If you see water stains, dripping, damp patches or ceiling/wall discoloration, it’s a warning sign of roof leaks or water ingress.

You should act quickly: schedule a roof inspection, identify the source (bad flashing, rust, loose sheets, poor sealing, blocked gutters, etc.), and fix it before damage spreads to timber frame, walls or interior.

Not necessarily — metal roofs are often low-maintenance compared to certain traditional roofs, because they resist termites, insect damage, rot, and are weather-resistant.

That said, maintenance is still important: check for rust, sealing issues, ensure gutters are clear, and maintain insulation/ventilation.

Alu Bubble, also called Aluminum Bubble Insulation, Alu Cushion, or Reflective Roof Membrane, is a type of radiant barrier insulation made from layers of air bubbles sandwiched between reflective aluminum foil.

1. Heat Insulation

• Reflects radiant heat, keeping buildings cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
• Reduces the need for heating and cooling, helping lower energy bills.

2. Moisture & Water Protection

• Acts as a waterproof membrane.
• Serves as a vapour barrier, reducing condensation inside roofs and ceilings.

3. Temperature Stability

• Maintains comfortable indoor temperature by reducing heat penetration through roofs and walls.

4. Sun & Heat Barrier

• Works like a mirror, bouncing heat away from the structure.
• Ideal for roofs exposed to strong sunlight.

5. Versatility

• Suitable for residential, industrial, and commercial buildings.
• Commonly used in roofing, ceiling insulation, and wall insulation.

Product Highlight: Alububble Double-Sided Sisalation Foil

• Provides advanced thermal insulation and water resistance.
• Excellent for ceiling and roof insulation.
• Enhances comfort by reducing heat transfer and improving internal temperature control.

Inverted Box Ribs (IBR)

• The term “Inverted Box Rib” refers to the profile or shape of the roofing sheet, consisting of alternating ridges and valleys that form a high-strength structural pattern.

• IBR — stands for Inverted Box Rib. It refers to the profile or shape of the roofing sheet. The sheet is pressed into an inverted-box / trapezoidal rib design, giving it strength, rigidity, and excellent water drainage.
• Chromadek — is a brand of pre-painted / pre-coated steel. These sheets are coated with a high-quality paint system that provides colour, improved corrosion resistance, weather protection, and durability.

In Short: IBR describes the shape, while Chromadek describes the coating/finish.

This means IBR sheets can be manufactured using Chromadek material, resulting in Chromadek IBR — a combination of a strong IBR profile with the durability and aesthetics of Chromadek coating.

AC Fascia Boards, also known as Asbestos Cement Fascia Boards, are boards installed along the edges of a roof where the rafters or trusses end. They serve both protective and decorative purposes in roofing.

Main Uses and Functions

1. Protects Roof Edges

• Shields the ends of rafters and trusses from rain, moisture, wind, and pests.
• Prevents rot, damage, and weathering of the wooden roof structure.

2. Supports Gutters

• Provides a strong, stable base to secure gutters and allow proper water drainage.

3. Enhances Appearance

• Gives the roof a clean, finished look by covering exposed roof edges.
• Improves the overall aesthetic of the building.

4. Highly Durable

• AC fascia boards are resistant to rot, termites, water damage, and fire.
• They last longer than traditional wooden fascia boards and require minimal maintenance.

5. Weather & Fire Resistance

• Asbestos cement material provides excellent fire resistance, making it a safer choice in certain building environments.
• Withstands harsh outdoor conditions without warping or cracking.

The recommended thickness of roofing sheets in Zimbabwe depends on the type of building and the structural demands of the roof

Use case / building type
Typical / Recommended thickness range
Typical residential roofs

~ 0.40 mm – 0.50 mm

Large houses, industrial/commercial roofs, long spans, heavy exposure (wind/rain)

~ 0.60 mm – 0.68 mm (or thicker if specified)

General Guidelines

• Residential Properties: The standard roofing sheet thickness should be at least 0.40 mm or higher.
• Commercial & Industrial Buildings (e.g., Warehouses): The thickness should be 0.60 mm or higher for stability and long lifespan.

The most common and affordable roofing material used in Zimbabwe is:

IBR Roofing Sheets

• Widely used for residential homes, cottages, sheds, and small buildings.
• Lightweight, easy to install, and cost-effective.
• Available in thinner gauges (such as 0.30 mm – 0.40 mm), making it an economical roofing option.

NB: For any residential property, the use of at least 0.40 mm thickness or higher is strongly advised.

Concrete Roof Tiles

• Extremely strong and long-lasting, often lasting 50 years or more with minimal maintenance.
• Highly resistant to fire, rot, termites, and harsh weather.
• Ideal for residential, commercial, and high-end buildings where longevity is a priority.
• Heavier and more expensive than metal roofing, but their durability and low maintenance make them a worthwhile investment.

Other Durable Options

• Stone Coated Tiles: Long-lasting, color corrosion-resistant, maintenance-free, lightweight — suitable for residential and industrial roofs, generally can live as long as concrete tiles.

No, It Cannot Be Properly Installed After Roof Completion

• AluBubble works best when installed directly under the roof sheets during construction.

Key Point

• For optimal performance, AluBubble must be installed at the time of roofing, between the roof sheets and the rafters (TIMBER STRUCTURE).
• Installing it afterward would require removing parts of the roof, which is generally impractical.