Analysis of feedback received over the years tells us that there are nine main reasons why people choose a Gerard roof.
1. Lightweight and secure for earthquake resistance
If you live in an earthquake-prone area, ask yourself whether you want a 10-tonne roof over your head or a one-tonne Gerard roof? Lightweight and strong, our roofs were well-tested in the recent Canterbury earthquakes.
2. Holds strong in high winds
New Zealand building regulations require roofing to withstand a wind loading of 1.8 kPa. With no additional fastenings or special materials, Gerard’s metal tile roofing system has been proven to withstand wind loadings of more than 6 kPa, which is equivalent to a wind speed of 350 kph (stronger than the wind force at the centre of a Category 5 hurricane). Other roofing systems require specialised fastenings and/or materials for high wind zones.
3. Made for marine environments
Even if your home is built at edge of the sea, your Gerard roof won’t require any special materials, additional coatings or extra fastenings to ensure ongoing performance. Testing shows that zinc-aluminium coated steel roofing materials, such as Gerard pressed steel, have up to eight times the corrosion resistance of other steel roofing products.
4. Surprisingly affordable
The overall cost of a Gerard pressed steel roof is similar to the cost of a long-run iron roof and usually less expensive than a concrete tile roof. If you live in a coastal or high-wind location, a Gerard roof is likely to be less expensive than any other type of roof because it won’t require special materials or fastenings to cope with extreme conditions.
5. Beauty that endures
The roof contributes a great deal to the overall appearance of your home, so choosing a roofing material that continues to look good decade after decade helps to maximise your property’s street appeal and resale value. Gerard’s UV protection technology and special light-fast pigments provide superior resistance against environmental fading and discolouration.
6. Easy to maintain
The only maintenance that a Gerard pressed steel roof requires is a clean with an appropriate roof wash every three to five years, to help prevent the growth of algae, moss and lichen. Many homeowners are able to carry out this routine maintenance themselves, or the work can be undertaken by our trained people. If your roof is used for rainwater collection, you should talk to us about methods for cleaning your roof.
7. Precise installation
Gerard roofs can only be installed by Gerard Certified Roofers, experienced professionals who are trained by us to install correctly every time. For new homes, there are more than 100 Gerard Certified Roofers in New Zealand; many of them are also trained to deliver Gerard re-roof and roof restoration projects.
8. Quick to build
When a Gerard roof arrives on site, it comes with everything needed. Gerard Certified Roofers have specialised cutters and metal benders on site, so that nothing will stand in the way of quick installation. With other types of metal roofing, roof panels can only be cut off-site and measurements for flashings can’t be taken until most of the roof is installed. Flashings are then made off-site and delivered when they’re ready, adding days to installation time.
8. An unbeatable warranty
The extraordinary durability of a Gerard roof is backed up by a comprehensive three-point warranty covering weather resistance, surface coating and installation. We believe our warranty is unsurpassed in New Zealand.