Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Britmet tiles on coastal areas?

Yes, Britmet tiles can be used in coastal areas. However, for these environments, stainless steel or copper fixings must be used to ensure long-term performance and durability.

What can I use to clean Britmet metal roof panels?

Britmet roofing panels can generally be cleaned using a mild fungicidal or biocidal wash to remove algae, moss, or fungal growth.

Recommended cleaning method

  • Use a cleaning product suitable for metal or stone-coated roofing systems.

  • The product should have a neutral pH (around pH 7) when tested with litmus paper. This ensures it is neither acidic nor alkaline and will not damage the paint finish or protective coating.

  • Apply the solution using a low-pressure or soft-wash method to avoid disturbing the panel surface or stone granules.

What to avoid

To protect the coating and lifespan of the roof, do not use:

  • High-pressure washing, which can damage the protective coating or dislodge stone granules.

  • Abrasive cleaning methods.

  • Strong acidic or alkaline chemicals, as these can wear away the paint finish.

For heavier organic growth

If moss, algae, or fungal growth is more established:

  1. Apply the cleaning treatment.

  2. Allow time for the solution to break down the growth.

  3. Lightly rinse using a low-pressure method.

Using a neutral pH cleaning solution with a gentle application method will effectively remove organic growth while protecting the roof’s surface and coating.

 

Can Britmet granulated tiles and Liteslate be used on any type of building?

Yes, Britmet has been manufacturing lightweight roofing systems for all types of roofs since 1976. Our range of profiles is designed to suit a wide variety of applications, provided the roof pitch is above 5°.

How long does it take to install a Britmet Roof?

Installation time will vary depending on the profile selected and the complexity of the project. Britmet Lightweight Roofing systems are designed to be quick and efficient to install, with their lightweight design making them easier to handle compared to traditional materials. This can result in installation times of up to 3 times faster than traditional roofing materials.

How long will a Britmet roof last for?

Yes, Britmet roofing systems are designed to provide long-term durability and performance, supported by a 50-year warranty against weather penetration when installed in accordance with our guidelines.

Are Britmet tile profiles environmentally friendly?

Britmet metal tiles are recyclable at the end of their life (once the stone granules are removed). Steel is widely recognised as a sustainable material, as it can be continuously recycled without loss of performance. Britmet also holds ISO 14001 accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Britmet LiteSlate, our synthetic tile, is made from 94% recycled polymers and is fully recyclable at end of life.

Can I use Britmet for a conservatory roof replacement?

With current permitted development rules, you can usually replace your conservatory roof with a solid tiled roof without planning permission. Thanks to the lightweight nature of Britmet tiles, your conservatory’s existing structure is typically not put under additional strain.

Our systems are specifically suited to upgrading glass or polycarbonate roofs, helping to improve insulation, comfort, and year-round usability.

Britmet tiles are already used on conservatories across the UK, providing a durable and reliable roofing solution.

How light are Britmet roof tiles compared to other roofing products?

Liteslate – 12kg per m2
Shingle – 7kg per m2
Slate 2000 – 7kg (0.45mm steel base) 11kg (0.9mm steel base) per m2
Ultratile – 7kg (0.45mm steel base) 11kg (0.9mm steel base) per m2
Villatile – 7kg (0.45mm steel base) 11kg (0.9mm steel base) per m2
Profile 49 – 7kg (0.45mm steel base) 11kg (0.9mm steel base) per m2
Plaintile – 8kg per m2
Pantile 2000 – 11kg per m2"

Have Britmet roof tiles been tested in extreme weather conditions?

Yes. Britmet roofing tiles are independently tested and backed by a BBA certification, as well as a 50-year warranty against weather penetration when installed correctly.

As part of this certification, our systems have been tested for:

  • Wind and snow loading
  • Structural strength and durability
  • Fire performance
  • Weather resistance and water tightness
  • Condensation performance

This ensures long-term reliability in real-world UK conditions.

Will a Britmet roof be noisy in the rain if it’s a metal tile?

No, Britmet granulated tiles are designed to reduce sound, performing within 8 decibels of traditional clay tiles and making them up to 33% quieter than standard metal sheets.

Is a steel roof fire-safe?

Yes, Britmet metal tile profiles are manufactured from high-grade Aluzinc steel and are designed to achieve an AA fire classification, equivalent to traditional roof tiles and slates.

Our systems are also tested to BROOF (t4) standards, which assess two key factors:

  • That fire does not spread across the roof surface
  • That fire does not penetrate through the roof system

Britmet roofing systems meet these requirements when installed correctly, with the steel construction helping to resist fire spread and prevent penetration.

What is the lowest pitch a Britmet roof can be used on?
  • Liteslate – 12°
  • Shingle – 15°
  • Slate 2000 – 12°
  • Ultratile – 10°
  • Villatile – 10°
  • Profile 49 – 10°
  • Plaintile – 15°
  • Pantile 2000 – 5°

For maximum pitches, please see our individual product pages. 

What steel is used to manufacture the Britmet tiles?

Britmet's metal granulated tiles are made from the highest grade Aluzinc Steel. Each tile provides unmatched strength and exceptional performance when compared with traditional roofing materials.

How do Britmet Roofing products reduce transport costs compared to traditional roofing materials?

When compared with traditional concrete and clay roofing materials, Britmet (0.45mm) tiles are approximately 1/7th of the weight. As a result, one pallet of Britmet tiles can provide the same coverage as up to seven pallets of traditional roofing materials.

This reduced weight not only improves transport efficiency but also makes the tiles easier to handle on site, helping to reduce loading time and overall logistics. In turn, this contributes to a lower carbon footprint.

Is a Britmet roof easy to maintain?

Britmet lightweight roofing materials are renowned for being virtually maintenance free with a 50-year warranty!

How does the anti-vandal gauge work?

Britmet Lightweight Roofing manufacture lightweight tiles in both 0.45mm and 0.9mm thicknesses. Due to the fixing detail, this means vandals are unable to lift the tiles from the roof via hand, our 0.9mm thickness provides our clients with the best anti-vandal properties, increasing security, durability and protection from foot traffic.   

What certifications do Britmet tiles hold?

Britmet roofing systems are supported by certifications including BBA accreditation and testing to relevant industry standards. Please see our certifications page for full details here.

What flashings and accessories are available for a Britmet roof?

Each tile profile has an extensive range of lightweight flashings and accessories required for a full roof installation while complying with the BBA and our 50-year warranty. We are even able to offer a hire service for guillotines and benders or supply roof windows, such as Velux and Fakro, with your order.

I have no experience of fitting a roof, can you help?

Yes, Britmet provides full customer support and after-care. From concept to completion, we can assist with planning, quotations, and technical guidance.

We offer a range of YouTube tutorials and PDF installation guides to support installation, and our sales team is always on hand to answer questions or provide additional technical advice. If you would prefer not to install the roof yourself, we can also help connect you with an experienced contractor familiar with our systems.

I have a flat roof that I would like to raise a pitch on, is Britmet suitable?

Yes, Britmet offers a total roof solution, including lightweight roofing systems that are ideal for flat-to-pitch conversions. These systems can be designed as part of a built-up roof structure to improve drainage and performance.

Pantile 2000 can be installed at pitches as low as 5°, making it suitable for low-pitch applications.

How do the stone granules stay on the steel?

An acrylic primer is applied to the steel, before graded stone granules are embedded into a UV-resistant, water-based acrylic polymer. A final acrylic glaze is then applied, and the tile is cured in an oven to ensure a durable, long-lasting finish.  

If Britmet tiles are made from steel, does that mean that they will rust?

No, Britmet tiles are manufactured from Aluzinc steel, which is designed to provide a long service life. It combines the sacrificial protection of zinc with the corrosion resistance of aluminium, helping to protect the steel and ensure long-term performance.

Will the granule colour fade?

Britmet roofs are designed to stand the test of time, with many installations continuing to perform well beyond their original warranty period. Manufactured using high-quality pigments, our roofs maintain their appearance for years. However, as with any external material, a slight change in colour may occur over time due to environmental factors such as air pollution or organic growth (moss / algae etc).   

What are the weight comparisons between Britmet and traditional tiles?

 

Product Weight/sqm
Liteslate 12kg
Shingle 7kg
Slate 2000, Ultratile, Profile 49, Villatile 7kg (0.45mm) & 11kg (0.9mm)
Plaintile 8kg (0.45mm) & 12kg (0.9mm)
Pantile 2000 11kg
Standard Asphalt Shingle 15-25kg
Traditional clay/concrete tiles 45kg+ (the weight of these products increase when wet.)
Does Britmet offer a warranty?

Yes, Britmet roofing systems come with a 50-year warranty, when installed in accordance with our installation guidelines.

If you would prefer not to install the roof yourself, we can also recommend an extensive network of experienced installers local to you.

Will Britmet build a specification for my job?

Britmet are proud to offer full specifications at no charge.

Will Britmet help me with a supply and fix price?

Britmet work with an extensive list of approved roofing contractors and can help provide you with a supply and fix budget quotation.

Can I fit solar panels on a Britmet roof?

Yes, Britmet can now supply the full system if required.

Can I fit roof lights/roof windows in a Britmet roof?

Britmet work closely with many roof window manufacturers and have a flashing kit to suit all types of windows.

If Britmet tiles are made from steel, does that mean they will produce condensation?
No, when installed correctly, condensation is controlled through the use of insulation, a breathable membrane, and effective ventilation.

When installing a Britmet roof, an insulation layer is installed above the rafters, while a waterproof, breathable membrane is placed below to allow moisture to escape. It is also important that the roof is designed with adequate ventilation, typically from eaves to ridge, to ensure airflow through the system.

When these elements are correctly incorporated, the risk of condensation is minimised, providing a thermally efficient and suitable solution for the UK climate.
What happens if a Britmet roof gets struck by lightning?

Steel roofing materials are not more susceptible to lightning when compared with 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

What is a Britmet CPD?

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. Britmet CPD sessions are designed to explore the benefits of our roofing systems and products, and how they can be applied to real projects.

Sessions are delivered by our Specification Managers, who provide a detailed presentation and are available to answer any technical questions throughout.

Some examples of topics covered include:

  • Our structural liner tray system (Tactray 90)
  • Flat-to-pitch conversions
  • Rooftop developments
  • Case studies from previous projects
How are CPDs carried out?

Britmet CPD sessions can be delivered either virtually or in person, depending on your preference. Virtual CPDs are hosted on platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom, while face-to-face sessions can be arranged in-house at our head office.

Each session lasts approximately one hour and provides an informative overview of Britmet’s products, services, and total roof solution, along with the opportunity to ask technical questions and discuss project requirements.

What are the benefits of a CPD from Britmet?

A CPD session from Britmet provides valuable insight into the lightweight roofing sector, helping to expand your team’s knowledge of modern roofing systems, materials, and best practices. Our presentations are designed to support you and your projects by highlighting practical solutions that can be applied to current and future developments.

The sessions also provide an opportunity to discuss project challenges, ask technical questions, and explore how Britmet products may support upcoming designs or specifications.

How do I book a CPD with Britmet?

Booking a CPD with Britmet is quick and easy. Simply call our team on 01295 250998 or email us at sales@britmet.co.uk, and we’ll be happy to arrange a session that works for you.

Our team is always happy to help and answer any questions you may have.

How do I replace a broken tile?

Liteslate

  • Carefully wedge up the two tiles above the damaged tile to gain access.
  • Using a multi-tool, cut the damaged tile as far back as possible, keeping the cut as straight as you can (the original fixings will not be accessible).
  • Use the removed section as a template to cut a replacement tile.
  • Fit the new section into place, using mastic or a soldering iron to bond the new and existing tile where visible, helping to create a water-resistant seal.
  • Pre-drill or countersink, then fix the tile through the top.
  • Use a heat gun with tile wastage to cover the screw heads and improve weather protection.

Granulated Metal Panels

  • Remove the nails from the damaged panel and surrounding tiles (typically 8–12 fixings).
  • Carefully slide out the damaged panel.
  • Lift the neighbouring tiles and insert the replacement panel.
  • Re-fix the tiles by nailing back into position.
  • Apply a touch-up kit to cover any exposed fixings or marks.

Jargon Buster

A

Abutment: Where a Roof meets the side of a wall, dormer or chimney.

Apex: An Apex roof has a slope on either side of the roof (The word ‘Apex’ can also refer to the highest point of the roof where the two slopes meet.

B

Barge: A barge is a flashing fixed to the roof on a gable end (the slope).

Batten: A length of timber placed horizontally across the rafters, used to secure tiles/slates.

Batten Gauge: The measurement determined by the size of the tile/slate for space between each batten. **Correct batten spacing is essential for a weatherproof roof.

BBA: British Board of Agrément is a certification within the construction industry, indicating a high quality, experienced and reliable company or product. A BBA status is highly regarded and used by manufacturers in the industry as a symbol of superiority.

Bond: A description of the way tiles are laid eg, broken bond.

Building Preservation Order: Under Section 3 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, this order protects buildings of 'architectural or historic interest' from any demolition or alteration deemed harmful to the building’s character.

C

Cold Roof: A roof design where the insulation is laid between ceiling joists. This means that everything that goes above the insulation, eg, rafters, will be considerably colder than the space below it.

Condensation: The meeting of hot air and cold air causes water vapour in the atmosphere to turn to liquid. Eg, rising heat from the inside of the house and the cold underside of the roof covering will cause condensation.

Counter Batten: A vertical batten along the lines of the rafters, used where the frame has been boarded to give space where the felt/membrane and battens are fixed.

Course: A horizontal row of tiles.

Cover Width: The coverage of the tile across the width measurement.

CPD: Continuing Professional Development is the term used to describe the learning activities professionals engage in to develop and enhance their abilities.

D

Dry Fix: Secures the roof tiles to the roof without any cement.

E

Eaves: The part of a roof that meets/overhangs the walls of a building.

Environmental Impact Assessment: An Environmental Impact Assessment is a procedure that evaluates the impact a development may have on the environment.

F

Finial: A distinctive section or ornament at the apex of a roof, canopy etc.

Flashings: A material/accessory used to waterproof any change in surfaces of a waterproof system.

H

Hip: A protruding/sharp edge of a roof

I

Interface: Interfaces are areas of interaction between two or more aspects of a project. Physical interfaces happen when contractors are engaged in the same project or if their work interacts, whereas relationship interfaces happen between different project stakeholders; including contractors, legislative bodies, local communities etc.

Inverted Roof: An inverted roof, also referred to as a ‘protectedmembrane’ or ‘upside down’ roof, is form of flat roof in which the waterproofing layer is beneath the thermal insulation rather than above it.

L

Lambda Value : The Lambda value is used for thermal calculations on buildings and thermal components. Lambda value is relevant for heating applications in domestic and commercial buildings.

Lightweight Roofing: Lightweight roofing is a roofing material that weighs under 20Kg per square metre when fixed on a roof.

M

MMC: Modern Methods of Construction is a wide term, embracing a range of offsite manufacturing and onsite techniques that provide alternatives to traditional house building.

Monopitch: Only having one slope on a roof/building

Monoridge: If the monopitch roof is not attached to any other building, a ridge capping called a Monoridge can be used to waterproof the ridge.

O

Overhang: Part of something that extends or hangs over something else.

P

Part B: Fire Safety Building Regulations.

Part L: Building Regulations that means that the whole of that roof must be brought up to the thermal efficiency demanded by the current regulations.

Permitted Development: Under the terms of the Town and Country Planning Order, 'permitted development' relates to the permission for limited and minor forms of development without the need to make an application.

Pitch: The steepness of the slope of the roof

Purlin: A horizontal beam along the length of a roof, resting on principals and supporting the common rafters or boards.

PV (PhotoVoltaics): PhotoVoltaics (known as PV) are modules that convert sunlight directly into DC electricity and can be integrated into roofing systems.

R

Rafter: A rafter is a. sloped structural beam, such as wooden battens, that extend from the ridge or hip to the wall plate, downslope perimeter or eave, and that are designed to support the roof deck and its associated loads.

Ridge: Sometimes known as the peak of the roof or the highest point on a roof, represented by a horizontal line where two roof areas intersect, running the length of the area.

R-Value: An R-value is the measure of resistance for heat flow through the thickness of the material.

S

Side Lap: The amount by which one material, tile, shingle, etc. overlaps the adjacent one along its side or edge.

Soaker: A weatherproofing product that has been designed to sit between a tile and an object that protrudes from the roof/abutment.

T

Tender: A tender is a submission made by a prospect to supply a tender invitation. Within the construction industry, this is generally the selection of the contractor that will construct the work.

Truss: A framework, typically consisting of rafters, posts, and struts to support a roof.

U

Underlay: A water-resistant or waterproof barrier material that is installed directly onto your roof deck. It is applied under all other roofing materials as an added layer of protection from severe weather.

U-Value: Thermal transmittance (also known as U-value) is the rate of transfer of heat through a structure (which can be a single material or a composite), divided by the difference in temperature across that structure. The better-insulated a structure is, the lower the U-value will be.

V

Valley: A roof valley is formed where two roof slopes meet. Water collects in a valley to flow off the roof.

Verge: The edge of a roof which runs from eaves to ridge at a gable (also known as a barge).

Vertical Tiling: Another word for cladding.

W

Warm Roof: A warm roof is a type of roof construction which has an insulation layer above the rafters, and immediately below its weatherproof membrane