Materials used in residential and public buildings must not only meet certain technical conditions, ensuring the strength of the entire structure. They should also complement its appearance by harmonizing with the style of its surroundings. Made using traditional technology dating back to the 1950s, Gerard AHI Roofing 's sheet metal roofing tiles with a sprinkling of volcanic rock provide strength while matching the requirements of the character of wooden construction. They are prized by Zakopane architects, who point to them as the most favorable alternative to traditional shingles.
Technology matters - Gerard roofing
Gerard roofing tiles are manufactured from high-quality steel sheet, protected against corrosion with a molecularly active layer of Al zinc, which gives it an approximate 2.5-fold increase in durability, compared to traditional galvanized sheet. This eliminates the risk of the material aging or corroding too quickly, even in buildings located in the maritime coastal belt. Protecting the tile on both sides with an epoxy layer gives it additional resistance to corrosion and damage. In the production of tile roofs, a resin-based acrylic varnish is also used, thanks to which an airtight barrier to moisture is created and a primer is obtained for the natural rock aggregate covering. Finally, the sheet metal roofing is protected again with an acrylic varnish with an admixture of algicides, which in turn protects the roof from moss overgrowth.
House under construction
Photo: © Gerard Roofs
Properties of Gerard sprinkles
Volcanic sprinkle is a natural rock aggregate that is resistant to weathering. It is characterized by good sound insulation in heavy rain and thermal insulation in summer, so the solution is commonly chosen by owners of exclusive buildings or hotels. The sprinkle also protects the tiles from damage and scratches during transport, installation, or heavy hailstorms. Sprinkle made of rock aggregate with natural rock color is a guarantee of uncolored color both under UV radiation and precipitation.
A very big advantage of the sprinkle is also the matte and porous structure, thanks to which the roof heats up less, while in winter we avoid the problem of snow sliding off the roof during the thaw, and consequently, for example, peeling gutters or other damage in the case of smooth tin roofing. The aggregate used does not reduce the flexibility of the tile, which can be bent and formed, at almost any temperature, without worrying about the strength of the covering, including the occurrence of micro-cracks. In addition to the small size of the tiles, this gives confidence in the elimination of dangerous stresses, resulting from the expansion of steel. What's more, the small modules and symmetry of the tile's wave guarantee high material efficiency and reduce waste to 3%.
An important advantage of sprinkled aluminum roof tiles is their lightness - 7 kg/m² makes it possible to use this technology to build a roof about 6 times lighter than a standard ceramic or cement solution.Tile is also fire-resistant, which means that in the event of a fire the covering can stop the spread of flames, and its tightness prevents the fire from penetrating inside the building.
Aries Hotel, Zakopane
Photo: © Gerard Roofs
Gerard complete system
The offered tiles can be used on roofs with a minimum slope angle of 13° or more. Vertical mansard planes and the so-called "goiter" do not cause problems in their use. The collection of tiles includes seven different models - each produced from the same raw materials and based on the same technology. However, they differ in character, so they can be matched to different types of buildings. All tile roofs are a complete system, equipped with round ridge and ridge tiles, wind braces, roof vents and other elements necessary to create a comprehensive roof covering in one style. The whole thing is backed by a full 50-year warranty, which comes from more than 60 years of manufacturing experience.
Gerard roof tiles with volcanic sprinkles - high quality and functionality
In 2016, the sprinkle tile was used on the roof of the New Market fair building, in New Market. This is the largest tergo wood facility in the world, with a total roof area of the entire complex of 20,000 sq. m. The modern tiles perfectly match the wood used, representative entrances, rafters and supports. Inside the New Market facility there are retail and service and catering pavilions, as well as a large covered shopping and exhibition area. The huge area of the facility, amounting to about 1,080 sq m on the first floor, also makes the roof an impressive size. It has no shortage of pitches, roof windows and decorative elements. The whole is complemented by canopies over the entrances and roof valleys.
Thanks to the solid work of carpenters and roofers and the perfectly matched roofing with volcanic sprinkles, an interesting effect was achieved. The solutions provided by Gerard AHI Roofing also ensure the facility's safe and long-lasting operation, as the manufacturer provides a written 50-year warranty for its products, based on more than 60 years of manufacturing experience.
New Market Square fair building
Photo: © Gerard Roofs
More efficient than shingles, more durable than ceramics - reliable Gerard roofing
Gerard volcanic-coated roofing tiles, model Corona, used in the Nowa Targowica building, have low operating costs, as they are more durable than ceramic roofing, being more resistant to mechanical impact and 7 times lighter, while not requiring costly impregnation, as in the case of wooden shingles, from which they have a lifespan several decades longer. This makes them the favorite products of investors and owners of old-style houses from all over the country.
Gerard's Volcanic sprinkled aluminum tile, Corona model refers to the roofs of European settlers who settled America and created English, German and French style roofing, and used cedar wood split with an axe for their construction. Resembling shingles, Gerard Corona sprinkled roofing tiles have been seen on traditional buildings in Poland for 30 years, and abroad for more than 60 years.
For more information, visit Gerard Roofing Systems on the A&B website.
