Living in harmony with nature – PREFA folded tiles withstand any weather

The nature around Bolzano is beautiful all year round, especially known for its forests in autumn colors, which makes it a popular place for nature-loving tourists. For this reason, in the summer of 2012, the builder decided to realize his dream project in the municipality of Castelrotto, which perfectly fits into the South Tyrolean landscape, while creating a cozy residential and recreational house with several separate units for the whole family. The northern side of the building borders the forest, while the southern side opens to a vast landscape. Architect Michael Mumelter from Comfort Architecten planned a building that would resonate with all the peculiarities of the landscape. At the edge of the forest, the facade is rather closed, while the front side is light and always transparent. In selecting the right product for the roofing, it was necessary to take into account not only the surrounding nature but also the strict requirements of the municipality of Castelrotto; the PREFA folded tiles met these requirements in every respect.

PREFA folded tiles – a diverse roof with a long lifespan
Michael Mumelter explains: “Due to the location at the edge of the forest, organic dirt accumulates on the roof surface throughout the year, especially in autumn. The formation of humus and vegetation can lead to long-term damage to the roof. Therefore, aluminum with a smooth surface, which offers low surface adhesion, is the ideal solution.” Given that rolled sheet metal could not be used due to municipal building restrictions, the owner, along with the architect, opted for PREFA folded tiles. “The wide range of colors, smooth surface, clean design, and low weight of this aluminum product, which puts minimal strain on the roof structure, were additional advantages,” said Mumelter. The experiences of local roofer Othmar Messner with the material used were also crucial, as were his knowledge of local conditions. “My company is based directly in Castelrotto, so I was already familiar with the location of the house near the forest. Given the corrosion resistance of aluminum folded tiles and easy installation, they were the only and right option.”



A roof as strong as a bull – with a 40-year guarantee
A total of 250 m2 of roof area was covered with PREFA folded tiles, giving the building an overall harmonious appearance, as well as a very durable cover that withstands weather conditions and organic dirt, such as leaves. Longevity in PREFA folded tiles is more than just a slogan; a 40-year guarantee against breakage, corrosion, and frost damage is provided for the base material – aluminum – when subjected to its natural load and professional installation. Reinhold Augschöll, technical advisor for PREFA in South Tyrol, emphasizes another interesting point in this context: “The homeowner has been considering the long-term use of the large roof area for future enhancement with an additional photovoltaic system that would be environmentally friendly. PREFA also guarantees a 40-year warranty on this product, provided the modules are correctly installed. This was a significant criterion in the decision-making process, and as we know today, the demand for photovoltaic modules is rapidly increasing.”

Technical parameters
PREFA folded tiles offer various solution options. They are available in a smooth finish or with a stucco surface treatment, which comes in eight standard colors. Despite its small thickness of 0.7 mm, aluminum is exceptionally strong and durable, with the front side coated with a two-layer baked enamel and the backside with a protective coating. With a weight of only 2.3 kg/m², PREFA folded tiles are indeed very lightweight and can withstand high loads. With a load capacity of up to 800 kg/m², PREFA folded tiles are also recommended for demanding conditions. Even with simple installation, PREFA folded tiles score points; only 4 folded tiles (measuring 600 x 420 mm in laid area) are needed per 1 m² of roof area. They are laid from the bottom up indirectly, meaning one tile is laid over the other (in bond), attached to solid sheathing with two patented clips. This ensures that the roof is resistant to wind and rain, no disturbing elements – such as nails or clips – are visible, and the overall appearance of the roof area appears calm. Various metal parts, such as chimney flashing or roof terminations, are color-matched to the color of the roofing.