George Elliott, Contributor
THE ZINC/ALU-STEEL sheet is the most versatile and is still the preferred type of roofing solution among low-cost houses that are configured with hip and valley, flat/shed or gable frame.
It is available in circular as well as wide-trough/industrial profiles.
This does not mean that it is not being used on middle-income residences, but because of the low cost associated with this type of material however, there is some apprehension in using it on certain types of buildings for fear of "devaluing" the particular property.
A competent carpenter can most certainly effect installation, and care must be taken to ensure that the hip and ridge cappings are sufficiently wide to prevent water from being blown underneath. This type of roofing material is also widely used on industrial buildings and can be produced in varying lengths and colours.
ALU-STEEL ROOFING TILES
Should I show a bias towards the alu-steel roofing tiles, it is with good reason. None of the distress calls dealt with by this roofing contractor from the recent flood rains have been associated with alu-steel.
The simple explanation is that its interlocking feature makes this type of roofing solution extremely resistant to both wind and rain and as an added feature it is also highly fire and earthquake resistant.
It was previously noted that the cedar shingle could be re-covered without incurring the additional cost of stripping the shingles from the roof. This cost saving and entirely practical solution can only be properly achieved through the use of the alu-steel metal tile.
The versatility of this type of roofing solution makes it installable over open rafters as well as the sarked ceiling. The only slight down side to the alu-steel metal tile is the requirement for a minimum slope, which is consistent with achieving maximum resistance against wind and rain. Testimony to the alu-steel metal tiles is the roofing material's outstanding performance during the onslaught of Hurricane Gilbert in September 1988.
George Elliott is managing director of Coverall Roofing Limited. Feedback at elliott@kasnet.com.
