If you have been shopping for roofing materials in Nigeria, you have probably heard people ask for “Gerald” or “Gerard” roofing. Most times, what they really mean is stone coated roofing tiles. But here is the truth: Gerard is a brand, while stone coated roofing is a type of roofing material.

This post will explains the difference in detail, clears up common misconceptions, and gives you everything you need to make an informed roofing decision for your home.

By the end, you will know exactly how to answer the question: “Is Gerard roofing the same thing as stone coated roofing?”

1. What Is Gerard?

Gerard is an international roofing brand originally founded in New Zealand in the 1950s. The company is widely credited with inventing stone coated steel roofing tiles as before then, steel roofs were painted or bare, and they rusted quickly.

The Gerard Roofing system uses:

• Base metal: high-quality steel sheets (usually coated with aluminum-zinc alloy for corrosion resistance).
• Protective layers: acrylic resin, bonding agents, and primers.
• Stone chips: natural crushed stones embedded on the surface to give the roof a textured, attractive, and durable finish.

Over the years, Gerard built a reputation for:

• Longevity (often marketed with warranties up to 50 years)
• Resistance to harsh climates (wind, rain, UV, storms)
• Lightweight construction compared to clay or concrete tiles

Because Gerard was the pioneer and became so popular, many Nigerians simply call all stone coated roofing “Gerard.”

2. What Is Stone Coated Roofing?

Stone coated roofing is not a single brand. It is a type of roofing material that many manufacturers now produce worldwide.

Definition:
Stone-coated roofing tiles are made from galvanized or galvalume steel sheets, coated with layers of resin, adhesive, and stone granules.

Key Features:

• Comes in different profiles: shingle, shake, Roman, Milano, Bond, etc.
• Lightweight compared to cement or clay tiles
• Available in many colors (black, red, brown, green, grey, multicolor blends)
• Designed to last decades when properly installed

In Nigeria today:

• Multiple companies produce and import stone coated tiles.
• Quality and thickness vary by brand.
• Prices range from ₦5,000 to over ₦10,000 per sqm depending on the grade and supplier.

So while Gerard is one brand of stone coated roofing, it is not the only option.

Why Do Nigerians Say “Gerald” or “Gerard” When They Mean Stone Coated Roofing?

There are 3 main reasons:

1. Gerard Was the First Brand to Become Popular

When Gerard entered the Nigerian market decades ago, it quickly became the reference name for stone coated roofing. Just like people call all toothpaste “Colgate” or all noodles “Indomie,” Gerard became the household name for stone-coated roofing.

2. Lack of Awareness About Roofing Brands

Most customers don’t know the difference between roofing types and roofing brands. They assume “Gerard” means the roofing type itself.

3. Sales Language

Many distributors and installers themselves often call every stone coated tile “Gerard,” even when it is not the original product, because that is what customers recognize.

Advantages of Stone Coated Roofing (Including Gerard)

Stone coated roofing is one of the most popular roofing choices in Nigeria for good reasons.

Advantages:

• Durability: Can last 30–50 years with proper installation.
• Weather resistance: Withstands rain, sun, storms, and wind.
• Lightweight: Unlike heavy concrete or clay tiles, it puts less load on the building.
• Aesthetic value: Comes in attractive designs and colors, boosting curb appeal.
• Low maintenance: Less prone to algae growth or fading compared to traditional zinc.
• Noise reduction: Stone chips reduce rain noise compared to bare metal roofing.
• Fire resistant: Steel base doesn’t burn.

Disadvantages of Stone Coated Roofing

No product is perfect. Stone coated roofing has some drawbacks to consider:

• Cost: More expensive than ordinary zinc or long span roofing.
• Installation skill required: If poorly installed, it can leak or lose stone chips.
• Fake products in the market: Many sellers push substandard tiles as “Gerard.”
• Color mismatch risk: If replacements are needed years later, the exact shade may not be available.

Gerard Roofing Prices vs. Other Stone Coated Brands in Nigeria

Gerard, being a global brand, usually sits at the premium price range.

• Gerard genuine stone coated roofing: ₦50,000 – ₦150,000 per sqm (from the brand itself depending on profile, and import factors).
• Other quality stone coated brands (like Fabcom Structural): ₦5,000 – ₦10,550 per sqm (depending on thickness and design).
• Budget stone coated brands: As low as ₦4,000 per piece, but usually thinner (0.15mm – 0.18mm).

Note: Prices change with the dollar rate, import duty, and material gauge. Always confirm from a trusted supplier and manufacturer.

How to Know If You Are Buying Genuine Gerard Roofing

Because of the brand name recognition, the Nigerian market is flooded with “Gerard” that isn’t actually Gerard. Here is how to check:

1. Check packaging: Genuine Gerard comes in branded packaging with authentication marks.
2. Ask for warranty documents: Real Gerard roofs carry international warranties.
3. Look for authorized distributors: Gerard doesn’t sell through random roadside suppliers.
4. Confirm thickness: Many fakes are thinner than advertised.

Alternatives to Gerard: Why Consider our Stone Coated Roofing

Fabcom Structural Ltd. produces and supplies different grades of stone-coated roofing to meet the needs of different families and projects in Nigeria.

Our Stone Coated Options

• Premium Grade (ApexStone): 0.40mm, 0.35mm stone-coated and long span
• Standard Grade (Fabcom): 0.28mm, 0.26mm stone-coated and steel roofing
• Budget Grade (ZumaStone): 0.24mm, 0.22mm, 0.20mm stone coated and zinc roofing

Why Choose Fabcom Structural?

• Factory warranty you can trust in Nigeria (no chasing international offices).
• Competitive pricing without compromising quality.
• Variety of options for every budget.
• Local availability, products are ready in Abuja and Ogun factories.
• Customer support, we provide guidance from inquiry to installation.

Is Gerard the Same as Stone Coated Roofing?

The short answer: No.

• Gerard = a roofing brand (international, premium, pioneered stone-coated roofing).
• Stone-coated roofing = a type of roofing product that many companies (including Fabcom) produce.
• In Nigeria, many customers casually use “Gerard” to mean “stone coated roof,” but it is important to know the difference.

If you want authentic Gerard, expect to pay the premium. If you want quality stone coated roofing at different grades and prices, Fabcom Structural offers trusted alternatives with the same beauty and durability.

Take Note

Roofing is one of the biggest investments in building your home. Whether you choose Gerard or another quality brand, always:

• Verify the thickness and warranty with caliper
• Buy from a trusted supplier
• Use professional installers

For inquiries, Send us a message via WhatsApp or visit our showroom in Abuja or Ogun State.