Scrap Metal Roofing Materials: Which Are the Most Valuable?

Calling all roofers, we want your scrap metal! Leftover construction materials can often be overlooked as waste, but we’re here to tell you not to miss out on their hidden value. In this guide, we’ll break down the top 5 most valuable scrap metal roofing materials, including what makes them so profitable and where they can be found.

Steel Roofing

As a roofer, scrap steel will be commonplace for you. But did you know how easy it is to recycle, and how much hidden value it holds?

100% recyclable, steel roofing panels can be re-used again and again for future appliances, cans, plumbing fixtures and more. Not only supporting a circular economy, but also putting some extra profit into your pocket!

Which roofing materials can scrap steel be found in?

• Steel Roofing Sheets/Panels: This is the primary source of roofing scrap metal. These can be:
  • Corrugated steel roofing sheets
  • Box profile steel roofing sheets
  • Galvanised steel roofing sheets (coated with zinc, which is also valuable)
  • Galvalume (coated with zinc and aluminium, again very valuable)
  • Stainless steel roofing sheets/cladding panels
  • Standing seam steel roof panels
  • Tile-effect steel roof panels
• Other Steel Roofing Components: The following components complete the roofing system:
  • Steel guttering & downpipes
  • Steel roof trusses
  • Steel roof flashings & trims
  • Steel roofing screws/nails
  • Steel ventilation units & roof caps

Aluminium Roofing

Aluminium can be recycled endlessly without losing any of its original properties, meaning scrap aluminium can be sold, bought, recycled and re-used quickly & easily across the country. 

Did you know 75% of all aluminium produced since the 1880s is still in use today! Why not add to that number with your scrap aluminium roofing?

Which roofing materials can scrap aluminium be found in?

• Aluminium Roofing Sheets/Panels
• Other Aluminium Roofing Components: Like steel, aluminium is a common material used for guttering and downpipes. It is also used for roofing trims, caps, flashings and ventilation units.

Copper Roofing

A highly valuable non-ferrous metal, likely to always be in high demand due to its impressive qualities, scrap copper is certain to have you walking away from our scrap yard with a healthy profit.

Copper is highly durable, making it able to withstand harsh weather conditions and corrosion, which is why it’s a good candidate for roofing. Copper roofing can last upwards of 50 years, or even longer if kept in good condition. It also lends itself to plenty of scrap materials…

Which roofing materials can scrap copper be found in?

• Copper Roofing Sheets/Panels: You’re likely to see copper roofing sheets and panels on historic buildings, churches, monuments, etc. Here, the roofs are usually covered in flat copper sheets or tiles.
• Other Copper Roofing Components: Gutters, downpipes, flashing, etc.
• Decorative Features: Commonly seen on historic buildings, copper is often used to create decorative domes, spires or cornices.

Zinc Roofing

Ideal for industrial applications, zinc (often found on the protective coating of galvanised steel roofing) is heavy-duty. In fact, it’s one of the strongest non-ferrous metals, as well as a vital element required for human development and a crucial component needed to make brass and nickel alloys.

Thanks to its wide range of uses, like copper, zinc is likely to offer consistent demand in the scrap metal recycling market.

Which roofing materials can scrap zinc be found in?

• Zinc Roofing Sheets/Cladding: Rolled zinc roofing sheets/cladding is a popular choice for premium buildings with contemporary aesthetics.
• Other Zinc Roofing Components: Gutters & downpipes.
• Galvanised Steel Roofing Components: As galvanised steel is coated in zinc to add corrosion resistance, you’ll also find scrap zinc in the following roofing components:
  • Corrugated steel roofing sheets
  • Roofing screws/nails
  • Roof trims/caps
  • Ventilation units

Lead Roofing

Boasting one of the highest recycling rates of any metal, lead roofing or flashing is a great option when it comes to sustainability.

Although less common (lead roofing is mainly found on historic buildings), the sheer weight of lead can increase its price ten-fold, so it’s definitely worth scrapping.

Which roofing materials can scrap lead be found in?

• Lead Roofing Sheets: Older roofs can often be covered in large, lead sheets.
• Lead Flashing: The most common and valuable source of scrap lead, flashings are used to create watertight seals around chimneys, skylights, wall junctions, etc.
• Other Lead Roofing Components: In older properties, gutters and downpipes can either be made entirely of lead or lined with it. Lead roof slates (also known as weathering slates) are also common on flat, tiled and slate roofs where a watertight seal is needed for soil pipe or flue flashing penetrations.
• Decorative Features: Lead capping for parapet walls, cornices (on historic buildings), etc.

Weigh-In Your Roofing Scrap Metal with KAS

Ready to make a profit on your leftover roofing materials? Visit our local scrap yard at M46 0RY today. Based in Atherton, we can also service the following areas: 

• Astley
• Bolton
• Chorley
• Lancashire
• Leigh
• Manchester
• Preston
• Salford
• Tyldesley
• Westhoughton  
• Wigan
• Worsley

Why Choose KAS Metal Trading?

• The very best scrap metal prices, always based on the London Metal Exchange (LME).
• Speedy turnarounds so you can get back to what you do best, as quickly as possible!
• Same-day payments via cheque, bank transfer or our pre-paid card method (before 4pm).

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