Using metal for architectural construction has a long history. While it has only become popular in the 20th century to construct completely metal buildings, there are many applications for metal over the centuries where it served better than traditional wood or tile.

Lead was first used as a major building metal for low pitch roofs. Lead could not be used for high pitch roofs as temperature fluctuations, especially in temperate zones, caused “creep” and metal fatigue. This problem with lead as a roofing material was solved in the 19th century by using it in “terneplate” by coating a sheet of iron or steel with a lead-tin alloy.

Tin is another metal that is still used for roofing. The process is similar to terneplate in that a steel or iron sheet is coated with tin. While it is more expensive than most other roofing materials, it does last quite a bit longer so the cost over the long-term can actually be less.

While pure zinc has been used as a building roofing material in Europe, it too was subject to temperature problems until the process of “galvanization” was developed. This zinc coated steel sheeting is regaining its popularity as the increase of all metal buildings has grown. This lightweight durable galvanized sheeting can serve for both the roof and the walls of a metal structure.

Copper, nickel, and nickel alloys have also been used for roofing and while some elements of a building can utilize aluminum, the only metal to make itself fully functional for all aspects of building material has been iron and its alloys, especially steel. Steel has been used extensively in large modern building s especially in the structural aspects. With the increased availability and lower cost it is being utilized more for all aspects of building, especially in the industrial and commercial markets as a cheap, long-lasting alternative to traditional wooden structures.

While stainless steel is expensive, it has been used to great effect for its extreme resistance to corrosion. One of the most famous buildings to make extensive use of stainless steel in its construction is the Chrysler Building in New York City.