The choice of roofing material is an important and crucial stage of construction work, since it is the roof that provides protection from precipitation and comfortable pastime indoors. For this purpose, sand-cement tiles are often used. Its popularity is due to the fact that the material meets two basic requirements: reliability and durability.
Composition and production of cement-sand tiles
Tiles are made of natural quartz sand and cement. Its production technology is as follows: a mixture of Portland cement, water, quartz and alkali-resistant pigments is pressed under high pressure. The next step is to create the correct shape of the material. After that, a special UV-resistant dye is applied to its surface.
The next step is drying the tiles. It is dried at a temperature of 60 degrees in a special chamber. At the end of the procedure, she is allowed to lie in the warehouse for about 30 days, during which she becomes 70%stronger (30% is gaining during operation). A high-quality result can be achieved only with the use of modern equipment, high-quality materials and compliance with production technology. The quality of the finished material is evaluated by its porosity and density. If it is porous, then it is more prone to destruction.
The production of this type of tile takes place without firing, as is done for ceramics, due to which its cost is significantly reduced.
Dignity
Cement-sand tile, the average price of which is 350 rubles/m2, has a number of advantages:
- Accessibility. The material can be purchased at almost any hardware store or you can place an order via the Internet.
- Durability. If the installation of cement-sand tiles was carried out in accordance with all the rules, then it can last 100-150 years.
- Precipitation resistance.
- Fire retardant.
- Good sound, water and heat insulation performance.
- Easy to install.
- The ability to organize a unique design not only for the roof, but for the whole house.
Flaws
The material has certain flaws:
- heavy weight, because of this, additional reinforcement of the rafter system is required;
- low hard frost resistance;
- fragility;
- limited choice;
- large thickness;
- prone to mold, fungus.
Material color
Previously the material wasgray as concrete. The modern colors of the tiles are achieved by two processes: mass dyeing and painting after the elements have been shaped. Coloring in mass ensures a stable and stable color of the material, so that damage during its installation is hardly noticeable.
In the case when the tiles are cut during laying, the material on the cut has a light shade, the structure of the concrete stone is visible. A solution was found for this: all cut sand-cement tiles are painted with a primer. You can buy it in the same place where the roofing material is.
Coloring
Acrylic paint is best. It will not only give the tiles the desired color, but also protect the initially rough surface from contamination. Different manufacturers create unique coatings. The top layer of shingles must be water-repellent so as not to impede water runoff and to eliminate the possibility of moss, mold and limescale. Resistance to UV radiation is another advantage, thanks to which cement-sand tiles stand out favorably. Feedback from builders suggests that the material has good color stability: it does not fade, it is not affected by precipitation. A solution is possible using two colors at the same time, which makes it possible to lay out different patterns.
Surface coloring of the material allows you to make it matte or glossy. The last option is the most common. Tiles are also available, painted with polymer-acrylicpaints, due to the use of which the surface of the material shines.
Sand-cement tiles are often available in 4 basic colors: red, brown, brick, graphite. Other color options must be ordered individually, but the cost of the material will increase by 30-45%. The most common model is the wavy tile, also known as the "double Roman". If we take into account the manufacturers, then the cement-sand tile Braas enjoys the greatest success in the domestic market.
Shape
The specific production technology of cement-sand tiles significantly limits the number of its models, compared to ceramic tiles. In addition, its dimensions are much larger than the latter. The standard sizes of tiles are 42 and 33 mm in length and width, respectively. Therefore, for a roof of 1 m2, 10 pieces are enough. A smaller version is also available: 41 in length and 24 in width. For 1 m2 you will need 15 units.
Coating Weight
Sand-cement tiles are considered heavy roofing material, but they are lighter than their ceramic counterpart: 1 m2 of material weighs up to 45 kg, and the weight of ceramic tiles is up to 75 kg. A large mass of material has a positive effect on the sound insulation of the room as a whole: the sound of rain or hail is almost inaudible.
Durability, reviews
On average, tiles fully perform their functions for 70-100 years. This is largely due to its frost resistance.and minimum moisture capacity - up to 3%. At the same time, builders' reviews are unanimous that the roof is one piece and there is no guarantee that it will last the maximum amount of time. For example, if during construction it was decided to save on the step of the rafters, that the structure may not withstand the imposed loads. The durability of shingles is directly related to the viability of the entire roof.
Care
It will take a minimum of time and effort to maintain the tile in good condition, as it is practically not subject to "aging". The top layer of the material is covered with acrylic paint, thanks to which the rain washes away almost any pollution. This slows down the development of all kinds of microorganisms.
It is enough to wash the roof every 3-4 years with pressurized water. Similarly, it is cleaned of moss and lichens. The latter is most often formed on a slope on the north side. In the case when water does not completely remove the formed pollution, special means should be used. Green plaque does not affect the overall strength of the tiles, as it does not penetrate deep into the material.
Today, the technology for the production of tiles is constantly being improved, so that the paint can stay on the material for many years. If it is damaged, then it can be re-stained using special paints. For maximum efficiency, such work is recommended to be carried out at an ambient temperature of 15-20 degrees. It is also important to ensure that the coating does notoverheated in the sun.
