DECRA Stone Coated Steel Roofing System Offers Strong Defense Against Hail Storms; Metal Roofing Product Passes University Research Lab Tests

Business Wire, April 12, 2001

Business Editors

CORONA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 12, 2001

Tasman Roofing Products, the manufacturer and distributor of DECRA(R) Roofing Systems, has completed product testing at Texas Tech University on the damaging effects of hail storms. Using an air cannon to fire golf ball-sized hail at speeds of 100 mph, DECRA withstood the researcher's tests without compromising the integrity of the roof. Under the same conditions, wood shakes and shingles were split and shattered on impact. Mid-range asphalt composition shingles resulted in perforations that would have required replacement of the product.

Each year, insurance companies pay hundreds of millions of dollars in claims as a result of hail damage to roofs. The tests at Texas Tech offer compelling and conclusive evidence that DECRA metal roofs resist hail damage.

According to Bo Hudson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, "Hail storms are a perennial problem in many parts of the U.S. We are gratified to offer a product that guards against penetrating hail damage." DECRA roofs offer a 50-year limited warranty against hail penetration, and carry a Class 4 Impact Resistance rating from the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Installing a DECRA product will also qualify individuals for a reduction in their homeowners' policy within certain geographic areas.

Each DECRA stone-coated steel panel is pressure formed from a corrosion-resistant, zinc/aluminum, alloy-coated steel substrate. The steel panels are then bonded with an acrylic, stone-chip finish, which comes in a wide variety of natural earth-tone colors.

Stone-coated steel roofing offers a variety of benefits that have given rise to its growing popularity as a product. DECRA(R) Roofing Systems combine the best qualities of metal roofing with the architectural versatility of shake, shingle, and tile profiles. Designed for a wide range of styles and structures, DECRA roofs are ideal for new construction projects and the renovation of residential and commercial buildings. With more than two million installations in 80 countries, DECRA roofs provide protection to dwellings across many different climates.

Tasman Roofing, Inc., manufactures and markets DECRA Roofing Systems for a diverse range of residential and commercial projects throughout the United States and Canada. Located in Corona, California since 1989, the company offers a variety of roofing products under the DECRA brand name.

For more information about DECRA Roofing Systems, call 877-GO-DECRA or visit www.decra.com.

For a text version of this release and the high-resolution photo, visit: www.decra.com.