Choosing The Correct Steel Gauge: When Anti-Vandal Roofing Makes Sense

Not every roof faces the same challenges. Some need to prioritise ease of installation and aesthetics, while others must stand up to heavier use, public access or the risk of damage. Understanding steel gauge helps ensure the right roofing system is specified from the outset.

Standard Gauge: Designed for Everyday Performance

Most Metrotile profiles — including Bond, Roman, Woodshake and Shingle — use a .410mm steel gauge as standard. This thickness offers a proven balance of strength, durability and practicality, making it suitable for the vast majority of projects.

These tiles are:

• Easy to handle and install

• Safe to nail through

• Simple to cut and shape with the correct tools

They remain highly durable and are backed by Metrotile’s 40-year warranty when installed correctly. One simple best practice during installation is to walk on the nose of the tile, rather than the centre, to avoid denting.

When to Specify Anti-Vandal .900 Steel

For buildings exposed to higher risk, Metrotile offers .900mm gauge steel — a double-thickness option designed for added strength and security.

This gauge is used as standard on Slate .9 and is also available on Bond and Qube where required. It’s commonly specified for:

• Schools and colleges

• Hospitals and healthcare facilities

• Public sector and community buildings

• Low-level or publicly accessible roofs

In these settings, roofs are more likely to experience foot traffic, tampering or accidental damage, making a heavier-duty solution the sensible choice.

A Note on Installation

Because .900 steel is significantly stronger, it does need a different approach on site. Tiles must be screw-fixed rather than nailed, can’t be cut with guillotines and aren’t designed to be bent along their length. These measures ensure both installer safety and long-term roof performance.

Getting the Specification Right

Choosing the correct steel gauge early in a project avoids costly changes later on. With modern pressed metal roofing, it’s possible to achieve a traditional appearance while delivering the durability and security required for more demanding environments.

In short, the right gauge in the right place helps ensure the roof performs exactly as intended — now and for decades to come.

Do you have an upcoming project in which Metrotile’s anti-vandal .900 steel range could help? Contact us today.