Renovation and restoration are on the rise. and achieving a successful roof renovation requires expertise and knowledge of old installation techniques. The Tectum Group not only has this expertise in-house, but also passes it on internally to younger generations. Both the work and the training are approached with a great deal of passion.
The Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA) in Tervuren, the Royal Observatory in Uccle, the pavilions of the royal palace, the Cinquantenaire Park, ... all of these remarkable buildings with a copper, lead, brass or zinc roof share a common thread: they have all been painstakingly restored by Six by Tectum, the restoration specialists of Tectum Group. Such restorations require knowledge not only of the metal finishing materials, but also of the installation techniques and carpentry craftsmanship of the middle of the last century. Such know-how is becoming increasingly rare in our country. Tectum Group is defying the trend of declining knowledge, setting itself apart from the competition. "We are known in the market for our specialization in unique roofing projects. For instance, we have restored the wooden roof structure, slates, lead cladding and lead ornaments on the central dome of the RMCA, as well as the brass domes of the Royal Observatory", explains project manager Willem Beke. "However, our capabilities extend beyond roofing alone. With our organizational strcture and comprehensive knowledge, we are capable to coordinate complete projects, including the entire roof construction and finishing. So the client only has to liaise with one contact for execution and guarantee."
Where the market tends to rely on off-the-shelf roofing systems, Tectum Group remains committed to technical solutions that are not possible with standardized products. "We still regularly use the old techniques to provide tailor-made solutions for complex renovation and restoration projects. This frequent use guarantees that the knowledge of these ancient techniques has remained within our company," explains foreman Stephan Haeke. He possesses expertise in old metal roofing techniques, including the use of patented or ordinary battens. Stephan also has a keen interest in complex details in woodwork and gutters. "For three generations, we have trained new colleagues in-house. This is necessary because future roofers no longer learn these techniques in school. Only when they have mastered the craft can we deliver the desired quality standard. So Stephan and his colleague Geert train the newcomers in the profession for five years. Stephan focuses on special techniques, while Geert specializes in standing seam and contemporary cladding systems. As a teacher himself, Stephan is always eager to impart his knowledge to the next generation. "Look around and steal with your eyes, that was one of my teachers' lessons in engineering school", explains Stephan. "Whenever I'm working on a roof and I see a lesser-known technique, I study the details to find out how the craftsman did it. Then we take the roof apart, piece by piece, and extensively document the construction with photographs. In this way, the knowledge we impart is an amalgamation of 40 years of working with different products, stealing with our eyes, and learning from mistakes.
Also read: Tectum Group trains roofers completely in-house
The need for in-house training arises from a downward spiral in the industry, initiated by the search for cheaper solutions. For instance, zinc gutters have been replaced by EPDM gutters. "Even when zinc gutters are still produced, it is no longer with the craftsmanship of the past, resulting in inferior quality. This creates a negative image. We aim to counteract this trend. When traditional systems and techniques are executed according to the principles of craftsmanship, they can endure for decades without any problems. I have never seen an EPDM roof system last 80 years, while a lead, copper or zinc roof can last up to 100 years. The shift to newer, cheaper products has led to a decline in progress, diminishing knowledge of performance and eroding confidence in the product.
A roof made of lead, copper or zinc, executed according to the rules of the art, can last up to 100 years.
Tectum Group and Stephan's passion for complex restoration projects has had them involved in some of the most remarkable projects. So which one stands out the most? "It depends not only on the size or appearance of the project, but also on its complexity. Two years ago, we realized the roofs of the Montevideo in Antwerp. Here we conceived and executed a detail never attempted before - aligning a zinc roof surface and a glass skylight, as envisioned by the architect. Normally, the glass extends above the zinc to create a gutter for water drainage. Through a blend of traditional techniques and modern materials, we successfully accomplished the architect's vision. While the supplier was reluctant to vouch for the technical quality, the roof remains watertight to this day. I take great pride in that accomplishment," admits Stephan.
Another memorable project for Stephan was the Jubilee Park in Brussels. He had been there hundreds of times and imagined that it would be great to renovate those roofs. Five years ago, that dream became a reality. "The roofs incorporated a variety of techniques, each with its own level of complexity. As a craftsman, I find this project a great challenge and an invaluable opportunity for learning. It is an honor to restore these roofs using the techniques of the past," concludes Stephan.
Are you a designer or contractor facing a challenging roof renovation or restoration project? Contact our specialists! We are ready to collaborate with you to devise a comprehensive, waterproof solution.
Are you passionate about complex roofs and eager to master the traditional techniques? Check out our vacancies.
Renovation and restoration are on the rise. and achieving a successful roof renovation requires expertise and knowledge of old installation techniques. The Tectum Group not only has this expertise in-house, but also passes it on internally to younger generations. Both the work and the training are approached with a great deal of passion.
The Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA) in Tervuren, the Royal Observatory in Uccle, the pavilions of the royal palace, the Cinquantenaire Park, ... all of these remarkable buildings with a copper, lead, brass or zinc roof share a common thread: they have all been painstakingly restored by Six by Tectum, the restoration specialists of Tectum Group. Such restorations require knowledge not only of the metal finishing materials, but also of the installation techniques and carpentry craftsmanship of the middle of the last century. Such know-how is becoming increasingly rare in our country. Tectum Group is defying the trend of declining knowledge, setting itself apart from the competition. "We are known in the market for our specialization in unique roofing projects. For instance, we have restored the wooden roof structure, slates, lead cladding and lead ornaments on the central dome of the RMCA, as well as the brass domes of the Royal Observatory", explains project manager Willem Beke. "However, our capabilities extend beyond roofing alone. With our organizational strcture and comprehensive knowledge, we are capable to coordinate complete projects, including the entire roof construction and finishing. So the client only has to liaise with one contact for execution and guarantee."
Where the market tends to rely on off-the-shelf roofing systems, Tectum Group remains committed to technical solutions that are not possible with standardized products. "We still regularly use the old techniques to provide tailor-made solutions for complex renovation and restoration projects. This frequent use guarantees that the knowledge of these ancient techniques has remained within our company," explains foreman Stephan Haeke. He possesses expertise in old metal roofing techniques, including the use of patented or ordinary battens. Stephan also has a keen interest in complex details in woodwork and gutters. "For three generations, we have trained new colleagues in-house. This is necessary because future roofers no longer learn these techniques in school. Only when they have mastered the craft can we deliver the desired quality standard. So Stephan and his colleague Geert train the newcomers in the profession for five years. Stephan focuses on special techniques, while Geert specializes in standing seam and contemporary cladding systems. As a teacher himself, Stephan is always eager to impart his knowledge to the next generation. "Look around and steal with your eyes, that was one of my teachers' lessons in engineering school", explains Stephan. "Whenever I'm working on a roof and I see a lesser-known technique, I study the details to find out how the craftsman did it. Then we take the roof apart, piece by piece, and extensively document the construction with photographs. In this way, the knowledge we impart is an amalgamation of 40 years of working with different products, stealing with our eyes, and learning from mistakes.
Also read: Tectum Group trains roofers completely in-house
The need for in-house training arises from a downward spiral in the industry, initiated by the search for cheaper solutions. For instance, zinc gutters have been replaced by EPDM gutters. "Even when zinc gutters are still produced, it is no longer with the craftsmanship of the past, resulting in inferior quality. This creates a negative image. We aim to counteract this trend. When traditional systems and techniques are executed according to the principles of craftsmanship, they can endure for decades without any problems. I have never seen an EPDM roof system last 80 years, while a lead, copper or zinc roof can last up to 100 years. The shift to newer, cheaper products has led to a decline in progress, diminishing knowledge of performance and eroding confidence in the product.
Tectum Group and Stephan's passion for complex restoration projects has had them involved in some of the most remarkable projects. So which one stands out the most? "It depends not only on the size or appearance of the project, but also on its complexity. Two years ago, we realized the roofs of the Montevideo in Antwerp. Here we conceived and executed a detail never attempted before - aligning a zinc roof surface and a glass skylight, as envisioned by the architect. Normally, the glass extends above the zinc to create a gutter for water drainage. Through a blend of traditional techniques and modern materials, we successfully accomplished the architect's vision. While the supplier was reluctant to vouch for the technical quality, the roof remains watertight to this day. I take great pride in that accomplishment," admits Stephan.
Another memorable project for Stephan was the Jubilee Park in Brussels. He had been there hundreds of times and imagined that it would be great to renovate those roofs. Five years ago, that dream became a reality. "The roofs incorporated a variety of techniques, each with its own level of complexity. As a craftsman, I find this project a great challenge and an invaluable opportunity for learning. It is an honor to restore these roofs using the techniques of the past," concludes Stephan.
Are you a designer or contractor facing a challenging roof renovation or restoration project? Contact our specialists! We are ready to collaborate with you to devise a comprehensive, waterproof solution.
Are you passionate about complex roofs and eager to master the traditional techniques? Check out our vacancies.
Renovation and restoration are on the rise. and achieving a successful roof renovation requires expertise and knowledge of old installation techniques. The Tectum Group not only has this expertise in-house, but also passes it on internally to younger generations. Both the work and the training are approached with a great deal of passion.
The Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA) in Tervuren, the Royal Observatory in Uccle, the pavilions of the royal palace, the Cinquantenaire Park, ... all of these remarkable buildings with a copper, lead, brass or zinc roof share a common thread: they have all been painstakingly restored by Six by Tectum, the restoration specialists of Tectum Group. Such restorations require knowledge not only of the metal finishing materials, but also of the installation techniques and carpentry craftsmanship of the middle of the last century. Such know-how is becoming increasingly rare in our country. Tectum Group is defying the trend of declining knowledge, setting itself apart from the competition. "We are known in the market for our specialization in unique roofing projects. For instance, we have restored the wooden roof structure, slates, lead cladding and lead ornaments on the central dome of the RMCA, as well as the brass domes of the Royal Observatory", explains project manager Willem Beke. "However, our capabilities extend beyond roofing alone. With our organizational strcture and comprehensive knowledge, we are capable to coordinate complete projects, including the entire roof construction and finishing. So the client only has to liaise with one contact for execution and guarantee."
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