Frequently Asked Questions
Harvey Elite and Elite Plus utilises exactly the same materials and finishes and are backed by a 20 year warranty. Harvey Elite Plus is simply based on a thicker steel substrate for heavy duty purposes.
Yes, both Harvey Elite and Elite Plus are available in five standard colours available: Burgundy, Midnight Black, Terracotta, Dark Blue and Green. Harvey Elite Plus is also available in Greystone, a natural stone coated dark grey colour.
Yes – it is cost effective and easy without the need to remove the old roof sheets – refer to our installation manual for guidance in this regard.
Why don’t you produce a longer or wider tile?
There are certain efficiencies to be achieved, particularly when maximizing loads in shipping containers. Also steel is generally supplied in coils and this is usually most cost effective in the size purchased to manufacture the tiles at the width that they are.
Longer tiles lose strength in the installation and also look less appealing.
Although it is easier to install a Harvey Elite tile roof than many other types of roofing, there are certain key steps that need to be adhered to, which is why we recommend using experienced installers who have been trained to install Harvey Elite.
However for the DIY person, follow the guidelines as per our installation manual. A list of approved installers are available on our website.
It is normal that in a dusty environment ALL roofs will collect dust and dull the colour. Our roofs are no different and will be easily restored after rains.
Is rain noise more audible on a Harvey Elite roof?
When the tile is installed, it is firm and there is very little reverberation compared to that experienced with corrugated metal roofs.
The stone coat also reduces rain noise further, compared to concrete tile roofs, the rain noise is only measurably higher by a negligible margin, whereas a corrugated roof sheeting will create higher noise levels.
Yes, you can harvest rainwater from a Harvey Elite roof.
Does moss and algae grow organically on Harvey Elite?
Harvey Elite Tiles contain a biocide in the basecoat which is harmless and does not affect the potability of water collection. Over time any organic growth will depend on the location and environment and will be the same for all types of roofs.
On Harvey Elite roofs, this organic growth can be milled with a sodium hypochlorite, dilute to a working concentration of available chlorine of 3% and applied liberally to the roof. After rainfall the growth should clear.
Yes Harvey Elite is suitable for most building types. Harvey Elite tiles are commonly used on both newly built or re-roofed homes, residential complexes, Cape vernacular architecture and commercial buildings.
The installation process varies depending on the scope of the project. But it’s relatively quick and easy to install a roof with Harvey Elite, as the tiles come in larger panels rather than individual tiles. Nails are used to secure the tile panel to the roofing structure.
Harvey Elite tiles come with a 20 year warranty inland (1km from breaking surf & ocean spray) and 10 year warranty for distances less than 400m from the coast. But we expect them to last much longer than this!
A Harvey Elite roof is a green roof — it is made from material with a recycled content of up to 60% and its long service life guarantees sustainability. Add in energy efficiency and the ability to be installed over most existing roofs (avoiding landfill disposal of old materials) and you have what is one of the most environmentally-friendly roofing materials available.
Compared to traditional concrete roofing materials, Harvey Elite tile is one sixth of the weight. This means that one truckload of Harvey Elite tiles can offer the same roof coverage as six truckloads of traditional roof materials.
Aside from reduced transportation costs, Harvey Elite’s light weight enables it to be installed over existing roofing materials without additional expensive roof structures. The same principle applies to new builds, where Harvey Elite customers save on costs of excessive load bearing roof structures.
Yes. Harvey Elite tile products can withstand freeze/thaw cycles, as well as extreme heat. They are also resistant to mold, as they will not absorb water, and they can be installed year-round. Harvey Tiles eliminates dust entering the roof.
How will Harvey Elite stand up to extreme weather?
A Harvey Elite tile roof can withstand decades of abuse from extreme weather like high winds, heavy snow, hailstorms and even fires. Under high wind conditions, a well installed Harvey roof will have high wind resistance well in excess of SANS requirements.
Harvey Elite roof tiles are secured by a system of precision overlapping and fastened to battens by nails. The result is a leakproof, secure unit that withstands gales force winds, hailstorms and continual excessive rain.
Lightning will generally strike the highest object in an area, regardless of the material from which it is made.
Harvey Elite does not create nor attract lightning and if struck, is noncombustible. The roof should be earthed like all metal roofs. All wiring should be insulated.
Harvey Elite tiles are completely non-combustible and provides great protection from external fires. Additionally, the low weight of our products minimizes any cave-in threat which might occur with an interior house fire.
Harvey Elite gives you complete peace of mind as fire risk is reduced to a minimum. It is certified with an A-Class Fire Rating, the highest roof material fire resistance as tested to the SANS 10177-12 standard.
Metal does not lose impact resistance with age — unlike most other products which become more susceptible to damage with each passing year. In the event of an especially severe storm, even if an indentation does occur, a metal roof will be as watertight as before and still structurally sound.
Harvey Elite’s low thermal mass means that it cools down quickly after a long hot summer day, providing cooler interiors. Conversely during the winter a highly insulated roof system responds quickly to retain heat within the structure and provide immediate comfort.
Without Underlay: Between 15 and 45 Degrees. With Underlay: Between 10 to 15 Degrees.
Do you provide technical support?
Definitely — from general enquiries to assistance with specification, from input via site visits and on-site training, Harvey is with you every step of the way before, during and after your rooftop installation.
Training of contractors are done at no charge.
Installers offer a workmanship warrantee and it is recommended you insist on this as such.
Almost zero — Harvey Elite only requires routine inspection from time to time.
Harvey Elite is extremely secure, against both vandalism/burglary and animals. The dry-fix installation method makes it impossible for vandals to pull the tiles from the roof by hand.
Harvey offers everything you require for a full roof installation. From a full range of ridges, caps and flashing to specialist accessories such solar brackets.
Yes. It is always recommended that you walk diagonal across the roof and step onto battens.
Harvey Elite products will be comparable in cost to other high-end roofing such as natural thatch, slate, clay tile, and other composites. The cost savings will be most evident in the maintenance costs. Harvey Elite roofing is economical to install and does not require costly additional structural support to accommodate the extreme weight of slate, concrete or clay tile. Harvey Elite is also virtually maintenance free.
There is minimal, if any, water absorption which eliminates freeze/thaw cycle effects. It also protects against mold/mildew/lichen growth practically eliminating costly maintenance.
Yes. Harvey Elite offers a full range of accessories for all roof shapes.
Yes. Harvey Elite has been used on many mansard roofs.
Can I install solar panels onto Harvey Elite Tiles?
Yes, and Harvey offers a tailor-made solar bracket for this purpose. The panels must be elevated and all wiring must pass through an isolated conduit.
With Harvey Solar Brackets there is no need to pierce the tiles and risk water ingress.
No, that this a key benefit of re-roofing with Harvey Elite – installation is also easy and done in a short time span.
Harvey has been around for almost 60 years. Many private homes and businesses can attest to the quality and beauty of having Harvey Elite.