AHI Roofing, a world leader in steel roof tile production and technology, has recently launched a new profile called the Decra Milano tile.

“The product, shaped like the traditional Mediterranean roof tile, is light weight and maintenance free. One can even walk over it and it wont crack; it is dry fix with no need for cement or any other compound as it has an inter-lock technique,” says Mike Pass, regional manager Middle East, AHI Roofing, who expects the market to respond favourably to the product over the coming months.
Decra Milano tile has already been supplied to two residential projects – one each in Abu Dhabi and Ajman, he adds.
New Zealand-based AHI Roofing has been selling its products in the Middle East for the past 35 years and has exclusive distributors all over the region, including Dubai.
“In 1957, the company created the world's first steel roof tiles, and over the following five decades this concept has been fine-tuned using leading-edge technology, enabling AHI Roofing to enjoy rapid expansion in all continents as more and more homeowners continue to appreciate the benefits of its roofs. We have developed the capability to produce roof styles to suit every market,” he says.

Pass continues: “Having just a good-looking product is not enough in competitive global markets. It is the innovative design and consistency of our manufacturing process that has earned our roofing systems an international reputation for excellence. We pioneered the use of zincalume, a steel substrate, which offers long-term corrosion resistance. The combination of the sacrificial protection of zinc with the barrier protection of the aluminium provides superior performance to galvanised coatings in almost all environments. This all adds up to a significantly longer service life.”
Another important feature of its product is its light weight. “Less weight on the roof means less stress on the substructure. In many cases, substantial savings can be made as there is no need for expensive reinforcing of the substructure. Being light in weight, our products are also easy to handle and ensures installation is completed in a short time,” says Pass.
Besides the Decra Milano tile, the company’s product range comprises Decra Classic tile, Decra Heritage tile, Decra Roman tile, Decra Corona Shake and Decra Senator Shingle. The products are available in 10 different colours and come with a 50-year warranty.
“Over 50 years of research and development has gone into the development of the Decra Heritage tile,” Pass continues. “This roofing panel is pressure-formed from steel, with seven tile impressions formed horizontally in one panel. Each panel is profiled to form an extremely strong overlapping and interlocking structure, which is aesthetically pleasing.”
Elaborating on other products, Pass says: “Classic tiles look good, last longer and are safe and secure in any environment. Each tile is pressed from high-grade Zincalume steel, giving great strength. The traditional profile is enhanced with the beauty of a natural stone-chip coating.
“Decra Roman tile is inspired by enduring Roman craftsmanship, providing beauty, strength and durability.”
Decra Senator Shingle offers a strong, durable, attractive and cost-competitive type of shingle roofs. “Other types of shingles, such as those made from timber are expensive because of their need to be installed over a plywood deck. Decra Senator Shingle also retains its attractive appearance compared with many other shingle roofs because of its durable steel substrate,” he adds.
With Decra Corona Shake, the company says it has tried to recreate roof styles from the 17th and 18th centuries when cedar was split with an axe to make roof tiles or ‘shakes’.
Commenting on the regional market, Pass says: “We cover 10 markets in the region and have witnessed a slowdown in all the markets. But after a 12-month low, the market has slowly started picking up and we hope things will improve further over the coming months.”
Some the projects the company has supplied to include Jumeirah Beach Club, Al Murooj complex and Palm Island, Jebel Ali.