Design

Metal tiles are press-formed to provide a variety of shapes resembling clay tiles, wooden shingles, or shakes. They are interlocked or overlapped laterally and longitudinally and are clipped or fastened to timber or steel battens.

Metal tiles, shingles, and shakes are normally manufactured from metallic-coated steel, although other metals can also be used.

Pressed steel tiles invariably have an additional protective and decorative coating applied over the metallic-coated steel. This may be an organic paint coating applied by either the steel manufacturer before the tiles are formed, or by the tile manufacturer after the tiles are formed. An alternative (and traditional) coating can be provided by applying crushed stone or ceramic granules (“chip”) to the base metallic-coated steel, which is attached by an adhesive coating; normally, a clear acrylic coat over the chip coating. Post-applied coating also provides cut-edge protection.

Pressed metal roofing tiles are installed by nominated agent fixers, trained and appointed by the manufacturers or their representatives. They are not normally supplied to other installers.