Roofing manufacturers around the world are constantly looking for the most economical solutions. Thanks to innovative technologies and developments, the modern market of roofing materials is so replete with materials that not only the average buyer, but sometimes the specialist, can get confused. Recently in Russia the increasing popularity is won by a metal tile. In our article, we will talk about which roofing material: slate, corrugated board or metal tiles to give preference to; which metal tile is better.
Recall that on how you choose the right material for the roof, how you calculate its design, its further operation and durability depend.And this, in turn, will affect the quality of operation of the entire building.
Before answering the question: metal tile - which is better? Consider the brief characteristics of the most popular roofing materials.
Characteristics of slate, its advantages and disadvantages
So, the long-liver among roofing is slate. Since ancient times, we remember the gray coating of the same type as the most common (at that time there was simply no choice), which had no competitors.
Slate is wavy asbestos-cement sheets. Currently, manufacturers produce slate of different colors and colors, its weight has decreased significantly.
Modern manufacturers offer three types of slate:
- With uniform coverage.
- with a regular profile.
- with reinforced profile.
The main advantages of slate:
- Incombustible roofing material.
- It has high thermal insulation properties.
- The material is heat resistant.
- Perfectly cut into the necessary details.
- It will withstand even the highest load.
- Ease of installation.
- Environmental friendliness.
The disadvantages of slate include the following qualities:
- The material does not bend, so it can be used on roofs, the design of which has only even corners.
- Incline slate roofs must have an angle greater than 45 degrees, since the slate has an impressive weight.
We hope that knowing the advantages and disadvantages of slate, you will be able to decide which roofing material for the roof of your house is better: slate or metal tile.
Characteristics of corrugated board, its advantages and disadvantages
Consider the characteristics of another, no less popular, material for roofing and other works - corrugated board, in order to decide which is better than a profiled sheet or a metal tile?
Often, experts call this material profiled sheets. In fact, roofing sheeting - this is the same lightweight slate, but not asbestos cement is used for its production, but thin steel sheets. Accordingly, the weight of the material is much lighter than that of slate.
Modern manufacturers produce two types of corrugated board:
- Decking without coating.
- Profiled sheeting with a coating of polymeric materials, so that the product has a variety of colors.
The main advantages of corrugated board:
- Little weight.
- The material is fireproof.
- Beautiful decorative indicators.
- Low cost.
- Service life - 45 years.
The main disadvantages of corrugated board:
- The angle of the roof slope should be no more than 8 degrees.
- Increased noise during precipitation.
- The risk of lightning getting into a corrugated roof increases significantly. Therefore, the arrangement of a lightning rod is required.
For those who still have not decided which material is better: profiled sheet or metal tile, we advise you to choose based not on the performance of the materials, but on the budget that you are willing to spend on roofing and aesthetic considerations.
Recall that covering the roof with metal tiles is not a cheap pleasure.But the resulting effect cannot be compared in its beauty with any other material.
At the same time, when comparing the category: metal tile or corrugated board, you need to know that corrugated roofing will not look so chic, but will serve faithfully for a long time, without causing unpleasant moments to its owners.
It is important to know: when the slope of the roof slope is less than 15 degrees, it is not advisable to use metal tiles. It is better to use corrugated board or slate.
If you still have not decided which metal tile or profiled sheet is better, consider the characteristic features of metal tile.
Characteristics of metal tiles
So, what is better metal tile or slate? Or maybe corrugated board. Consider the main characteristics of the metal tile, its advantages and disadvantages.
So, a metal tile is a roof covering that imitates natural tiles with its appearance.
Metal tiles are produced by stamping: sheets of galvanized steel (thickness 0.4-0.5 mm) take a certain shape, after which a polymer coating of polyester, polyvinyl difluoride or plastisol is applied to them.
Due to the fact that it is not recommended to cut metal tiles, modern manufacturers produce material with standard sizes:
- Width - 1.18 m.
- Length: 3.63 m, 2.23, 1.18 and 0.48 m.
- Profile height - 23, 18, 15 mm.
Depending on the size, the weight of the metal tile also fluctuates: from 1.9 to 17.7 kg.
Based on the project and design features of the roof, you need to calculate the required amount of metal tiles, given its size.
The main advantages of metal tiles:
- The material is quite flexible, so it is suitable for roofs of any shape and configuration.
- In order not to resort to pruning, you can purchase material of the required size.
- Environmental friendliness.
- Excellent external characteristics.
- The durability of the coating is up to 40 years.
- Different pricing policy (there is material, both economy and elite class).
The main disadvantages of metal tiles:
- Due to incorrect calculations, material waste can be quite high - up to 40%.
- Installation requires certain knowledge and skills, since it is strictly forbidden to walk on the coating.
- Creates increased noise during precipitation.
- We do not have thermal insulation properties.
- Condensation may form with a sharp change in temperature and humidity in the environment.
In Europe, manufacturers and consumers have come to the following conclusion: the best metal tile is Monterrey. What are the features of this profile? Its wavelength is 35 cm, which looks especially impressive on roofing.
The modern Russian market of materials for roofing breaks records for the sale of metal tiles from different manufacturers. The following brands are especially popular with Russians: Ruukki (Finland); Grand line, Metallprofil, Interprofil (Russia), MERA SYSTEM (Sweden) and others.
It is impossible to unambiguously answer the question: what is the best metal tile of a Russian or foreign manufacturer. It all depends on the design features of the roof and your budget. It is quite clear that domestic counterparts are cheaper.
Variety of metal roofing
Modern manufacturers use several basic coatings to cover metal tiles:
- Polyester is the basis of this polyester paint coating, which has a glossy surface.This is the thinnest and most inexpensive coating (thickness 25 microns), but, nevertheless, it is suitable for different climatic conditions. Color fastness is good.
- Matte polyester has a coating thickness of 35 microns and a matte finish. Retains mechanical and color stability in any climate.
- Pural is an innovative coating, unfamiliar to a wide range of consumers. Its thickness is 50 microns, the base is polyurethane. This coating is heat-resistant and adequately withstands temperature changes, much better than polyester.
- 4. Plastisol - the thickest coating - 200 microns. The base is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with an embossed surface, which perfectly withstands atmospheric influences and mechanical damage. A word of advice: in hot regions, give preference to light-colored coatings, they will heat up less and, accordingly, fade less in the sun.
- The LDPE coating of polyvinyl difluoride and acrylic (80%x20%) has a thickness of 27 microns and a gloss. Its colors mimic "metallic". The coating does not fade, resistant to mechanical damage and aggressive environments. The service life of this coating is the record holder among all coatings.
Design features of metal tiles
Knowing the features and characteristics of each coating, you can easily decide which metal tile is the best for the climatic features of your region.
Varieties of the metal tile profile
Each model of metal tile has its own characteristics:
- step;
- drawing;
- and profile depth.
The most spectacular is the relief profile, which has a large step. After all, it is not for nothing that Europeans prefer Monterrey metal tiles (we talked about this above).
What is a metal tile? Manufacturers tacitly divided the metal tile into the following subspecies:
- The wave height is the smallest (up to 50 mm).
- The wave height is large (50-70 mm).
- symmetrical wave.
- Beveled asymmetric wave.
- Exclusive pattern (elite-class material).
What is the best metal tile, with a particular profile - you decide.
It is important to know: the wave height, pattern, pitch and depth of the profile do not in any way affect the quality of the material. These characteristics determine its external decorative performance.
How to choose a quality roofing material?
Which manufacturer to prefer is also up to you. Although there is a certain pattern: the quality of the material is higher, the more famous its brand and manufacturer. Accordingly, its value is also determined by these same indicators. As a rule, the metal tile of proven well-known brands costs an order of 15% higher. Decide for yourself what is more important to you: the durability of the roof or its cost?
Tip: in order to purchase high-quality metal tiles, protect yourself: ask the seller for a quality certificate (it must come from the original manufacturer), the conclusion of a sanitation station and a fire safety certificate.
Most manufacturers with a name mark their product, indicating information about who and where the sheet of material was produced.
An equally important predetermining factor in the choice of metal tiles is the geometry and size of the wave. Unfortunately, many negligent sellers try to slip inexperienced consumers with tiles, the shape of which was given on unadjusted and worn-out machines. What is the risk of such a purchase? Such sheets of metal tiles cannot fit perfectly one to the other, forming gaps.Subsequently, this will affect only the beauty, but also the quality of the tightness of the roofing.
We hope that our article will help those who have not yet decided which is better: metal tile or slate, to make their right choice.
Recall that in order to properly mount the roof of a metal tile, you need to purchase special additional elements:
- Cap and bar for the ridge;
- Overlay for the valley;
- Planks for internal and external corners;
- Plank for seams and joints.
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