When designing rainwater collection systems, plastic is still the most popular material to use. Steel has many advantages, however, that make it a superior choice in many respects. Strong, long lasting and attractive, a steel rainwater collection system in fact has many of the same advantages as a Metrotile steel roof!

Durability

Steel is much tougher and more hardwearing than plastic, meaning a steel system will usually last significantly longer than a plastic one. You are also likely to experience far fewer problems with leaks and other maintenance issues, making steel a relatively hassle-free option.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that the structural strength of steel systems make them able to stand up better to extreme weather and additional loads, such as snow and leaf build-ups. Another thing they have in common with Metrotile!

Aesthetics

Although plastic and steel rainwater collection systems may look quite similar when first installed, over time steel definitely has the advantage here. Many plastic components will discolour with prolonged exposure to UV light, which is not an issue with steel. This means your steel system will continue to look as good as new (with a little TLC) for decades, while a plastic system will often deteriorate considerably. Steel components can also be selected with a number of highly attractive metallic finishes which are usually not available with plastic systems.

Costs

The main appeal of plastic is its price. A plastic rainwater collection system will generally be much cheaper than one made from steel due to the significantly lower price of the materials. However, the increased durability of steel means a steel rainwater collection system is likely to last much longer than a plastic one and require minimal repairs and maintenance, making it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

Where Metrotile fits in

All of Metrotile’s lightweight steel roofing systems are fully compatible with rainwater collection systems. Most of our products come with a 40 year weatherproof guarantee, meaning you can be confident that a Metrotile roof will be able to form part of an effective rainwater collection system for decades to come.

To find out more or to ask for a quote, call Metrotile today on 01249 658 514 or use our contact form for a swift response.