One of the most damaging things that can happen on a roofing project is material substitution — genuine product quoted, imitation product delivered. The fake looks convincing when it goes up. The problem shows two or three seasons later, when the colour fades and the steel begins to rust.
Why fakes exist
Genuine stone-coated steel tiles carry a real cost because the steel grade, coating and stone chip are all controlled. Imitations cut corners on each, then sell at a price that looks like a bargain. On a large roof, the margin is large enough to tempt substitution.
How to protect yourself
- Buy through verified channels. Authorised supply comes with traceable batch documentation.
- Register the warranty. A genuine product can be registered with the manufacturer; an imitation cannot.
- Check on delivery. Verify that what arrives matches what was specified, before it goes up.
- Use supervision. An independent check at delivery is the most reliable defence against substitution.
The cheapest sheet on the market is rarely a saving. It is a roof you will pay to replace early.
We supply genuine product with batch records and register warranties on our clients’ behalf — and our supervision service is specifically engaged to catch substitution before it becomes your problem.