Built To Last: The Lightweight Steel Roof Still Going Strong After 35+ Years
Think back to 1990. The internet was only just beginning, mobile phones were far from an everyday essential and many of the technologies we now take for granted were still years away. A lot has changed since then. But on one outbuilding roof, one thing hasn’t needed to.
Installed in 1990, this Metrotile roof, in the Decra Oberon profile, is still going strong more than 35 years later. Despite decades of exposure to the British weather, the roof remains waterproof, its stone-coated granule finish has retained its colour and, most importantly, the customer has experienced no issues with its performance.
It’s a simple example of something that has always been at the heart of the Metrotile roofing system: a roof should be built to last.
How Long Does a Metrotile Roof Last?
When choosing a new roof, it’s easy to focus on how it will look when the installation is first completed. But a roof is a long-term investment, and its performance over the years to come is just as important. Metrotile lightweight steel roofing systems are designed with longevity in mind, combining the strength of steel with multiple protective coatings to create a durable roofing solution capable of dealing with demanding weather conditions.
This roof, installed back in 1990, provides a great real-world example of that long-term performance. More than three decades later, it continues to perform the same fundamental job it was installed to do: keeping the building beneath it protected from the elements.
A Roof Designed to Withstand the British Weather
Over the course of 35+ years, a roof will experience thousands of days of changing conditions; from heavy rain and strong winds to frost, snow and prolonged summer sunshine. That makes durability an important consideration when comparing different roofing materials.
Metrotile’s lightweight steel roof tiles combine a strong steel core with protective coatings and a durable exterior finish, helping to provide long-term resistance against the elements while retaining the appearance of a traditional tiled roof. The fixing method also means Metrotile tiles are securely fixed to the roof structure, helping the system withstand severe weather and reducing the risk of individual tiles becoming displaced.
For this particular roof, decades of exposure haven’t compromised its ability to keep the building dry.
Colour That Has Stood the Test of Time
Longevity isn’t only about remaining waterproof. One of the most striking things about seeing this roof more than 35 years after installation is how well the granule finish has retained its appearance and colour. Installed in the Decra Oberon profile in the ‘Bark’ colour, years later the distinctive, natural brown stone chips have held their colour, keeping the aesthetic appearance the client originally opted for back when first selecting the roof choice.
A roof makes up a significant part of the exterior of a property, so maintaining its appearance over time is an important part of its overall lifespan. The condition of this installation after more than three decades demonstrates just how well a quality roofing system can age.
Backed by a 40-Year Weatherproof Guarantee
Today, Metrotile roofing systems are supported by a 40-year weatherproof guarantee, giving property owners additional reassurance when choosing a roof designed for long-term performance. Of course, no single installation can determine how every roof will perform. Factors including installation, roof design, location and ongoing building conditions can all play a part.
However, seeing a Metrotile roof continuing to perform after more than 35 years provides a valuable real-world example of the longevity our lightweight steel roofing systems are designed to deliver.
Roofing for the Long Term
Roofing technology has developed significantly since this particular project was completed in 1990. Metrotile itself has continued to evolve, with new profiles, finishes and roofing solutions developed to meet the changing demands of UK construction.
But the fundamental requirement hasn’t changed. A roof needs to protect the building beneath it – reliably, year after year.
More than 35 years after this Metrotile roof was installed, that’s exactly what it’s still doing. Do you have a building you’re looking to protect with a secure roof and little to no maintenance? Contact us to see how we can help.