When it comes to reroofing projects, homeowners often face a daunting task. The choice of roofing material can make or break the success of your renovation. Today, we’ll explore a compelling case study that showcases why GERARD stone coated metal roofs are an excellent choice for both new builds and reroofing projects.
This time we will look at an instructive roof renovation case study, which shows that thorough professional considerations can lead to product or brand loyalty, not just emotional reasons or marketing strategies.
In 2001, the sports hall in Nagyatád, Hungary, was inaugurated with a unique roofing challenge. The structure, built with durable glued wood, required a lightweight yet aesthetically pleasing roof covering. After careful consideration, the decision-makers chose Decrabond roof tiles (now known as GERARD).
Fast forward 20+ years, and this choice has proven to be a masterstroke in roofing excellence. Let’s delve into why GERARD roofs, the stonecoated metal roof category, continue to be the preferred choice for this sports hall and why they might be perfect for your home too.
- WHY WAS ROOF RENOVATION NECESSARY IF THE ROOF WAS GOOD?
The roof of the sports hall in Nagyatád, Hungary, had to cope with many natural disasters over the course of two decades due to harsh weather conditions. While the stonecoated, metal roofing remained undamaged, the polycarbonate skylights were damaged several times due to the large hailstones. A successful tender for the municipality made it possible to renovate and modernize not only the damaged parts, but also the entire roof and they got rescources for new thermal insulation of the building as well. This is how the issue of roofing material came back on the agenda. However, its selection did not lead to discussions lasting long meetings. It was clear that they did not want to change the already proven, light yet storm-resistant roofing solution. Since the product category purchased anno Decrabond is now available under the brand name GERARD at many dealers, choosing the profile and color of the roofing was a simple task.
Now we take a closer look at why the builders of Nagyatád have proven to be satisfied and loyal customers, and why the GERARD roof can be an ideal choice for your roof renovation as well.
- LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION: LIGHT AS FEATHER AND STRONG AS BULL
One of the primary reasons for choosing corrosionresistant metal GERARD roof (then Decrabond) was its lightweight nature. The sports hall’s structure couldn’t support heavy traditional roofing materials like clay or concrete tiles. GERARD’s stone coated metal roof tiles offered a perfect solution, weighing just 1/7 of heavy conventional roof tiles.
For homeowners, this means:
- Less stress on your home’s structure
- Potential savings on structural reinforcements
- Easier and often quicker installation
- WEATHERING THE STORM: UNMATCHED DURABILITY
Over two decades, the Nagyatád sports hall roof faced numerous challenges from harsh weather conditions. While the polycarbonate skylights suffered damage multiple times due to ice, the GERARD roofing remained unscathed. This resilience is thanks to its unique composition and installation method.
GERARD roofs offer:
- Strong steel body and corrosion-resistant metal protective coating for excellent strength and extreme resistance to even large hail
- Unique horizontal 8-point attachment system against even minor hurricanes. Each storm-resistant GERARD roof panel is attached to the roof battens with 8 nails / screws.
- Market-leading 50-year weather-proof warranty for long-term peace of mind
For home owners, this is truly a worry-free roofing solution, as they know that their home will be reliably protected against extreme weather conditions for half a century.
4. AESTHETIC APPEAL: BEAUTY THAT LASTS
When it came time to renovate the roof, the municipality insisted on a light-weight, storm-proof solution, so the brand was already set in stone, but they also wanted a small image update. Therefore, GERARD’s wide product range was studied, which includes everything from modern, clean shapes, through classic evergreen profiles to rustic styles. In the end, instead of the traditional GERARD Heritage profile, they decided on the Classic profile. This decision highlights another main advantage of GERARD roofs - their aesthetic appeal
The aesthetic virtues of GERARD roofs:
- Natural crushed stone coating for a beautiful surface
- Different profiles for different architectural styles and individual tastes
- A brilliant selection of colors with which you can easily complement the look of your home.
5. VERSATILITY IN DESIGN: FLEXIBLITY IN ROOFING
The sports hall’s curved roof design posed a challenge that traditional roof tiles (from clay or concrete) couldn’t meet neither long run metal sheets due to their large size. GERARD’s flexible metal tiles, however, easily conformed to the curved surfaces, providing seamless coverage. For homeowners, this means:
- Freedom in architectural design
- Ability to cover complex, unusual roof structures
- A uniform, attractive appearance across your entire roof
6. LOW MAINTENANCE, HIGH PERFORMANCE
Despite multiple renovations to the sports hall over the years, including damage to skylights, the GERARD roof required virtually no maintenance. This low-maintenance quality is a significant advantage for homeowners looking to reduce long-term costs and hassles. Don’t want to replace tiles after summer storms due to strong wind or heavy hail? Choose a storm-proof metal GERARD roof!
The Reroofing Process: Lessons from Nagyatád
The current renovation of the Nagyatád sports hall offers insights into the reroofing process with GERARD:
- Evaluation: The municipality assessed the roof’s condition and performance over two decades.
- Decision: Based on the roof’s excellent track record, they chose to stay with GERARD.
- Upgrade: They opted for a slight change in profile (from Heritage to Classic profile) for a fresh look. For quick impression use the free, online tool of GERARD: the Roof Simulator: https://visualizer.gerardroofs.eu/# , which helps you try every GERARD profile and colour on your house photo.
- Professional installation: The project is being carried out by experienced contractors qualified by GERARD. This is also necessary for GERARD’s 50-year weatherproof warranty.
Conclusion: Why GERARD Should Top Your Reroofing List
The Nagyatád sports hall case study demonstrates why GERARD stone coated metal roofs are an excellent choice for both commercial buildings and residential homes. Whether you’re building new or considering reroofing, GERARD offers such an ideal mix of benefits that may be not available with other roof tile brands:
- Featherlight: Reduce stress on your home’s structure and saves costs.
- Stormproof: Enjoy peace of mind with superior weather resistance.
- Beautiful: Enhance your home’s curb appeal with lasting aesthetic value.
With its proven track record of durability, versatility, and beauty, a GERARD roof is more than just a covering for your home - it’s an investment in long-term peace of mind and property value. As you consider your roofing options, let the success story of the Nagyatád sports hall inspire you to choose a roofing solution that will serve you well for decades to come.
