In our last post, we talked about how to remove clip-lock roofing. Let’s consider the opposite case: you are actually in the market for a roofing solution. You have heard of the clip lock system and you are wondering if that could be the right choice for your needs.
In this article, we’ll start by introducing the clip lock system and describe its features. This will give you a general idea. After that, we’ll go into detail by comparing the two possible clip lock configurations you can choose from: the Klip Lok 406 and the Klip Lok 700.
In short, the main difference lies in their different profile dimensions: 406mm vs 700mm, hence their names. As a result, the main thing that should drive your decision is the surface dimension that you need to cover. There are other small differences, such as the BMT (base metal thickness) and resistance against wind. We’ll talk about those later.
Clip Lock Roofing: a Quick Introduction
If you are in the market for a durable roofing solution, clip-lock roofing might be what you need. If you compare it to traditional roofing methods, the advantages are clear. Firstly, the straightforward installation process. Once the clips are fixed on the beams, the roofing sheets are put in place by applying pressure until they “click”. Quick and easy.
There are no exposed fasteners; these roof panels interlock seamlessly, reducing the risk of leaks. Clip lock roofing is also built to withstand the effects of corrosion, UV radiation, and high wind.
All things considered, this roofing system ensures that your roof will maintain its structural integrity for years to come, minimizing the need for repairs and replacements. This will save you time and money on maintenance.
Klip Lok 406 vs 700: In-Depth Comparison
After this quick introduction, let’s get to the heart of the matter: which Klip Lok version should you choose? The 406 or the 700?
There are a few differences that should make you tend towards one or the other, based on your needs. Let’s start with the materials.
Materials
Both Klip Lok 406 and 700 are made of certified high-yield, galvanized steels. The galvanization process helps prevent corrosion (or at least, it slows it down by a lot). You can choose between two aluminum/zinc alloy coated steels: their trade names are ZINCALUME and COLORBOND. The second one is available either pre-painted or with a metallic finish. There’s also an “Ultra steel” COLORBOND version, which is suited to harsh applications. The minimum yield stress is G550, 550 MPa.
For the Klip Lok 700, there’s an extra material you can choose from, called SUPERDURA. It’s an alternative to the COLORBOND ultra steel since it’s also recommended for usage in severe conditions.
In summary, materials used for Klip Lok 406 and 700 are basically the same, except for SUPERDURA, available only for the 700.
The last point I want to touch on while speaking about materials is BMT, which stands for Base Metal Thickness. It’s a measure of the sheet width, taken before any coating or paint has been applied. The higher the BMT, the greater the material strength. On the other hand, it also means a heavier load on your building, so you need to keep that in mind.
The Klip Lok 406 is available with a BMT of 0.48mm; on the other hand, if you get the Klip Lok 700, you can choose between 0.42 or 0.48 BMT sheets.
Dimensions and Shape
As I mentioned earlier, the main difference between Klip Lok 406 and 700 is their dimension. The Klip Lok 406 has a total coverage of 406mm; the Klip Lok 700 is wider: modules are 700mm large. That’s where they got their names. As a result, the Klip Lok 700 might be better for bigger roofing projects; wider sheets mean fewer sheets and quicker installation. This might help mitigate costs too.
What about sheet length? Potentially, there’s no limit; in reality, there are transport restrictions to consider. Usually, that means 12.5m for normal loads and 18.6 for abnormal ones.
Let’s talk about their shape now. The geometry is based on trapezoidal ribs for both versions. The Klip Lok 406 has 3 ribs, with 203mm of coverage between them. One rib is overlapping (female rib), while the other is underlapping (male rib). The profile is 41mm tall.
The Klip Lok 700 has 1 additional center rib, which means the space between ribs is 233mm wide (a little wider than the 406). On one side, there’s an underlapping rib (female); on the other side, there’s a male rib (same as the Klip Lok 406). The rib height is 41mm, the same as the 406.
There’s also another Klip Lok 700 version, which is called “HI-STRENGTH“. It features 43mm tall ribs with a different, more aggressive profile. The surface between ribs is fluted for additional strength.
Applications
Let’s talk about applications now. Clip lock roofing is the ideal solution for roofing with a minimal slope, where traditional solutions may have a hard time. Both Klip Lok 406 and 700 with 0.48mm BMT are applicable to roof pitches as low as 1° (i.e. 1 in 50). 2 degrees (1 in 30) is the minimum slope allowed for Klip Lok 700 with 0.42 base metal thickness. You can use both versions for wall cladding too.
If you live in an area where strong winds happen very often, clip-lock roofing guarantees you better resistance to it than traditional roofing solutions. Laboratory tests have been done in this regard; results differ based on BMT, span type, and span dimension. In summary, higher BMT gives you better resistance against wind. The 0.48mm sheets are stronger than the 0.42 ones.
On the other hand, if we compare 406 and 700 with the same BMT of 0.48mm, the latter is stronger. To conclude, the Klip Lok 700 is better against heavy winds than the 406.
What about water resistance capacity? Both solutions ensure water tightness, thanks to their seamless installation system. If we were to consider the maximum roof length that guarantees proper drainage during heavy rainfall, the Klip Lok 406 performs a bit better, allowing for a longer roof length. Apparently, the narrower profile (203mm between ribs against 233mm) provides better flow.
Other Differences to Consider
Finally, let’s consider a few points that are also important when choosing between Klip Lok 406 and 700.
Availability
Not all Klip Lok versions are available in all states. In certain states, you could get either the 406 or the 700 basic version (the so-called “classic”. In others, only the 406 is obtainable. On top of that, the 700 “classic” and the 700 “high strength” are mutually exclusive. In the states where you can get one, you usually can’t get the other.
But how are you supposed to know it? As a general indication, refer to the product pages on the manufacturer’s site. A good idea might also be to call any local supplier to see what’s available before spending time evaluating what Klip Lok version you want to get.
Colors
If you want your roof to be of a certain color, that might also facilitate your choice. In fact, the Klip Lok 406 has a limited color palette. You can either go unpainted for a natural finish with ZINCALUME steel or choose between 8 standard colors.
On the other hand, the Klip Lok 700 (both “classic” and “high strength”) has a much more varied color palette. On top of the 8 colors mentioned before, you can choose from about 32 other tones. The standard palette includes various grey shades, and some more bright tonalities such as “Cottage Green” and “Manor Red”. There are also 3 other ranges, including a metallic one.
A few Things to Keep in Mind
Whatever Klip Lok version you will choose, there are a few matters to remember to avoid headaches down the road.
- Klip Loks are not interchangeable: clip designs for Klip Lok 406 and 700 are different. The rib’s shape also differs. Thus, you can’t put 406 and 700 sheets side to side.
- Appropriate support spacing is key for a durable roof. It also increases your roof strength against adverse weather conditions. Refer to the product data sheet to see if your roof frame is appropriate for clip locks.
- Roofing and walling require different sheets. Wall sheets are thinner since you won’t ever need to walk on them. Make sure to not mix them up.
- Pricing depends on what’s available at the moment and the quantity that you need. Look for local suppliers to see what’s in store. You could also request a quote directly on the Lysaght website. If you are not going to install the roof yourself, make sure to contact different installers too. Getting a bunch of quotes is always a good idea to avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.
Klip Lok 406 vs 700: Conclusions
In this quick article, we talked about 2 clip-lock roofing alternatives, the Klip Lok 406 and the Klip Lok 700. We discovered that there are a few differences between them. Here’s a quick, final summary:
- Materials are basically the same, apart from the “SUPERDURA” steel available for Klip Lok 700 only;
- Klip Lok 700 has different BMTs (based metal thickness) to choose from (0.42mm on top of the standard 0.48);
- The 700’s sheets are wider (700mm vs 406) due to an extra central rib;
- Rib height is the same apart from the 700 “High Strength”, which is a bit taller (43mm vs 41mm). Profile geometry also differs in this variant;
- Higher BMT is better against the wind. On top of that, the 700 performed better during laboratory tests;
- Speaking about water resistance, both versions are quite reliable;
- Klip Lok 700 is available in many more colors.
As you can see, there are a few details that could point you toward the Klip Lok 700, even if minimal. At last, the main thing driving your pick will probably be availability and dimensions. Whatever you will choose in the end, you will get yourself a reliable, long-lasting, and visually appealing roofing solution.
