How to Avoid Fake or Low-Quality Roofing Sheets in India
Roofing seems so simple. pick a sheet, fix it, and done. However, it is not that straightforward. The reality is that not all roofing sheets are made in the same manner. Fake or poor-quality sheets can then cause rust, leak problems, heat issues, sagging, and even structural damage.
Worst part? Many of these issues only pop up months — or years — down the road after installation, by which time warranties have expired and replacements cost an arm and a leg.
So, whether one is buying roofing sheets for a house, a warehouse, or an industrial shed, knowing how to spot low-quality material upfront saves money, time, and headaches.
1. Cheap Price Doesn’t Always Mean Value
It’s easy to go for the cheapest option priced by the square foot, but here’s the deal:
- Some suppliers skimp on the quality of the steel
- Others use less coating than claimed
- Some are selling second hand coils as ‘New’
If it is too low compared to market offers, there is reason for concern. Real suppliers will price according to steel quality, weight, form, and length. No supplier price will be an educated guess.
2. Always Ask for Material Test Certificates
A trustworthy supplier will provide a Material Test Certificate (MTC) showing:
- Steel grade
- Yield strength
- Coating type and weight
- Thickness accuracy
- Paint adhesion results
Without an MTC, you have no way to verify what’s been supplied.
3. Check the Thickness and Profile
Here’s how to check:
- Ask for a micrometer / digital thickness gauge check on site
- Compare it to your order specification
- Check both top and bottom surfaces
If it’s thinner than what’s promised, it will:
- Sag sooner
- Corrode faster
- Perform poorly under load
Never rely on visual inspection alone.
4. Coating Matters — A Lot
“In the Indian climate—a tropical or humid subtropical environment—quality of coating is the number one factor in terms of lifespan.”
Low-quality roofing sheets often:
- Should have a thin zinc/Al-Z
- Have poor paint adhesion
- Display Chalking or Color Fading
Request the weight of the coating from your supplier:
- Zinc coat: This can be reported in gsm or grams/square meter.
- Colour Coating: expressed as ml (microns)
The high is preferred. More is better. Vaguereference is a negative.
5. Check Brand and Source Material
Not all steel brands are equal.
Reliable sheets are usually made from reputable coils like:
JSW Colouron+ (good coating layer, consistent quality)
Other branded PPGL/colour-coated coils
Sheets made from unbranded or low-coating coils are more prone to rust and colour fade.
6. Inspect the Paint and Finish
When the supplier delivers your sheets, check:
- Consistency of colour across sheets
- No scratches or flaking
- Even surface without bubbles
- Backside coated if needed (for some applications)
Fake sheets often have uneven paint thickness or poor finishing.
7. Ask for Warranty Details
Genuine quality sheets often come with a paint and anti-corrosion warranty.
If a supplier refuses to offer any warranty, that’s a sign they’re not confident in their product.
Ask specifically:
- What does the warranty cover?
- Does it include colour fade, rust, or delamination?
- What conditions void the warranty?
If you don’t get clear answers, step back.
8. Avoid Multiple Middlemen
Too many middlemen between the manufacturer and your site often means:
- Reduced quality control
- Lower accountability
- Higher risk of getting mixed or low-standard material
Buying directly from a reliable decking & roofing sheets manufacturer in India (or an authorized dealer) reduces this risk significant
9. Check Customer Reviews and References
Before placing a bulk order:
- Ask for project references
- See installations in progress or completed
- Speak to builders or clients who’ve used the sheets
Real reviews beat marketing claims every time.
10. Ensure Proper Installation
Quality roofing doesn’t end with material. Fake or cheap fasteners, incorrect overlaps, and poor sealing often cause leaks even with good sheets.
Ask your supplier or contractor:
- Correct fastener types
- Recommended overlap and sealant
- Installation best practices for your location
Good roofing sheets + bad installation = poor performance.
In a Nutshell
Avoiding fake or low-quality roofing sheets in India isn’t about luck — it’s about verification, standard checks, and choosing the right partner.
Don’t fall for cheap quotes without verification. Don’t assume visual appeal means quality. And don’t choose a supplier who can’t back up their claims with tests, warranties, and references.
A little diligence upfront can save you thousands later.
If you’re sourcing roofing sheets and want guidance on how to check quality, verify samples, or choose a trusted supplier in Chennai/Tamil Nadu, just reach out — I can help walk you through it step by step.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the signs of fake or low-quality roofing sheets?
Fake or low-quality sheets often rust quickly, leak, overheat, sag, or cause structural damage. Issues like thin coatings, uneven paint, or inconsistent thickness appear months or years later, after warranties expire.
2. Why shouldn't I choose the cheapest roofing sheets?
Cheap prices signal skimped steel quality, underreported coatings, or recycled “new” coils. Market prices reflect steel grade, weight, and specs—prices far below averages indicate risks, not value.
3. What is a Material Test Certificate (MTC) and why do I need it?
An MTC verifies steel grade, yield strength, coating weight/thickness, and paint adhesion. Without it, you can’t confirm the supplied material matches your order, leaving you vulnerable to fakes.
4. How do I check the thickness of roofing sheets on-site?
Use a micrometer or digital thickness gauge to measure both top and bottom surfaces against your specs. Thinner sheets sag faster, corrode sooner, and fail under load—never trust visual checks alone.
5. What coating specs should I look for in Indian climates?
Prioritize high zinc/Al-Zn coating (in gsm) and color coating (in microns)—more is better. Avoid thin or vague coatings, as they lead to chalking, fading, and rust in humid, tropical conditions.
6. Which steel brands offer reliable roofing sheets?
Opt for reputable coils like JSW Colouron+ or branded PPGL/colour-coated options. Unbranded or low-coating coils prone to rust and fading—always confirm the source.
7. What warranty details should I demand from suppliers?
Insist on clear coverage for rust, color fade, and delamination, plus conditions that void it. No warranty or vague answers mean low confidence in the product.
8. Does installation affect roofing sheet performance?
Yes—good sheets fail with wrong fasteners, overlaps, or sealing. Ask suppliers/contractors for location-specific best practices to prevent leaks.
9. Where can I find trusted roofing sheet suppliers in Chennai/Tamil Nadu?
Yes—good sheets fail with wrong fasteners, overlaps, or sealing. Ask suppliers/contractors for location-specific best practices to prevent leaks.
