Classic Dutch roofscape must be preserved

At BMI Monier they see with sorrow that the classic Dutch roof is slowly disappearing. One reason for this is insufficient knowledge of the availability of the right products and insufficient knowledge of how to apply the latest building regulations to a classic roof. And if there are no clear guidelines from appearance or monument committees, it is easy to choose the wrong roof tile. Guus Killaars, head of logistics and export manager at BMI Monier and a specialist in classic roof tiles, sees examples on a daily basis of how not to do it: "Then the tiles are correct, but non-matching forks have been used, the roof tiles have been smeared with mortar so that there is no ventilation, or roof tiles of a different size have been covered so that the whole roof is out of balance. And that is definitely not necessary. Classic roof tiles such as Cross Tile, Large Romanesque, Tuile du Nord, Old Hollow, Improved Hollow and Again Improved Hollow are simply still in production. As are the corresponding gable tiles, forks and flashings and the tile hook specific to each tile for correct fastening. We see the roof as a whole system," Killaars continues, "and not as a collection of separate components. By also including the under-roof, insulation material and the eaves in this system, a classic roof can meet the latest building requirements while still having the look it was once intended to have."

Custom

Classic Dutch tiled roofs are often equipped with beautiful ornaments such as pilasters and special fittings and mullions. Iconic elements that give the whole building a specific, authentic look. Often such parts are no longer in stock. "But we can still make them," states Guus Killaars, "sometimes by hand and sometimes by using an old element as the basis for a new mold with which we can produce them. With the right clay, at the right size and in the original color. In the special storage of our factory in Tegelen we also have small stocks of a lot of classic parts. Dried and ready for engobe or glaze coating so they can go straight into the kiln. Not everyone knows that this customization is possible, but we can supply almost anything for any tiled roof."
Advice on maintenance, repair or renovation
What many owners of classic properties struggle with is the question: what is the condition of my roof?
How long will this roof last, should I repair or renovate? And especially: how do I do that? The roof service department of BMI Monier can provide the answer. The quality of tiles can be assessed in our own laboratories and the entire roof structure can be examined on site. "Sometimes we do the latter ourselves," explains Jan Mussche, Product Manager Pitched Roofs at BMI Monier, "but often we refer to certified roofers who have knowledge of the classic roof and who know where to get new old roof tiles and customization. A report is then prepared in which the starting point is always 'preservation of the roof,' an objective recommendation that the building owner can get practical with."
In addition to repairs, it can also be decided that (part of) the roof tiles need to be replaced. There are several options for this, says Jan Mussche: "You can look for the same used tiles, you sort the existing tiles by quality and process the old tiles on one roof section and new old tiles on another roof section, or you replace the entire roof with the right new classic tiles with all the associated components. In all cases, a good roofer will have the roof fully compliant with the latest building code and fully guaranteed."

Classical roof lesson

Owners and managers of classic properties, roofers and construction companies will get lessons on preserving the classic roof and answers to important questions at the Classic Roofs Workshop. Yes, a classic roof can fully comply with the current building code. Yes, classic Dutch roof tiles and all components are readily available. Yes, special components can be made to order. No, there is no single monument policy, but BMI Monier can show every owner and manager of a classic building how to deal with the many possibilities with all the available knowledge and expertise about the roof system.

The next Classic Roofing Workshop will be held at the Tegelen factory on January 17, 2020. During the workshop there will be a tour of the factory where the complete production process of the classic roof tile will be followed.

Registration for the workshop can be done through the website www.monier.nl/klassieke-daken. For questions about classic roofs, the Roof Service Department can be reached by e-mail at dakservice@bmigroup.com.