Rust?

It’s not just about the metal itself—though material matters. Most of the time, it comes down to:

🔹 Cheap Corrugated Steel

These panels are often the most affordable upfront, but they lack proper coatings and can start rusting in a few short years—especially in wet climates like the Lower Mainland.

🔹 Exposed Fasteners

Screws that sit on top of the panels let water and debris collect around them. Over time, the seals degrade, and rust starts creeping in.

🔹 Improper Cutting

We see this constantly—installers cutting panels with grinders that burn off protective coatings. Once those coatings are gone, corrosion is only a matter of time.