During the war
The bituminous emulsion coating used to protect the metal roof tiles was developed in wartime England to hide buildings from German air raids. Allied Command commissioned a leading bituminous emulsion manufacturer, the Decraspray Co., to develop a new method for camouflaging the buildings. The industrial chemists at Decraspray developed an emulsion formula using the highest possible bitumen content to achieve a durable, water-resistant coating that would both disguise and protect the underlying metal roof. Throughout the war, this formula was used to protect strategic buildings from both German air raids and the region’s harsh climate conditions. While the original purpose of the Decraspray formula was to camouflage and protect Allied buildings, the Decraspray company had no idea their formula would revolutionize the roofing industry. Corrugated metal roofs, which topped many important storage buildings, were reflective and provided an easy target for enemy aircraft. The bituminous emulsion proved to be such a hit with its ‘non-removable superpower’ that bonded so well to metal roofs, that its potential for a roofing revolution was obvious.
Tinkering ahead
Multiple attempts were made to remove the Decraspray coating however, the original formula has bonded so well that it was nearly impossible to remove from the underlying metal roof. When Decraspray realized the underlying metal roof was in pristine condition after more than a decade, they saw the potential use of their formula for residential and commercial buildings. After marketing the coating to industrial developers and contractors, demand for the durable and protective coating surged. The popularity of the formula also caught the attention of a New Zealand industrialist.
As a result of continuous innovation, the original Decramastic tiles were improved in 1967 with an interlocking feature for substantially enhanced durability. A surge in demand for Decramastic roof tiles, which had been marketed in Europe since 1974, led to the establishment of a manufacturing plant in Liege, Belgium to produce roof tiles under the trademark Decra®. As continuous innovation remained a priority for DECRA, the bituminous emulsion was replaced by a state-of-the-art acrylic coating in 1980.
While DECRA products were first introduced in Hawaii in 1968, the products didn’t really take off in the U.S. until the 1980s. When California experienced a surge in wildfires, many communities banned wood shake roofs. Since DECRA was a noncombustible and fire-resistant alternative to wood shake, its popularity surged in the U.S. In the late 80’s, DECRA opens a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in the U.S. in Corona, California to meet the demand of a rapidly growing U.S. market.
Looking at the future
Among the state-of-the-art roofing solutions available today, Decra® produces one of the most durable, environmentally-friendly and best-looking roof tiles, but its history was not an overnight success.
Today DECRA Metal Roofing has set the industry standard for quality and durability. Our ongoing pursuit of excellence is wholly attributed to the contributions and relentless support from our team members, customers, contractors, distributors and partners.
After more than half a century of global operations, Decra® is now owned by IKO, a global leader in the roofing industry. IKO shares the same ideals that we have upheld for decades – ideals of ongoing innovation and relentless attention to quality products and service. This mindset is what ensures the company’s success for many more decades to come.
