Slovak roofs, world-class quality by ROVA

Since the dawn of time, people have sought shelter from the elements—first in caves, later in simple huts made of branches, leaves, or animal hides. Over time came the first construction experiments: roofs made from reed, straw, and thatch, followed by clay tiles and wooden trusses.

The first truly sophisticated roofing solutions came from the Romans. Just think of the dome of the Pantheon—a clear proof that a roof could be both functional and an architectural marvel. In the Middle Ages, clay tiles became widespread in towns, while in rural areas wood and slate remained popular. Metal elements began to appear, especially on churches and major buildings. Interestingly, even today, when restoring historic landmarks, traditional craftsmanship is combined with modern technology to preserve as much of the original look as possible.

Another milestone was the mansard roof, which became iconic in French cities from the 17th century onward. And the modern era? It brought trapezoidal sheets, layered panels, and special surface treatments that extend durability while opening up new possibilities for colour and design.

In Slovak villages, houses were long covered with thatched or reed roofs. Today, you’ll mostly see them in open-air museums or as part of cultural heritage, because with the advent of clay tiles and sheet metal, these traditional coverings began to disappear.

After World War II, cement tiles, concrete tiles, and sheet metal became widely used, mainly because of their availability, lower costs, and the need for quick reconstruction. Thatched roofs gradually became rare—not only because of their short lifespan but also due to the demanding maintenance they required.

Even so, roof restoration in Slovakia still emphasizes preserving the original form and character of buildings. A nice example is the Old Town Hall in Bratislava, whose colorful roofing is a distinctive part of its identity.

Today, metal and steel roofing is becoming increasingly popular—thanks to its durability, light weight, and wide range of design and color options. And this is where ROVA has carved out a strong position, not only in Slovakia but also in the Czech Republic.

Its portfolio includes trapezoidal sheets, standing seam roofs, gutter systems, and sheet metal accessories—in short, everything a roof needs to withstand harsh conditions while still looking great. Modern surface treatments protect against corrosion and extend longevity. Current trends also point toward solar panels, green roofs, and smart solutions with moisture sensors and integrated photovoltaic modules.

ROVA was founded in 2000 and, after 2009, became part of the Swedish group Lindab. This step brought new technologies and know-how, while maintaining continuity for its customers. Thanks to continuous investment and development, ROVA grew into one of the leaders in the sheet metal roofing segment.

Today, operating once again under its own brand, ROVA manufactures roofing materials, gutter systems, sandwich panels, and HVAC solutions. It also provides professional service and consulting, including expert installation of ventilation systems. Its main production plant is located in Jamník near Spišská Nová Ves, with additional branches in Bratislava and Nitra.

ROVA prides itself on its Slovak roots, quality, and technical reliability, while putting innovation, sustainability, and a fair approach to customers and partners at the forefront.

When we visited ROVA in Jamník, we were welcomed by the unmistakable atmosphere of a factory—the hum of production lines, the steady rhythm of rollers, and the focused work of people giving roofs their final form. We witnessed the journey of raw sheet metal being transformed into a finished, coloured roofing system ready for installation.

What impressed us most was the people—their passion for detail, their commitment to high standards, and their drive to innovate. We discussed modern surface treatments and the ability to adapt roofing to the needs of architects and builders. It was clear that traditional craftsmanship meets modern technology here.

If you’d like to know more, check out our full report and take a look behind the scenes. You’ll see why ROVA is a company that proudly carries the name Made in Slovakia—and gives it true meaning.