Tips for selecting the right covering for your new roof

Be brave enough to stand out from the crowd of identikit houses with unremarkable roofs and façades. Regardless of whether an architect is planning your home or you are personally involved in the visual design: even with simple floor plans, clear lines and shapes, your house will attract plenty of attention with the right roofing and roof drainage. Top quality materials and professional installation are the most important factors here.

It’s no exaggeration to say that aluminium plays a key role when it comes to building houses. Even at the installation stage, it's an important factor. First of all, top-quality aluminium sheet scores highly when it comes to the pliability and formability of the material, making it the perfect re-roofing solution not just for challenging shapes on futuristic buildings, but also for uneven roof trusses of old or historic buildings. Aluminium as a material can be used to create rainproof connections quickly and easily, without having to screw, glue or weld. The well-designed, smart products by PREFA come in a range of colours, shapes and sizes to create the perfect look. Now all you have to do is decide on your ideal product ...

Of course, the surroundings, adjacent houses and other conditions that influence the architectural design cannot be ignored. After all, modern architecture should fit in well with its surroundings and take regional features into consideration. The shape and colour of the roof often play a major role in the overall impact of the design. And the solution doesn’t always have to be super-modern: traditional, tried-and-tested methods can be combined with – and perfectly complemented by – contemporary materials and techniques.

PREFA’s extensive range of shades includes numerous colours in P.10 quality as well as many other standard colours. The wide range of shades offers architects, builders, restorers, planners and master builders countless possibilities. This ensures that every property is unique. Let your creativity run free!  

The large choice of colours can be matched very well with existing components on your house (window frames, shutters, shades, fences, etc.) Do you live in a region where there are many buildings with tiled roofs, meaning you are looking for a high-quality metal sheet roof with a tile-like appearance? If so, a storm-proof, durable and lightweight aluminium roof covered with PREFA roof tiles in P.10 brick red, is ideal for your new roof or roof renovation. What’s more, the wide variety of colours allows you to create beautiful highlights.

It used to be the case that roofs offered a purely protective function from wind and the weather, while the loft was mainly used as a storage area. Nowadays, it's a different story: on the top floor of many houses, you can find lofts that have been converted into stunning rooms with a feel-good atmosphere and a wide range of possible uses.

In the past, roof coverings had to meet a completely different set of requirements, since they were primarily functional in nature. People were happy when the rain did not get in, while snow (or rather the drifting snow that was blown into building joints by the wind) was simply removed from the loft again. Materials such as straw or wood were generally used on the roof. Not only did the weather wear them down quickly, they were also a major fire hazard. A little later, simple concrete tiles and clay tiles began to be used on roofs. They did last longer, but they were still not immune to weathering. Over time, they would become brittle and crumbly, with hairline cracks beginning to form. These cracks were a breeding ground for unattractive mosses and the perfect place for ice to accumulate in winter, which can cause of cracks.  

One of the most modern roof materials is aluminium. It is break-proof, robust and durable, and can withstand all weather conditions. It even protects itself against corrosion. When it reacts with the oxygen in the air, a natural oxide layer is formed that covers the material like a protective armour. A superficially damaged aluminium roof or façade shell will therefore always regenerate itself again and again. In addition, the base material of aluminium is protected by a stove enamel coil-coating finish. Working in harmony with the strong properties naturally found in aluminium, the concealed fastening technology and installation in a bond provides strong support. This means that the building shell is completely rain-proof and bad weather stays where it belongs – outside. In addition, the roof can be professionally cleaned if required.

Roof loggias and roof balconies

Additional openings on the roof not only allow more light into buildings, they also create even more sunlit surfaces with a feel-good factor.  

Roof windows and skylights

Windows do more than just act as a source of light – they also ventilate rooms. Roof windows can be installed horizontally or vertically, as individual windows or in a group. Generally speaking, a horizontal window has the same pitch as the roof, while a vertical window is installed upright in the dormer. Skylights are used in flat roofs. And with modern daylight spots, the light beam is directed precisely into the corners where it is needed. 

Dormers and edges

The shape of a dormer means it is possible to gain more living space with steep roofs. But it is also used for aesthetic reasons, as it provides the roof with more structure. 

Would you like more ideas, tips and tricks for your building project?

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PREFA aims to offer top-quality materials, beautiful design and intelligent solutions for builders, architects and tinsmiths alike. Over the years, we have done plenty of learning, examining and listening, and have never stopped improving our products. Our first objective is to create quality that lasts for generations.  

1. Storm-proof: for a little calm during the storm
   The interlocking of the individual elements and the concealed fixing to the substructure mean that a PREFA roof can withstand even the most extreme of storms.
2. Rustproof: a flawless finish
   With a PREFA roof, you can play it safe in any weather. The dense oxide layer created by aluminium protects it against weathering, meaning that your roof stays as it always was: rust-free.  
3. Light: time to shine
   Not only can our roof products be installed by a professional in a flash, they are also easy to transport. This is because a PREFA aluminium roof weighs only a fraction of a conventional roof.  
4. Break-proof: tough inside and out
   For your roof to be up to the job of withstanding the elements, it needs to be tough. PREFA roofs make use of aluminium's unique properties to keep large quantities of snow and temperature fluctuations at bay.  
5. Beautiful: show your colours
   Depending on the type of product you want, you can select from a wide range of colours for all PREFA roof systems. In addition, PREFA offers you freedom of design in the form of rhomboid roof tiles, shingles, roof tiles, roof panels or Prefalz sheets. This means that there's nothing to stop you from creating your ideal image of the modern, high-quality and contemporary PREFA aluminium roof. After all, PREFA aluminium roofs and aluminium façade systems are all about modern, contemporary architecture.  
6. Colour-fast surfaces: varnished for a longer-lasting finish
   PREFA sheets are treated with a coil coating process for great-looking colours that really last. This is thanks to the varnish layer, which is malleable and permanently temperature- and weather-resistant.  
7. Ideal for renovations: out with the old, in with the PREFA
   The low weight of a PREFA roof reduces your chances of having to pay out for an elaborate substructure as part of your renovation work. Regardless of whether you previously had a slate, tile or concrete roof, reinforcing the roof truss is usually not required thanks to the low weight of PREFA aluminium roofs. Only the boarding or battens have to be adapted to accommodate the respective elements.  
8. Complete system: more than just a roof
   The PREFA complete system creates a perfect harmony between the roof, guttering and façade, along with photovoltaic and solar installations as well as flood protection. In addition, the system offers snow protection, roof security, window surrounds and much more. In most cases, it is not necessary to use third-party products that aren't specially made for the PREFA system.  
9. Sustainable: Aluminium is 100% recyclable.
   Aluminium can be recycled as often as necessary without loss of quality — and the best thing about it: PREFA products already consist of up to 87% recycled aluminium. In addition, 100% of the electrical power used at the Marktl production site comes from renewable energy. Furthermore, 99% of the aluminium production waste is returned to the starting point.
10. 40-year guarantee: on the safe side
    Aluminium provides life-long quality. This is why we give a 40-year colour and material guarantee on our products: on the base material against breakage, corrosion (rust) and frost damage and on the paint against chipping and blistering. Requirements can be found under the conditions stated on the warranty certificate.  

It goes without saying that a PREFA roof and a PREFA façade, if properly installed, will easily last for 40 years. This is demonstrated by numerous reference projects, which are already even older than that. In our environmental product declarations, independent institutes have also specified a reference service life of over 70 years.

Prefalz, roof tiles, shingles, rhomboid roof tiles, roof panels and other variants – all in all, there are nine different PREFA products to choose from for your roof, all available in a range of colours. Head to the product page to find an overview with sample pictures along with further information on the different products.

roof coverings, roof drainage systems, façade solutions or flood protection – could you ever want any more? Choose from over 5000 PREFA products and put together your own complete system.  

When it comes to protection against snow or roof security, accessories play an important role alongside the main products. PREFA accessories are simply the perfect fit. The system as a whole works in perfect harmony – and also benefits from continuous further development. This means that all individual components work well together and all the elements stay where they belong: securely attached to the roof and the façade. Aluminium is also used as a secondary material for other roof coverings. This means that even if you opt for a tiled or fibre cement roof, the surrounds, gutters, chimney surrounds or other accessories and supplementary products are very often made of aluminium.  

Coordinated roof systems

Dormers, skylights and domes – aluminium can be used to bring even unconventional architectural ideas to life for a technically superior finish with low maintenance costs.  

Roof drainage can be beautiful too

The PREFA roof gutters feature technical solutions that go right down to the smallest detail where necessary, and have been delivering great results for decades. The wide choice of colours for your rain gutters and the corresponding downpipes can be used to implement an elegant tone-in-tone solution for your building project, or to add stylish colour highlights.

Aluminium – not just for roofs

Long-lasting, non-rusting and easy to clean when dirty – surely this is enough to convince any developer to clad the façade in aluminium as well. In addition, aluminium offers maximum creative freedom and the opportunity to bring any creative idea to life.

The weather forecast for the next 40 years: roughly 75,000 hours of sun and 35,000 litres of rain water per square metre. Stormy weather – it's a good idea to opt for PREFA. This is because we give you a 40-year colour and material guarantee for roofs and façades. So you can rest easy knowing you have the best possible insurance against breakage, corrosion (rust), frost damage, chipping and blistering.  

How are we able to give you this firm guarantee?

• Because PREFA aluminium roofs and façades are completely high-tech products, that are only produced in Austria and Germany.
• Because each PREFA product has to be laid or installed by professional specialist companies.
• Because we have decades of experience (including in alpine areas) and the products have proven themselves under extreme weather conditions.

Good thermal insulation, and roof insulation in particular, makes a major contribution to saving thermal energy. A well-insulated roof prevents heat from escaping in winter and keeps it from penetrating in summer. Proper roof insulation not only has a positive impact on the household budget, but also significantly increases living comfort.  

There are various types of roof insulation available, along with different insulation materials: Essentially, a distinction is made between under-rafter, between-rafter and above-rafter insulation, depending on where the insulation material is installed or where the ventilation is. Classic insulation materials include mineral wool, wood wool and Ceralith. However, eco-friendly and renewable natural insulating materials are also becoming increasingly important. These include cellulose, seaweed and hemp. Installation is carried out by the specialist company, and an energy consultant can also be called in for an even greater sense of security.

We recommend that PREFA aluminium roofs are designed with a ventilated substructure, in accordance with the applicable building standards. The roof cover and thermal insulation layer are separated by a ventilated intermediate space. The advantage of this is that any intermittent dampness is removed. Essentially, the roof membrane has a ventilated design. However, the entire loft area can also be ventilated.

Numerous building projects prove that PREFA is a reliable product that spans the generations. Low maintenance costs combined with a long service life ensure that investment costs pay off. 

A whole range of factors influence the cost of your new roof. This is why it is necessary for our roofing professionals to put together an individual quote for you that fits precisely with the needs and conditions of your home. The calculation for a new roof takes into account a range of factors such as the roof landscape, the planned pitch, and any particular aspects of your local region. Furthermore, the size of the roof and the desired product also influence the total costs.

When building or renovating a house, it should also be kept in mind that subsidies are available for which building contractors can apply. Therefore, we recommend that you inform yourself of the options available in advance.  

You can find further information on project planning, costs (savings), finance and subsidies here.