There are five common metal roofing materials to choose from: steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, and tin. Of these five, steel and aluminum are the most commonly used in residences, as materials like zinc cost a pretty penny, per Metal Panels Inc.
Steel, an iron alloy, has three variations: galvanized, galvalume, and weathering steels. Galvanized refers to the coating of zinc over steel to protect it from erosion (via Bridger Steel). Galvalume, on the other hand, combines zinc, aluminum, and silicone as a layer over steel to protect it from oxidation. On the other hand, weathering steel, as the name implies, intentionally exposes an outer layer of steel to the elements to create a layer of rust. This layer protects the inner steel from the same fate.
Regarding shingles, asphalt is the primary option for residential buildings (via CertainTeed). Its components include fiberglass, asphalt, and mineral granules, also referred to as composite shingles. There are up to 16 types of asphalt shingles, including 3-Tab shingles, architectural shingles, luxury shingles, and strip shingles (the most common.) These asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors, which makes them an attractive choice for homeowners.