Zinc vs Stone Coated Roofing Durability is one of the most common concerns for Nigerian homeowners when deciding on a roof. For decades, zinc roofing sheets have been the go-to choice, valued for their affordability and availability. But in recent years, stone coated roofing tiles have gained attention for their strength, weather resistance, and longer lifespan.
At Fabcom Structural Ltd., we help you compare both options so you can choose the roof that offers the best protection for your home. When it comes to roofing in Nigeria, the conversation usually comes down to these two materials: traditional zinc sheets and stone coated tiles. Both are familiar, both are widely used across neighbourhoods, and both claim to withstand heavy rain, scorching sun, and strong winds.
But durability is where the conversation gets serious. As a roof is also an investment that is supposed to protect your family and your property for decades. If you pick the wrong material, you face higher maintenance costs, leaks, or even the need to reroof earlier than expected.
So, which roof lasts longer in Nigeria’s climate: zinc roofing or stone-coated roofing? Let’s break it down with facts, real concerns, and what Fabcom Structural offers as a solution.
Understanding Zinc Roofing in Nigeria
Zinc roofing has long been the “go-to” choice for affordability. Walk into any rural community and you will see zinc sheets shining on rooftops. They are light, easy to install, and cheaper than other roofing options.
But zinc roofing also comes with its drawbacks:
- It corrodes faster under constant rain or salt in coastal regions.
- It can become noisy under heavy rainfall or during harmattan winds.
- It tends to heat up quickly under the sun, making the home interior hotter.
- Thinner gauges (like 0.14mm or 0.18mm) bend easily and are less resistant to strong winds.
In short, zinc roofing meets the need for affordability but falls short on long-term durability. Many homeowners end up reroofing within 3–5 years, sometimes sooner if the sheets rust or break.
What Makes Stone-Coated Roofing Different
Stone-coated roofing tiles, like those produced by Fabcom Structural, are designed with more than affordability in mind. They combine a steel core with an acrylic adhesive and a layer of stone chips. This structure solves many of the weaknesses of plain zinc roofing.
Some of the standout benefits include:
- Longer lifespan: Stone-coated tiles can last 30–50 years with minimal maintenance.
- Weather resistance: The stone chips protect against corrosion, while the steel core resists bending.
- Better insulation: Homes stay cooler because the tiles reflect heat instead of absorbing it directly.
- Noise reduction: Rainfall sounds are muffled by the stone layer, creating a quieter home environment.
- Aesthetic appeal: Unlike zinc sheets, stone-coated tiles come in different colours and profiles, adding beauty to the house.
Fabcom Structural stone-coated roofing options are manufactured locally with high-quality standards, making them suitable for Nigeria’s diverse climate, from the heavy rains in the south to the dusty winds in the north.
Zinc vs. Stone-Coated Roofing: Side-by-Side Durability
Let’s take a direct look at durability factors that matter most to Nigerian homeowners:
1. Resistance to Rust and Corrosion
- Zinc sheets rust easily when exposed to rain, humidity, or salty air near coastal regions.
- Stone-coated tiles resist corrosion thanks to their stone and acrylic coating.
Winner: Stone-coated roofing.
2. Resistance to Heat
- Zinc sheets absorb heat and pass it down into the house.
- Stone-coated roofing reflects sunlight and stays cooler.
Winner: Stone-coated roofing.
3. Lifespan
- Zinc roofing typically lasts 3–5 years before it needs replacing.
- Stone-coated roofing lasts 30–50 years with basic maintenance.
Winner: Stone-coated roofing.
4. Strength Against Strong Winds and Heavy Rain
- Thin zinc sheets can lift or tear during storms.
- Stone-coated tiles are heavier and interlock securely, giving them more resistance.
Winner: Stone-coated roofing.
5. Cost Over Time
- Zinc sheets are cheaper upfront but require more frequent replacement.
- Stone-coated roofing costs more initially but saves money over decades by avoiding reroofing and repairs.
Winner: Stone-coated roofing for long-term value.
Why Many Nigerians Still Choose Zinc
If stone-coated roofing is clearly more durable, why does zinc still dominate many areas? The answer is simple: price.
For homeowners with tight budgets, zinc roofing seems like the easier option. It gets the job done quickly and costs less upfront. For landlords building multiple rental units, zinc can feel like the cheaper way to cover more houses.
The trade-off is that zinc becomes more expensive in the long run. Multiple reroofing projects, repainting, and repairs eventually cost more than a single investment in stone-coated roofing.
This is where Fabcom Structural has worked to bridge the gap. Our Zinc Stone Coated Roofing Sheets are designed as a mid-point between affordability and durability. They are more durable than plain zinc yet more affordable than premium stone-coated tiles. This way, homeowners no longer have to choose between “cheap but short-lived” and “durable but expensive.”
Real Concerns Homeowners Share
When we speak with customers at Fabcom Structural, we often hear the same worries:
“I don’t want to spend twice on roofing in 5 years.”
“I need a roof that will survive heavy rain and still look good after years.”
“Zinc is cheaper, but it doesn’t last. I don’t want the stress of reroofing.”
These concerns are valid. A roof should give you a peace of mind too. You want to know that when it rains heavily, you can sit indoors without buckets on the floor. You want to know that when the sun blazes, your house will not turn into an oven.
This is why durability matters more than just upfront cost.
How Fabcom Structural Fits into the Solution
Fabcom Structural offers roofing products that solve this exact problem:
- ZumaStone (Budget-Friendly Roofing)
- Ideal for homeowners upgrading from traditional zinc.
- Available in gauges like 0.22mm and 0.24mm stone-coated roofing.
- Offers better durability without losing affordability.
- Fabcom (Mid-Range Roofing)
- Stronger options like 0.28mm and 0.35mm stone-coated roofing.
- Perfect for families who want both quality and long-term value.
- ApexStone (Premium Roofing)
- High-end stone-coated and long-span roofing.
- Best for homeowners who see their house as a lifetime investment.
By manufacturing locally in Abuja and Ogun State, we ensure our products are tested against Nigeria’s climate, so customers do not have to worry about imported products that fail under local conditions.
The Roof Lifespan Conversation in Nigeria
When people talk about long-lasting roofing in Nigeria, what they are really asking is: “Which roof will save me money and stress over the years?”
- Zinc: Cheaper now, but expect repairs and replacement in 3–5 years.
- Stone-coated: Higher upfront cost, but it lasts 30–50 years.
For homeowners who plan to live in their houses long term, stone-coated roofing is the smarter choice. For landlords who do not want tenant complaints every rainy season, stone-coated roofing is the wiser investment.
And for those worried about cost, Fabcom Structural Zinc Stone-Coated sheets offer a practical middle ground.
Your Choice
Choosing between zinc and stone-coated roofing is ultimately about priorities. If the goal is the lowest upfront cost, zinc roofing is the easy answer. But if the goal is durability, comfort, and long-term savings, stone-coated roofing is the better investment.
At Fabcom Structural, we believe roofing should be a long-term shield for your family, your property, and your peace of mind. That is why we offer a range of products, from ZumaStone to ApexStone, so that every homeowner can find the right balance of durability and affordability.
Your roof should not just last through this rainy season. It should last for decades. For more information or a free quote, use the form below or send us a message on WhatsApp!
