claddings

Selecting roof
claddings
Given the many design and statutory requirements for roofing, and the large range of
claddings available in today’s market, how do we select the right roofing for a building?
By Alide Elkink, Freelance Technical Writer, Wellington

W
hen deciding on a roof cladding,
Table 1: Minimum roof pitch for roof claddings.
selection may be based on style,
appearance, cost, durability, Roofing type Profile/style Minimum Conditions E2/AS1
pitch compliant
performance, environmental
conditions or maintenance requirements. Roof EPDM butyl roof 1.5° Roofs 4
cladding also needs to meet the requirements Deck maximum area 40 m2;
of New Zealand Building Code clauses B1 no steps (except into gutters),
EPDM/butyl deck 1.0° 4
Structure, B2 Durability, C3 Spread of fire, E2 no integral roof gardens and
Membrane roofing
External moisture and F2 Hazardous building no discharge onto deck
and decking
Polymer-modified bitumen See manu-
materials.
/PVC/water- and solvent- facturers
8
based liquid membrane/ specs.
Roof pitch mastic asphalt
One option on which to base selection is roof 10° 4
pitch. All roof claddings have a minimum Corrugated
8° If no end laps 4
permitted pitch – either the minimum
4° Where crest height < 27 mm 4
recommended by the manufacturer, or as set Profiled metal roofing Trapezoidal 3° Where crest height > 27 mm 4
out in E2/AS1 (see Table 1). (max. length = 18 m) Trough 3° 4
Based on minimum permitted pitch, roofs Custom profiles (copper,
may be categorised as flat or low (which Dependant on profile, length
zinc, aluminium, stainless 3–10° 8
of trays and local conditions
includes roof decks), medium and steep pitch steel)
(see Table 2). Bitumen-impregnated 12–15° min. recommended,
Corrugated 8° 8
organic fibre roofing with sheet end joints sealed
Flat and low pitch roofs and decks Shakes and shingles
18° 8
For low pitch roofs and decks (less than 3°), (timber)

the only cladding option is a membrane roofing Shingles (asphalt) 10° 15–18° min. recommended 8
system. Standard 12° 4
Pressed metal tiles1
Membrane roofing systems Shake style 15° 4
Membrane roofing systems may consist of: 15° With underlay 4
❚❚ sheet material with lapped side joints (roll-out Concrete – type I
20° Without underlay 3
4
sheets), or lapped side and end joints such
as butyl rubber, polymer-modified bitumen Concrete – type II 20° With underlay 4
sheets (PMBS), EPDM and PVC Masonry tiles 2
Concrete – type III 25° With underlay 4
❚❚ liquid-applied membranes (water- or solvent- (to rafter length
based) 4.5 m) 20° With underlay 4
Terracota – type I
❚❚ a system built up on site such as mastic 25° Without underlay 3 4
asphalt or polymer-modified mastic asphalt.
Terracota – type II 20° With underlay 4
Two membrane roofing systems, butyl rubber
and EPDM (see Table 1), comply with Acceptable Terracota – type III 25° With underlay 4

Solution E2/AS1. They are permitted to be laid Slate Natural/man-made 25° 8

to a minimum slope of 1.5° for roofs and 1° 1
Pitch must be increased by 1° for each additional 0.5 m of rafter length over 12 m.
slope for decking, but with conditions (see 2
Pitch must be increased by 1° for each additional 0.5 m of rafter length over 4.5 m.
3
Roof underlay is required for any roof receiving discharge from a spreader.

BUILD December 2008/January 2009 57

Table 1). BRANZ recommends a minimum Table 2: Categories of roof pitch. pitch
slope of 3° for membrane roofing. depth
Category Pitch
Selection considerations Corrugated
Generally, membrane roofing systems are Flat or low < 3°
pitch
light-weight, provide good durability and can be Medium 3–10°
depth
readily patched if damaged. They can be used
Steep > 10°
on curved roofs as well as low pitched roofs Trapezoidal
pitch
but should not be used in situations where
the membrane will be permanently stretched roofing only. An alternative solution must be trough
or stressed. used to demonstrate compliance with E2 for all
Trough
They must be fully supported on construction other metal roofing profiles.
ply or a concrete substrate and be installed by Corrosion risk Figure 1: Metal roof profiles.
licensed applicators according to manufacturers’ Corrosion is the primary issue with metal
instructions. All roofing system components roofing. New Zealand’s very high atmospheric
should be supplied by the same manufacturer. salt content means that corrosion occurs
Metal most likely to corrode
Some require recoating to maintain integrity almost everywhere in the country. Appropriate
(anodic)
and performance, the frequency of which materials and finishes must be selected for
depends on the product. the conditions – classifications include mild,
Membrane thickness moderate, severe, severe (marine), very severe zinc/aluminium alloy-coated steel
Sheet roofing membrane thicknesses range (industrial and geothermal).
from 1.0–2.5 mm, except for polymer-modified Another type of corrosion risk is incompatibility aluminium
bitumen, which may have a sheet thickness of different metals, e.g. when different roofing, galvanised steel, zinc
of up to 5.0 mm. Liquid membranes typically roof fixings or flashing materials are in contact.
have a finished thickness ranging between 0.5– When two dissimilar metals are in contact in a
titanium zinc
2.0 mm (depending on the number of coats, damp environment, electro-galvanic action will cadmium
formulation and the reinforcing used). Mastic result in the corrosion of the metal that is higher
carbon steel
asphalt, applied as a hot-mix, aggregate-bound on the galvanic table (see Figure 2). The greater
bitumen, is laid in two or three layers to give up the distance apart on the table two metals are, lead
to 40 mm total thickness. the greater the rate of corrosion. Corrosion will
tin
even occur when two metals are not in physical
Medium pitch roofs (3–10°) contact; if water passes over a metal that brass
For medium pitch roofs between 3° and 10°, the is lower on the galvanic table and then flows copper
roofing options extend to include metal roofing. over another metal that is higher on the table,
corrosion will occur. bronze
Metal roofing
Corrugated, galvanised mild steel has a long Metal roofing – generally monel
history of use in New Zealand and has become Mild steel roofing requires protection as it
nickel
a construction icon. However, it has largely is particularly susceptible to corrosion from
been replaced by zinc/aluminium alloy-coated atmospheric salts and pollutants. A protective stainless steel
mild steel. Metal roofing materials include: coating, either zinc/aluminium alloy coating or
❚❚ zinc/aluminium alloy-coated mild steel (may galvanising (zinc coating) acts as a ‘sacrificial’
Metal least likely to corrode
be factory-paint finish or unpainted) metal, that is, it will oxidise (corrode) over time but (cathodic)
❚❚ galvanised (zinc-coated) mild steel (may be provide protection to the metal underneath. Paint
factory-paint finish or unpainted) may be applied after installation, or as a factory-
❚❚ aluminium applied finish that provides a low-maintenance
Figure 2: Galvanic series indicates the incompatibility of
❚❚ copper coating until the end of its serviceable life different metals.
❚❚ stainless steel (typically 15 years in severe environments and
❚❚ zinc up to 30 years in mild environments). and avoid ponding. Annual cleaning will also
❚❚ lead. Other metals are more resistant to corrosion help extend the life of metal roofing.
Standard profiles include corrugated, trapezoidal because they:
or trough sections (see Figure 1). Custom ❚❚ are less reactive metals (copper, zinc, lead) Steep roofs (over 10°)
profiles include a range of sections as well as ❚❚ form a natural protective oxide layer The options for roofs with pitches over 10°
flat, pressed or folded sheet finishes. (aluminium). extend to include concrete and terracotta tiles,
E2/AS1 sets out minimum pitches for All metal roofing should be designed with pressed metal tiles, shakes and shingles and
corrugated, trapezoidal or trough profiled metal sufficient fall to receive regular rain washing bitumen-impregnated organic fibre roofing.

58 BUILD December 2008/January 2009

 Table 3: Roofing selection chart.
Membrane roofing
BIOF1 Suitable Colour/finish
Suitable environments systems – Metal roofing profiles Weight Accessories
profile substrates options
application

Protection from UV required

Severe marine/industrial

Unfinished/natural
Pressed metal tile

Framing/purlins
Custom profiled
Built up on site
Liquid applied

Limited range
Full support
Geothermal

Trapezoidal

Wide range

Wide range
Corrugated

Corrugated
Single ply
Moderate

Paintable
Multi-ply

Battens
Marine

Trough

Heavy

None
Light
Mild

Materials
Membrane roofing
Butyl rubber 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
EPDM 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
PVC 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Modified PVC (VET) 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Polymer-modified
bitumen sheet 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Water-based liquid
membrane 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Solvent-based liquid
membrane 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Mastic asphalt 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Metal roofing
Zinc/Al alloy-coated
mild steel 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Galvanised mild steel 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Aluminium 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Copper 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Zinc 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Stainless steel 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Lead 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Tiles
Terracotta 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Concrete 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Slate 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Pressed metal 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Shakes and shingles
Timber 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Asphalt 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Bitumen-impregnat-
ed fibre 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
1
Bitumen impregnated organic fibre cladding

Masonry Tiles roofs can be difficult to achieve. They should depending on the clay used. Both concrete and
Concrete and terracotta tiles are extremely not be used where the roof is walked over terracotta tiles have a range of matching fittings
durable and provide very low maintenance regularly and, as a heavy roofing material, the and accessories.
roofing with warranties that may be up to roof framing must be designed accordingly. Damaged tiles can easily be replaced.
50 years depending on the manufacturer. Tiles Concrete tiles are available in a range of Maintenance of tile roofs involves occasional
can be used in all environments and for steeply colours including two-tone effects. Terracotta cosmetic cleaning to remove mosses or lichens,
sloping roofs. They are not suitable for curved tiles are also available in a range of coloured although tile performance is not affected by
roofs, and satisfactory installation on small glazed finishes and natural clay colours the growths.

BUILD December 2008/January 2009 59

Pressed metal tiles tend to have a more highly textured surface ❚❚ heavy kraft paper or impregnated roofing felt
Pressed metal tile roofing is typically G300 than shingles. continuous underlay (for roof pitches over
grade zinc/aluminium alloy-coated mild steel When the timber is suitably treated, or 30°), or
with a natural stone chip protective coating or naturally durable timber is used, shingles and ❚❚ heavy-weight building paper or wax-coated
a prepainted finish. These roofs have properties shakes provide a low maintenance roofing kraft paper for interleaving with shingles or
very similar to metal roofing. material. Their serviceable life depends on the shakes (for roof pitches under 30°).
Slate tiles environment – in damp conditions, they may Asphalt shingles
Most slate is imported, making it a relatively need replacing in 7–10 years, but will last much Asphalt shingles are manufactured from
expensive roofing material. It is available as a longer in a drier climate. fibreglass-reinforced asphalt with a stone chip
natural or a man-made product, and its cost is Timber should be premium or No. 1 grade. Most surface to create a very stable, durable material
directly related to the slate’s quality. shakes and shingles available in New Zealand are that gives a long serviceable life; heavier weight
Slate is laid progressively up the roof made from imported western red cedar, a timber shingles have warranties of 25 years or longer.
slope, with each row lapped over the previous popular in North America for its durability, low They can be used in all environments as they
one and the edge joint offset by half a slate, thermal and moisture movement properties, high are corrosion and rot resistant. They provide low
so there are three layers at any point on the strength to weight ratio and ability to be pressure- maintenance roofing during their serviceable
roof. It is very low maintenance, and good quality treated. New Zealand-produced timber is generally life, although lichen and moss removal may be
slate will remain serviceable for many years. ACQ-treated radiata pine. required occasionally. Damaged shingles are
Timber shakes and shingles Although they can be laid to a minimum pitch of easily replaced.
Timber shakes and shingles are very similar 18°, steeper pitches (25–30°) are recommended A 15–18° pitch is recommended as a minimum,
claddings. Shingles are sawn to produce to shed water more effectively. although, with special installation procedures, they
a tapering thickness with relatively smooth They require full substrate support (full sarking or may be laid to pitches as low as 10°. They require
front and back faces; shakes may be split and close-spaced boarding) and underlay – either a: full substructure support (plywood or close-butted
horizontal boards). As roof valleys are easily formed
by bending the shingles, they are well suited to
complex roof shapes.
During installation, temperatures need to be
at least 10°C or they can become brittle and
crack easily.
Bitumen-impregnated organic fibre
roofing
Bitumen-impregnated organic fibre roofing is
manufactured as a corrugated sheet material. It is
a light-weight roofing material that is manufactured
from organic fibres saturated with bitumen under
intense pressure and heat. Although it can be laid
on roof slopes as low as 8°, 12–15° minimum
pitch is more typically recommended, and sheet
end joints must be sealed.
It is corrosion and fume-resistant, econom­
ical, requires only simple tools for fixing, and its
flexibility and light-weight gives planning and design
freedom over many other roofing materials.
While it is available in a range of pre-pigmented
colours, New Zealand’s high ultraviolet levels
means fading will occur over time, so painting
is required to maintain the roofing colour.

There are many roof claddings on the market. Understanding their requirements is important to ensure an appropriate product is
chosen for each building.

60 BUILD December 2008/January 2009