Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions that are not covered in this area, please contact us here.

How long has Stone-Coated Steel roofing been around?

Stone-coated steel roofing occurred during World War II when tar and sand were used to cover galvanized steel bunkers. After the war, the practice was commercialized and the first roofs were produced. Stone coated steel roofs have been protecting buildings since then, but the product technology today bears little resemblance to early practices due to advances in the chemistry of coatings.

Roofing Experience Counts 50 Years

Can you walk on a steel roof?

Yes.  Some care must be exercised while walking on the roof,  but note that roofers walk all over the tiles during the installation process.

Hail Resistance Lightweight

Is a stone-coated steel roof noisy in the rain?

No.  The dead space between the steel roofing panel and the underlayment minimize exterior noise even in a rainstorm. The stone-coating also reduces the noise of the rain when it hits the tiles.

How will a Tilcor roof stand up to extreme weather?

A Tilcor roof can withstand decades of abuse from extreme weather conditions including wind, heat, humidity and precipitation. Tilcor has many international test reports and actual field results confirming their products are earthquake, fire and freeze/thaw resistant and can withstand hurricane-forced winds of up to 193kph. With a minimal amount of periodic maintenance. Tilcor  will provide years of lasting performance.

Hail Resistance High Wind Resistance Fire Safe

How do the granules stay bonded to the steel?

An acrylic primer is applied to the Zincalume coated steel substrate by the steel mill. Graded, non-oiled stone granules are then embedded in a thick UV resistant water base acrylic polymer. A final layer of acrylic over-glaze is applied on top of the stone before the tiles are cured in an oven at a temperature of 120 degrees.

Protection from the Sun

Will a steel roof rust?

The ZINCALUME coated steel has been formulated to give a significantly longer service life than a galvanised coating. The ZINCALUME steel coating combines the corrosive protection of aluminium with the sacrificial protection of zinc, giving the advantages of both metals. The resulting alloy coating enhances corrosion resistance, making it ideal for such applications as roofing. This is why the tilcor roof system is referred to as “The Final Roofing System”, and is backed up with a 50 year prorated warranty.

Marine Environments 50 Years

Does the colour fade?

The history of Tilcor’s products demonstrates that fading is not a problem. Tilcor uses either naturally coloured or ceramic coated stone granules on their tiles. The natural stone cannot fade and the ceramic coated stone is manufactured with the highest quality pigments and fired at temperatures above 700 deg Celsius. Over time, a slight change in colour may occur due to settling of airborne contaminants. However periodic rain or washing the roof with a garden hose will keep the roof looking new.

Protection from the Sun

I’m concerned about the environment. Is the roofing material recyclable?

Yes, over sixty percent of most metal roofing materials are recyclable. Other roofing products are made of non-recyclable material.

Sustainable Lightweight

Is a steel roof fire safe?

Steel roofing is classified as a non-combustible roofing material (Class A). In new construction and in many re-roofing applications the metal roofing system is a Class A non-combustible roof assembly. That means it is the most resistant to fire.

Fire Safe

What about energy efficiency?

Metal roofs have a high reflectivity, which contributes to the overall energy efficiency of your home.

Sustainable Lightweight

Can I drink water from my roof?

Yes, rainwater collected from Tilcor roofs is safe to consume. After your new roof has been installed you need to wait for two good rainfalls before beginning collection.

Sustainable Hail Resistance

What is the installed weight of a steel roof in comparison to other products?


Lightweight Earthquake

Are steel roofs more susceptible to lightning strikes?

Steel roofing is no more susceptible to lightning than other roofing materials. It has been demonstrated that lightning strikes most frequently the highest points of terrain. Where concerns exist, lightning rods can be installed on roofs that are the highest point of surrounding terrain.

Does Tilcor offer a warranty?

Yes, when installed to the required standards and with the required maintenance Tilcor roofs can carry a warranty of up to 50 years. A five year installation warranty is also offered by the installers. A five year installation warranty is also offered by the installers.

50 Years

Why do people choose a Tilcor roof?

The Ross family who has  65 + years experience in roofing founded Tilcor. Tilcor is now a global supplier with roofs now installed in over 80 + counties around the world. Tilcor’s design focus is on simple, functional products that provide fast install times and an aesthetic look to suit any architecture. Tilcor ensures that their distributors are experienced and trustworthy companies that are able to provide professional advice with a complete back-up sales service so that homeowners are completely satisfied with their new roof.

Roofing Experience Counts