50+ years.

Driving through Eastern europe and in the Alps I noticed that they are very popular -- was wondering if it was a cost thing or if they are simply better in colder/harsher climates -- my guess is both.

Steel roofs are particularly well-suited to areas that receive heavy snowfall. The snow tends to slide right off, instead of dangerously accumulating on an asphalt roof.

Have steel roof, can confirm. It makes a satisfying sliding then silence then thump noise.

It makes shoveling a path adjacent to the house kind of a pain because you have to shovel it after snow falls and then again after the snow falls from the roof. Shoveling snow is also a lot more interesting when you have to listen for the sliding sound and GTFO or hug the house if you hear it.

Overall 10/10.

Or a popping, followed by an entire-house-shaking moment of terror. This one wasn't actually that bad from a shaking standpoint, but still caught me off guard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjDKoiwUk1M