Terne Roofing
Terne can be painted as seen here or left to naturally patinate over time
What is terne?
Terne is an old English word for Tin (the metal). Terne clad (coated) stainless steel, or terne metal to which it is often referred in the industry is a special metal often used in restoration contexts, but has many applications.
Americans are most familiar with the Follansbee terne metal, no longer in fabrication, which was a zinc/tin alloy over top a stainless steel substrate.
The Europeans have long used tin in their construction. Their version of terne is a thick layer of 100% tin covering a 441 grade stainless steel base.
Why select terne for your project?
- The Patina creates an elegant tin grey surface
- Exposure to the weather leads to the patination process
- Ideal for all roof types including drainage solutions and accessory pieces
- Perfect for rural, urban and light industrial areas (please consult us for best areas of use)
- Tin-plating is an excellent addition to chrome steel
- Prices stay more stable as it is a nickel-free stainless steel
- No problems with normal moisture caused by condensation
- Low maintenance and easy to clean
- Excellent solderability thanks to the tin
- Resistant to algae and roots
- Can be processed even at low temperatures
- Can be combined with other materials
- Lowest thermal expansion
- 100 % recyclable
- Tin is paintable
Installation & Weathering
Tin is a breeze to solder, making our Terne stainless material supremely easy to work with.
Our Terne had been tested and approved for restoration, repair or new construction even in areas where it is planned to be used close to the old Follansbee terne. The terne is popular again with architects and designers for its weathering properties. It is another natural metal which weathers and changes over time. In the architectural world, it is difficult to find other alternatives in natural metals which are long-lasting and appropriate for outdoor, high environmental exposure use and still offer up an ever changing patina.
Time
Tin comes with a slight sheen from the mill, but will patinate over time. It will take some time in the elements for the shine to cut and for the beautiful, soft matte gray to appear. In most environments, this usually happens rather quickly.
Benefits
Tin, like copper has an extraordinary lifespan. When coupled with the strength of its stainless steel base to create our terne material, it is a product you can plan with permanence.
If green building is at the forefront of your efforts (it should be for everyone) the Terne is among the best material choices you can make:
- 100% recyclable
- Made with approx. 85 % recycled stainless steel
- Long life, because there is no material erosion
We get asked a lot if there is any special care required. As with copper, just make sure to install the material with gloves and you won’t have problems with fingerprints. Other than that, you’ll be surprised how much everyone on the design/build team loves the material!
Terne comes in choice of coil or sheet. We are the material processor, so you may order the material just by itself and do your own forming, or you may elect to have us fabricate or form your systems, panels or pieces. Just let us know how we can best help you achieve your objectives.
Sheets: 1,160mm (45.6 inches) x 10 feet
Coils: Standard is 20 inch, but custom widths available upon request
All come in 26 gauge.
Here are some photos of terne “in action”:
Savannah, Georgia
Here are progress pictures of terne installation on an historic museum in Savannah GA. Check out the amazing seaming work. Terne is both durable and workable. See how our collaboration with the installers resulted in permanent, maintenance-free solutions for a complicated, convex roof:
Call today
Looking for terne in coil, sheet, or manufactured roofing and cladding systems and accessories like gutter? You’re in the right place. Call today!
Office phone: 801-462-5264
5066 West Amelia Earhart Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
We are located in Salt Lake City, Utah – (West of the Salt Lake City international airport.)
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