A hundred years ago, galvanized metal roofing was a breakthrough building material. It was lightweight, easy to install, waterproof, and fireproof. None of that has changed, and it’s still an excellent roofing material. The old roofing was zinc-galvanized steel. The zinc aged to a muted gray. Then, the zinc wore away, and the metal developed orangey rust patches. The rust spread and deepened until the whole roof was a dark plum brown. New roofing materials have replaced the old galvanized, but we can still get that same rich-colored coating of oxidation. Rather than a new appearance, today’s homeowner and builder want a weathered, mellow look. Summit can install the steel roof bare, left to weather at its own pace, or it can be treated to “weather” quickly, or even to a specific color. Weathered steel rusts, and rust is corrosion and deterioration. Why intentionally cause corrosion on a brand new roof? Because it’s beautiful. And because rust forms a protective coating for the metal underneath.