30 Years at the Top- Celebrating the Game Changing Forticrete Gemini Roof Tile

This year marks a major milestone for the roofing industry: 30 years since the launch of Gemini, the innovative tile that transformed the small format roof tile market.

Since 1995, Forticrete – now a part of Ibstock Plc – launched Gemini, the product has combined the traditional beauty of plain tile roofing with modern engineering that saves time, reduces waste, and delivers performance.

Why Gemini Stands Apart

From its inception 30 years ago right through to today, Gemini has led the way in terms of aesthetic appeal and durability, becoming the product of choice for developers and contractors across the UK.

Designed to look like two plain tiles side by side, its unique profile means a roof can be laid with just 16.23 tiles per m², compared to the more than 60 typically required with plain tile equivalents.

The result for roofing contractors? Faster installation, less timber required, and a finish that captures the character and kerb appeal of traditional roofing, without the inefficiencies.

But Gemini is more than just a clever design. Over the past three decades, it has been continuously refined, from lock redesigns to improved accessories – the vast majority of which are manufactured in-house by Ibstock – to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of contractors and developers.

The Right Blend

One of Gemini’s most distinctive qualities is its colour palette. Gemini has a five-strong range of colours with two of the colours being uniquely blended creating a truly organic, non-uniform appearance. These colour variations give specifiers and housebuilders the opportunity to achieve a classic, authentic roof finish that complements both traditional and contemporary designs.

Staying Sustainable

Sustainability has been at the heart of Gemini’s development from the very beginning. Today, Gemini is backed by EPD verification, giving contractors, developers, and specifiers the data they need to evidence embodied carbon savings.

What’s more, thanks to innovative product design – and the launch of both our Tile-and-half and three-quarter tile equivalents – we’re also helping to minimise waste on site, not only saving time but also supporting more carbon efficient builds.

Tested to the Highest Standards

Every Gemini tile is manufactured to meet BS EN 490 standards when tested to BS EN 491, ensuring strength, durability, and long-term performance. Tiles undergo rigorous permeability testing, are subjected to freeze-thaw cycles from -20°C to +20°C and are continually benchmarked to maintain Kitemark accreditation.

Gemini has been recognised at the highest level, too, securing a Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation back in 2001.

The Next Chapter

With 30 years of proven performance, unique colour blends, robust environmental credentials, and a reputation built on rigorous testing, Gemini continues to set the benchmark for plain tile roofing solutions. And with new colours and developments on the horizon, there’s even more to come.

For specifiers, contractors, and developers alike, Gemini is not just a tile – it’s a system, a standard, and a smarter choice for the future of roofing.

This article was featured in the Autumn ‘25 edition of BIMCRUNCH. Find the full magazine here. To learn more about Forticrete or download their BIM objects, join Bimstore for free. For additional information, visit the Forticrete manufacturer profile or Ibstock's company website and social media pages.