Here we will answer the most important questions asked by our customers in relation to PREFA aluminium roofs.
Which roof material is used for which roof pitch? What is the minimum roof pitch for a PREFA roof?
PREFA roof products are used for shallow sloping roofs (roof pitch approx. 3° to 25°) and roofs with a steep slope (from approx. 25°). You can find out which products can be used for which pitch on the roof pitch overview page.
How heavy or light is a PREFA roof?
PREFA aluminium roof elements are extremely light, weighing no more than around 2.3 to 2.75 kg/m2. This means they only weigh a fraction of a conventional roof or roof tiling made of brick, clay or concrete. The advantage here is that due to the low weight of an aluminium roof, an older roof truss often does not need to be specially reinforced prior to renovation. In addition, a PREFA roof can be easily laid by a trained specialist and is also easy to transport, which can significantly reduce construction time on site, in turn saving time and money.
How do I clean and maintain my PREFA roof?
The roof and façade are parts of a building that are placed under particular strain by the weather. Sun, wind, rain and snow, as well as constant moisture (in wooded or shaded locations), have an impact on the building shell. Dirt deposits (e.g. dust, foliage or pine needles) can impair the function and the appearance of the roof, the façade or the roof drainage (e.g. blockage). It is therefore advisable to check roofs, façade cladding and roof drainage systems (gutters and downpipes) at regular intervals. This way, any emerging changes, damage or dirt can be identified and remedied in good time. You can find more information on cleaning and maintenance here.
Is a PREFA roof suitable as lightning protection?
Metal roofs can be integrated into the exterior lightning protection system in accordance with the standard ÖVE/ÖNORM EN 62305-3. PREFA flat band roof panels (Prefalz and Falzonal) are therefore permitted as a natural part of the arrester and PREFA small format components (roof tiles, shingle, roof panels, rhomboid roof tiles) as natural components of the conductor (installation of an additional arrester and connection to the earth). Some standards stipulate exceptions according to which, for example, property at increased risk (e.g. potentially explosive premises) must be specially designed. The integration of PREFA roof and façade systems in the exterior lightning protection system must therefore be planned depending on the specifics of property in question. Information on the necessity and type of lightning protection on a property can be obtained from a lightning protection system engineer or approved electrician. Find out more about lightning protection here.
What does a PREFA roof look like after a hailstorm? Can hail damage a PREFA roof?
Small hailstones cannot damage a PREFA roof with a stucco surface. There may be some functional damage to the roof in the event of extremely large hailstones, as with any roofing material. However, even under the most extreme hail conditions, it is almost certain that hail will not penetrate PREFA roofing. In case of visual defects after heavy hail in the form of slight dents, even if the functionality of the roof is not impaired, make sure that you take out special insurance that also covers visual damage. If you have an existing insurance policy, make sure that there is no exclusion of liability for visual damage.
Does a PREFA roof burn?
What do I need to know about fire safety? PREFA roof and façade products (small format as well as Prefalz and sidings) are classified as non-combustible in accordance with EN 13501-1 with fire behaviour class “A1”. Fire behaviour class A1 means that products made from aluminium are not flammable. Find out more about fire safety here.
What is the difference between PREFA aluminium and tiles, clay bricks or slate?
Not only does aluminium last longer and have lower maintenance costs, it is also much lighter than a conventional tiled roof. If you live in a region with large numbers of tiled roofs and are therefore looking for a top quality sheet-metal roof with a tiled look, then a PREFA roof system in brick red in P.10 quality is ideal for your new roof or roof renovation.
Can I choose between a stucco or smooth PREFA surface?
Depending on the product, PREFA surfaces are available either in a smooth finish or with stucco embossing. The material is further strengthened by the stucco embossing created by embossing rollers, making the aluminium less sensitive to machining marks and therefore easier to install.
In which colours are PREFA materials available?
PREFA’s extensive range of shades includes numerous colours in P.10 quality as well as many other standard colours, for example:
01 P.10 brown, 02 P.10 anthracite, 03 P.10 black, 04 P.10 brick red, 05 P.10 oxide red, 06 P.10 moss green, 07 P.10 light grey, 08 P.10 zinc grey, 10 P.10 prefa white, 11 P.10 nut brown, 17 P.10 pure white, 19 P.10 dark grey, 41 P.10 rust brown, 42 P.10 sand brown, 43 P.10 stone grey, 46 P.10 patina green
And when it comes to the PREFA façade elements, there are even more colours to choose from – including rarer colours such as ivory and bronze. You can find all PREFA products and the available colours here.