Below is a brief description of each of the metals that we use for metal roofing and cladding.

Zinc looks great and brings out the real qualities of a building design. The energy consumption is quite low compared to other metal roofing materials.  Zinc has an impressively long lifespan and less need for repair and replacement. It is also lightweight, meaning it adds no structural stress on the building.   Zinc is extremely strong and a durable material as well as cost effective.   Zinc roofing is particularly suitable for schools, residential buildings, ecclesiastical and commercial buildings.

Copper is malleable, beautiful, soft and a great metal for roofing.   It is naturally resistant to corrosion and does not need any form of extra coating. It puts less structural stress on a building as it is lightweight, though being slightly heavier than stainless steel.  Copper roofs are strong, ideal in harsh weather environments and last up to 50 years or more.   It is highly resistant to fire and is energy efficient. Although copper roofing has numerous advantages, it’s more expensive compared to other metal roofing, and the fact that it is soft means it can scratch and dent more easily.

Aluminium is attractive and malleable and comes in a great variety of roofing types and designs.   Aluminum can be formed into individual tiles or shaped into panels that mimic the look of tiles. It is also lightweight and therefore will not add stress to a structure.   Once installed, one of aluminum’s most important advantages is its great durability – it does warp, crack, or burn and, unlike steel, it is extremely corrosion-resistant (does not rust) – a significant advantage in coastal areas or those with high rainfall.

Stainless steel is one of the most popular types of metal roofing for its relatively low prices and high strength. Steel offers a longer lifespan, better strength, better environmental sustainability and lower long-term cost.  The only disadvantage of steel is that it can rust, so manufacturers normally cover them with zinc or zinc-aluminium anti-corrosive coating.   Stainless steel is an excellent choice for schools, ecclesiastical, residential and business use.

Steel can last for at least thirty years, doesn’t crack or shrink and is most often constructed from zinc-coated steel with great resistance to corrosion such as weather variations and environmental factors such as sunlight and humidity.   Some steel is made up of as much as twenty-five percent recycled materials. Besides being lighter and stronger than many roofing materials, steel roofing is available in a plethora of shape and colour options that mirror the look of more traditional roofs and is resistant to fire.