Looking at investing in a new roof or in the process of deciding what kind of roof you want for your new home? Depending on your specific needs, deciding on profiled steel roofing products such as Colorsteel or ColorCote could be the best decision you have ever made for the ongoing longevity of your home.
To find out if profiled steel roofing is the right choice for you, let’s delve into the pros and cons of investing in this type of roofing. But first, let’s define exactly what steel roofing is, and the different types you’ll find here in New Zealand.
Types Of Steel Roofing In NZ
Steel roofing, sometimes known as metal roofing or longrun roofing, is sheets of profiled steel that have colour and protective layers applied. These steel sheets are specifically designed for roofing but can be used for other applications around the home such as fencing, sheds and aesthetic features. Profiled steel roofing is the most commonly used type of roofing in NZ. There are three main types of profiled steel roofing in NZ.
Long Run Roofing
When most people think of steel or metal roofing they think of long-run roofing iron (sometimes referred to by its well known product description – Colorsteel). Long run roofing has been around since the 1960’s and is made from pre-painted steel sheets formed with alternating grooves and ridges (profiles) to provide added strength.
Long run roofing differs from traditional set-length metal sheet roofing (pre-1960’s) as it has meant that roofs could be made from cut-to-length sheets without as many overlaps which make the roof more susceptible to corrosion.
Long run steel sheets come in a range of profiles and colours to complement any style of home. Colorsteel is New Zealand’s most widely recognised product range with other product lines from brands such as ColorCote close contenders. Metalcraft and Roofing Industries are the two main manufacturers of profiled steel roofing in NZ.
Metal Tile Roofing
Also made of steel, pressed metal tile roofing is similar to long run roofing except it is produced in smaller more detailed sections designed to look as though they are tiles. This provides the homeowner with a seemingly tile clad roof but without the added weight, maintenance or installation issues.
The main difference between metal tiles and long run roofing is the way it is processed. Metal tiles are “pressed” into the desired shape while long run roofing is fed through a rolling compression machine to create a continuous profile. Some of the main manufacturers of metal tiles in NZ are Metrotile, Gerard and Monier.
Steel-based tiles are more affordable, versatile, lightweight and easier to install than their heavier clay or concrete counterparts. Metal tiles typically come in easy-to-handle sheets about 1400mm x 450mm.
Corrugated Iron
The term corrugated iron is widely used to describe steel/metal roofing in New Zealand. In its true state it is formed with equal corrugations or a linear ridged ‘S’ shaped pattern but technically it can be used to describe long run roofing in any form. However, most if not all tradies, builders, DIY’ers and construction professionals would refer to the ‘S’ shaped long run roofing as corrugated iron.
Corrugated iron or corrugated sheet metal has been used as a building material in New Zealand for decades since early European settlers first arrived here. It is also often used in fencing, for sheds, carports, art, furniture and as decorative features on the home.
It is interesting to note that while the name refers to “iron” it is actually made of steel. In its early days iron was used in the manufacturing process, but this was replaced with steel in the early 1900’s.
10 Benefits Of Long Run Roofing
Metal or steel roofing has made huge advancements in the past 50 years and now matches if not exceeds the benefits of other more expensive roofing materials. It has achieved this through the developments of added protection systems aiding in the reduction of corrosion, and general wear and tear. Metal roofing solutions often carry long warranties and make ideal choices for renovations, restorations, and new builds. Here are just a few of the benefits of choosing long run roofing or metal tiles for your new roof.
- Flexibility Of Use. Steel’s primary advantage over other materials in this list is its flexibility of use. It offers a lightweight roofing solution that is easy to install, transport and store for any roofing project. Steel roofing also easily incorporates skylights, and other roof features into the roof’s design.
- Excellent Durability. Steel roofing systems are well known for their durability. This is because they are not susceptible to cracking or splitting under New Zealand’s harsh climate conditions.
- High Wind Resistance. A properly fastened steel roof is as secure, if not more so, than any other traditional roof types.
- Good Longevity. Most roofs composed of steel cladding have a guaranteed lifespan of 30+ years. They won’t rot and are highly resistant to insect infestation, mould and mildew. Steel roofing is designed to resist the harshest of weather including snow, hail, rain, sun and wind making it ideal for all areas of New Zealand. With regular maintenance checks, steel roofing will last for decades.
- Light Weight. Steel roofing products are very lightweight in comparison to alternate roofing materials such as concrete tiles, timber or membranes. A clay tile for example can absorb up to 15% of its weight in moisture. This added to its initial weight can place extra strain on the roof’s structure. The reduced weight of steel roofing means there is less of a burden on the structure of the home, making it ideal for earthquake prone areas.
- Low Maintenance. Longrun metal roofs are easily cleaned and maintained, requiring very little maintenance over their lifetime. A simple hose down to remove any leaves or debris and an annual roof check to catch any fasteners that may need a tighten or potential problem areas – and that’s about it.
- Good Range Of Colours And Profiles. Whether you choose long run steel, metal tiles or just stick with corrugated iron there are a wide range of colours and finishes available to suit any application.
- Energy Efficient And Environmentally Friendly. Because metal is reflective it will deflect some of the sun’s radiant heat away from your home, making it cooler in the summer. Metal roofing products are also fully recyclable.
- Fire Resistant. Steel is not combustible so it does not catch on fire.
- More Affordable. Long run steel roofing is, generally speaking, more affordable than other types of roofing here in NZ. This is largely attributed to the low manufacturing cost and sourcing of the materials, ease of use, rapid installation times and extremely low ongoing maintenance costs.
4 Disadvantages Of Longrun Roofing
As with any and all product choices on a construction project, there are always going to be a few drawbacks to the final result. The good news is for profiled steel roofing there aren’t many!
- Improper Installation. Generally speaking, most roofing issues that appear when using long run roofing or metal tiles stem from improper installation, and are not a result of the product itself. Always use professional and experienced roofing installers.
- Exposed Fasteners. In most metal roofing systems, the metal panels are attached to the roof with screws. These screws are considered ‘exposed fasteners’ as they are visible on the surface of the roof. They can sometimes compromise the integrity of the roof if not installed properly.
- Denting. If you hit your long run roofing iron or metal tiles with something hard enough – you will dent them. This could be as simple as a heavy branch falling on the roof, flying debris in strong winds, or dropping something heavy on the roof when carrying out regular maintenance.
- Metal Roofing In Coastal Areas. Being an Island nation, in New Zealand there aren’t many places that are not close to the coast or subject to varying levels of sea spray. Can you use long run iron and metal roofing when you live by the sea? The short answer is – Yes! It is true that sea spray does contain salt and other electrolytes that can increase the oxidation of metals and lead to more rapid corrosion. However, advances in the manufacturing of profiled steel roofing products such as Colorsteel long run iron and metal tiles have meant that these products now withstand the additional corrosive strain of coastal properties just as well if not better than alternate roofing options. Examples of these products are the Colorsteel Endura and Maxx product lines.
3 Top Tips To Take Away
Keep these five things in mind when figuring out what type of steel roofing to clad your new roof with and you can’t go wrong!
1. Look For Specialised Roofing Products That Suit Your Environment
Whether your property is coastal, inland or on top of a hill you will find there are steel roofing products best suited to the differing environments. Finding the right product will ensure added longevity and the least amount of maintenance.
2. Always Factor In The Wind
In New Zealand, sea spray isn’t the only common factor to look out for when installing a profiled steel roof. It can get windy here. Very windy. Wind damage is one of the most common causes of roof damage worldwide. Ask your roofer about wind zones and their associated considerations such as spacing between the fasteners, roofing materials and roof pitch to ensure maximum wind resistance.
3. There Is No Substitute For Quality Workmanship
You can buy all of the best products available in the world but without proper installation by experienced professionals you won’t get the best out of your roof. Roofing installers should provide customised installation to suit the design of your roof and its location. When selecting your roofer, always choose reputation and experience first.
If you want the best out of your steel roof, then talk to the people who’ve been installing them for over 15 years. With a guarantee for the job to be completed on time and on budget you can rest assured you are in good hands with the team at Action Reroofing. We offer free roof inspections and quotes, so get in touch with us now to talk about your specific needs.
