A new range of steel roofing systems from a New Zealand manufacturer that are said to offer long life and low maintenance is being marketed in the Middle East by Saudi Arabia's Moeid Steel and Aluminium Company (MSAC).

The systems are manufactured by Metrotile (NZ) Ltd, a company which has over 50 years of experience in roofing, and they come in three ranges: MetroBond, MetroShingle and MetroShake.

"Metrotile roofing systems are designed for long life and low maintenance," says Hussam Moeid Al-Zamil, the general manager of the Dammam-based MSAC, which has recently been appointed as Metrotile's general distributor in the Middle East. "And they offer a dramatic alternative for builders and homeowners alike"

Metrotile roofs have a core of top-quality Zincalume-coated steel, to which is applied a thick acrylic coating and finally an acrylic overglaze.

The roofs generally weigh approximately 6 kg per sq m only, which is said to be around one-seventh the weight of concrete tiles, making installation easier and less expensive. The tiles are designed to interlock and overlap to resist wind lifting and shut out climatic extremes and they can be installed over an existing roof to enable remodelling of a home in a matter of days.

Detailing the features of the systems, a Metrotile spokesman says: "Metrobond stone ship-coated steel tiles combine the visual appeal of roofing tiles with the lightweight advantages of steel. They are available in 10 colours to complement a wide variety of styles and tastes.

"Metrotile Shingle," he continues, "is the latest chip-coated steel tile range, that recreates the look of traditional asphalt shingles without the traditional problems of delamination, lifting and general breakdown caused by UV (ultraviolet) rays. It can be applied using a lapping system that has no exterior fixings and is warranted against winds of up to 190 km per hour. Fully weatherproof with strong UV-resistant qualities, the system comes in seven attractive weathered tones to capture the popular shingle appearance. An innovative double-drop coating system recreates the traditional subtle colourings of lightly-weathered tiles.

"MetroShake features a deep profile designed to enhance shadow lines and visual contrasts, in a look reminiscent of traditional colonial homes. It comes in 10 colours and seven subtle weathered tones."

The roofs are manufactured at Metrotile's ISO 9001-certified facility and come with a warranty subject to proper installation, according to MSAC.

MSAC recommends that the roofs be installed along with Thermobar, described as a revolutionary hi-tech thermal barrier, for improved insulation.

"The benefits are that no matter what the season is, interior temperatures are far easier to control, ensuring reduced energy bills and improved comfort for occupants," says Al-Zamil. "The MSAC system reduces energy requirements substantially in three ways: deflection of radiant heat passing through the roof, ceiling, wall and floor structures; virtual elimination of air leakage and infiltration through the building's envelopes and the system acting as an excellent barrier, leaving building insulation layers dry."