Which is the best metal roof tile? Seven things to check

The best metal roof tile is the one for which you can check four figures in writing: the zinc coating (at least 225 g/m²), the sheet thickness (between 0.45 and 0.6 mm), the paint thickness and the years of warranty on the finish. The name on the label comes after them: two tiles that look the same can be very different in these figures.

1. How much zinc is on the sheet?

The service life of a sheet-metal roof depends largely on the zinc coating on the steel, given in grams per square metre. For a durable roof at least 225 g/m² is recommended; the higher protection is 275 g/m² (Z275). Zinc protects the steel even where the paint has been scratched.

BELPROFILE metal roof tiles have 275 g/m² with the PrinTech, BigStone and SunClear finishes and 225 g/m² with the Matt finish.

2. How thick is the sheet?

The usual thickness of metal roof tiles is between 0.45 and 0.6 mm. A thicker sheet is stiffer and harder to deform, which matters in areas with strong wind or heavy snow. Ask for the thickness of the steel sheet, as the technical sheet gives it.

BELPROFILE metal roof tiles are 0.50 mm thick and weigh 4 kg/m².

3. Which finish does it have?

The finish decides what the roof looks like after twenty years:

• glossy polyester (SunClear): the traditional protection of sheet metal;
• matt polyester (Matt): low light reflection and a colour that stays stable over time;
• textured matt (BigStone): seven layers, a grained surface, harder and more resistant, with 40 microns of paint;
• printed (PrinTech): ten layers, with a printed pattern.

4. What warranty does it have, and on what?

A good warranty says what it covers: the paint layer, the colour stability and the corrosion protection. At BELPROFILE the warranty is 40 years for the PrinTech and BigStone finishes, 30 years for Matt and 20 years for SunClear.

5. Does it suit the pitch of the roof?

Every roof covering has a minimum pitch, below which water no longer drains as it should. Metal roof tiles are installed on roofs with a pitch of at least 14°, that is 25%. Below that pitch another covering is chosen: click roofing sheets, from 12°, or standing seam, from 3.5°.

6. Does it come with the whole system?

A roof is not made of sheets alone. It needs ridges, valleys, flashings, snow guards and an anti-condensation membrane, gutters and downpipes, and a ventilation space between the eaves and the ridge, which removes condensation and protects the timber. The compatibility of these parts is essential for a watertight roof: that is why they are chosen made for the same profile.

7. Which profile suits you?

All five models side by side: compare the metal roof tile models.

In short

Ask in writing for the zinc coating, the sheet thickness, the finish and its warranty. Check the pitch of the roof. Take the accessories made for the same profile. Only then choose by colour and by shape. For the price per square metre, ask for a quote with the dimensions of your roof.