What are Lightweight metal roofing systems?

What are lightweight metal roofing systems?

David Padmore, Sales Director at Metrotile explains more and introduces a new solar PV roof tile that is due to be released...

Since our first article in HA flagging up lightweight metal roofing systems as a viable and attractive option for social housing related roofing projects, we at Metrotile have had a load of requests for more information, many of which highlighted that the enquirer didn’t really understand the concept of lightweight metal roofing, so we’re taking the opportunity to revisit the basic information we shared to re-introduce readers to what exactly it is and what it can do for you and your projects.

For many people mention a ‘metal’ roofing system and they will conjure up a vision of corrugated metal sheets on a shed roof. They are missing out on possibly the most sustainable, eco-friendly and low maintenance roofing systems available in today’s roofing sector.

These roofing systems – the best-known ones come from Metrotile - are perfect options for residential and commercial properties – are widely used for social housing developments up and down the country, and on supermarkets, leisure centres, hospitals, schools and colleges, on conservatories, park homes, for vertical cladding and even on glamping pods – they are hugely versatile.

Steel roofing tiles look every bit as effective as traditional slate and tile roofs – coming as they do in a range of finishes - that from ground level are almost indistinguishable from traditional options.

And you can even specify metal tiles with solar panels incorporated in them if required. Metrotile is about to release its new solar PV embedded tile which offers the opportunity to reduce electricity bills for much of the year from your roof. Surprisingly cost effective – contact Metrotile today for more information on these brand new, energy generating roof tiles that will be with us in 2023.
 

Let’s take a closer look at lightweight metal roofing systems. Weighing in at around one seventh the weight of traditional roofing materials, they offer weight bearing benefits, and just imagine the transport benefits of using these lightweight metal tiles – you can transport seven times as many tiles on a truck and these tiles sees far less CO₂ generated during transport.

Once on site these metal tiles are simplicity itself to install. There is a technique to installation, but the tiles can be hand nailed into battens to provide a quick and easy to learn option for any competent installer for their construction projects. Downloadable installation guides and detailed, easy to understand You Tube videos on how to install lightweight metal tiles are available online.

The weight of the tiles on site, the ease of moving them around the site and on the roof itself, is a huge benefit. They are a perfect option for transport and loading and off-loading. The finished roofs are highly fire resistant and can even slow down the rate of spread of fires because of their construction. The roofs are also vandal proof and can withstand heavy footfall making them safe and durable.

Any organisation wanting a new way of providing roofing for their projects is looking for low maintenance as part of the deal. And lightweight metal roofing offers that along with a 40-year weatherproofing guarantee – that’s the best in the sector. And in the current climate when building materials need to be eco-friendly, you are working with a product that is 100% recyclable as well.

Price? The size of metal roofing tiles compared to traditional ones means the price per metre squared tends to be much lower for metal tiles. And the ease of installation sees a massive saving on installation time and project costs over traditional roofs.  

Lightweight metal roofing systems come with all the certificates and quality marks - ISO9001 and ISO14001 certificates, BBA, CE Mark, BIM and 3D Renders, fire ratings, CPD seminars, training, risk analysis.

To find out more about Metrotile’s range of lightweight roofing products, call today on 01249 658 514 or use the contact form on the website for a quick response.