Stainless Steel
Want to know a bit about the materials we use and the options available for your new hard metal roof? Below, we’ll set out some information about Stainless Steel and it’s use cases.
If you’re looking for a new metal roof, or to replace your current roof with a new hard metal roof and you’d like a bit more guidance from us about it then feel free to get in touch for a chat.
Sustainability
Stainless steel is the most sustainable of metals used in construction as it is infinitely recyclable. Its recovery rate is close to 100% but, due primarily to the long tray lengths in which it is installed, it presents no risk in terms of metal theft. Being completely environmentally neutral when in contact with water it does not leach potentially harmful elements so it is ideal where rainwater harvesting systems are to be used. Stainless steel grades can be ordered for use in marine environments as well.
Maintenance
Stainless steel is highly corrosion resistant, offering a long design life and with minimal maintenance and it’s easy to clean with mild detergent or soapy powder. Cleaning frequency depends on service conditions and though rain will clean naturally, if a cleaning regime is not put in place micro-organisms of dirt and organic growth may slowly accumulate.
Durability
Stainless steel has better mechanical properties than other metals, a distinct advantage when considering materials for roofing and façades. Thinner gauges enable a significant reduction in weight to be achieved while a combination of ductility, elasticity and hardness facilitate complex detailing while at the same time offering high resistance to friction, abrasion and impact.
Primary benefits
Stainless steel has strong mechanical properties at ambient temperatures in comparison with other materials, which is a distinct advantage for Building and Construction applications. It enables a reduction of weight per square metre or longer sections for structures which enables the use of 14 to 30 metres long roofing panels.
Cost comparisons
Stainless steel’s thickness is typically less than that of other metal roofing materials, which allows for the design of a lighter, more cost-effective supporting structure. Although low in weight, stainless steel has a high profile in terms of durability.
Compatibility
Stainless steel is highly resistant, this is why stainless steel is often the more economical solution for renovation projects. The surface area of the stainless steel roof is large and the fixings are small; galvanic corrosion may quickly deteriorate a less noble fixing, this is why stainless steel fixings are advised.
Incompatible products and run off
- Galvanized fixings
- Aluminium fixings
Future
Due to the large increase in theft over the last 20 years of lead roofing on heritage buildings, stainless steel has been employed as a good alternative. Stainless steel, much like all the hard metal roofing materials, has a long promising future.