Metal tile is a popular modern material that allows you to cover the roof with high quality and protect it from various influences. Depending on the features of the appearance, installation, color scheme and service life, you can choose varieties of this material. Which metal tile is better and what to look for when choosing?
Material features
Metal tile is a modern roofing material with which you can cover any pitched roof, the slope of which is not higher than 12 degrees. Due to the spectacular imitation of tile coating, metal reliability and high wear resistance, it is in great demand in modern construction. Which metal tile is better and which option is suitable for a particular roof structure?
What are the benefits?
Metal tile is one of the most popular modern materials, which has a number of features. The positive properties of this roofing material include:
- Easy styling. Due to the optimal length of the sheets, metal tiles are easy to install compared to other materials.
- Rich colors. This is perhaps the most important advantage of thismaterial: modern manufacturers offer tiles in more than 10 colors.
- Durability of service. A metal roof tile is a profitable solution, since it can last about 50 years if properly maintained.
- Cost. Compared to many other materials, this one is affordable, especially when you consider the total cost of the entire roofing pie using metal tiles.
- Light weight. Most roofing materials are quite heavy, but this one is lightweight and simple in construction. Most often, a square meter of metal tiles weighs about 4-7 kg. This in turn reduces the cost of transportation.
- Resistant to atmospheric precipitation. The material has a smooth, even surface, from which water flows easily and snow melts. In addition, the operation of the roof is possible in any climatic conditions.
Sheet thickness plays a role
The thickness of the metal tile is one of the main indicators that speak in favor of choosing one or another variety. The standards say that the thickness of the sheet cannot be less than 0.5 mm. But the modern market offers materials of smaller thickness - 0.45 and 0.4 mm. True, the first option is advisable to use in the construction of temporary buildings, gazebos, sheds, and the second is poorly suited even for these purposes.
Sheet metal tiles can be thicker. For example, Ruukki offers a material that has a thickness greater than 0.5 mm. It is worth remembering that whatthe thicker the sheet, the less impact it will have during transportation and the more inconspicuous the joint will be.
What material?
Metal tiles are made from cold-rolled hot-dip galvanized steel, which has gone through all the stages of a complex processing process. To increase the corrosion resistance of the material, manufacturers cover the sheet with a phosphate layer, then treat it with a primer. Its task is to promote better adhesion to the decorative polymer coating. The profile of the metal tile on the back is covered with a transparent varnish, which protects the surface from mechanical stress. Outside, that is, on the front side, a decorative colored polymer coating of the metal tile is used. It consists of several layers:
- steel sheet;
- zinc layer;
- anti-corrosion protective coating;
- primers;
- decorative color resin coating;
- protective varnish.
Remember when choosing that metal roofing tiles do not always have all of the above layers - some manufacturers intentionally do not apply a primer or phosphate layer, thereby reducing product quality.
What coverage?
The quality of the finishing material depends on how carefully the manufacturer treats the production process. The coating for this material plays an important role, and one company can apply it, and the second cannot. Which metal tile is better in the end? Of course, one that has a sufficient degreegalvanizing - not less than 275 g of zinc per 1 sq. m. metal. In addition, the material is always processed with different types of top decorative coating. The most common are:
- polyester;
- pural;
- plastisol;
- PVDF.
Polyester: simple and durable
This is the most popular metal tile coating, which is also called polyester enamel. The top layer of this polymer is applied at a standard thickness of 25 microns. The coating is easily damaged, for example by scratches, but they are easy to paint over. The polyester layer is characterized by high corrosion resistance, UV stability, and can be used in any climatic conditions. Some manufacturers offer sheets with a thinner coating - up to 20 microns. Remember that this coverage is not sufficient for use as a roofing material.
A variety of polyester is matte polyester, which has a large thickness - 35 microns. As a result, it is more resistant to various influences and has better plasticity. Its advantage is also in a more noble appearance.
Pural: Finnish innovation
This Finnish coating has a layer thickness of 50 microns, is more durable, silky-matte surface gloss. Its advantages are the absence of cracks during bending and working with it, therefore it is recommended to use material with such a coating even in adverse climate conditions.
Plastizol
Metal roof tiles can also be coated with plastisol,consisting of polyvinyl chloride and plasticizers. This coating is special: the thickness of its layer reaches 200 microns, so relief embossing with a pattern can be applied to the surface. In addition, it has the best performance, but does not feel very good under the influence of high temperatures. Therefore, such a metal tile should not be used in hot climates.
Plastizol PVDF (PVDF)
This coating has a maximum thickness of 30 microns and is composed of acrylic and vinyl defluoride. A distinctive feature is the glossy metallic surface, which is resistant to various negative influences and can be used in any climatic conditions.
Shape and color
Which material is better in terms of color and geometry? There is no clear answer here, since these parameters are dictated solely by the taste preferences of the owner of the house. The most popular color in our country is red and its shades, which look stylish and modern. But it is worth remembering that dark colors fade faster in the sun, and light metal tiles look especially beautiful against the backdrop of buildings.
From the point of view of geometry, this material is one of the most capricious. In production, the accuracy of dimensions plays an important role - the length, width, height of the sheet, profile shapes and metal thickness. All these indicators are important for the final product. On any roof, a piece square metal tile will look harmonious, allowing you to createeven designs of unusual shape.
Depending on the height of the wave, the stiffness of the sheet may vary: the higher the relief, the less flexible the material becomes. Modern metal tile is presented in two dimensional forms: small wave (up to 50 mm) and high wave (above 50 mm). At the same time, the profile drawing itself is either with a symmetrical or asymmetric wave.
Popular types (profiles) of metal tiles
A classic option for all types of roofs is the Monterrey tile, which is presented in a wide range of colors from different shades and with different coatings. The installation of this material is carried out with an overlap, always using a crate, a sealant and special self-tapping screws for reliable fastening. This is the most popular metal tile on the Russian market. Its cost is from 230 rubles per square meter.
The second most popular metal tile is Cascade. It is distinguished by rectilinear shapes, similar to a chocolate bar. It is advisable to use it for laying on a large roof area. Its main advantages are the evenness of the relief pattern and the presence of decorative channels. The cost of a metal tile is from 170 rubles per square meter.
There are also more expensive varieties of this material. So, the cost of metal tiles "Andalusia" starts from 300 rubles per square meter, the slats are made with imitation of natural classical tiles. It is distinguished by the presence of internal fasteners, thanks to which the joints are well hidden. Covered like thismetal tile roof looks like a single unit.
Spanish Dune, Banga, Pamir, Shanghai, etc. are less popular.
Who is the manufacturer?
When deciding which metal tile is better, pay attention to the brand and origin of the material. If you are looking for Russian-made products, pay attention to the materials of the Odintsovo Light Structures Plant. It produces metal tiles coated with the most popular compositions and created in accordance with the latest technologies. The company offers several unique collections of material that will last about 15 years with proper use.
Mera System is a Swedish-made metal tile. Products are made from steel sheets 0.45 mm thick, which are galvanized on both sides. The material will become a reliable protection for any roof structure, able to withstand climatic changes and the great influence of precipitation.
The Finnish metal tile Poimukate has proven itself well. Production is carried out in accordance with European quality standards from steel, after which the material is covered with a zinc protective layer. The thickness of the sheet is 0.5 mm, while the tiles are with a high wave, thanks to which the roof will be more expressive and voluminous. Properly selected polymer coatings significantly increase the life of the material, the guarantee for which is about 20-30 years.
Another popular Finnish metal tile is the Takotta brand. It attracts attention with its appearance: a wide selectioncolors, various patterns imitating natural materials give the tiles an interesting look. The thickness of the coating is used up to 0.5 mm, so it will serve as a reliable protection against various influences. This manufacturer pays close attention to the quality of its products, which has proven itself from the best side.
The products of the Russian company Grand Line, which manufactures piece tiles to order, received a lot of good reviews. Production is carried out using copper, zinc-titanium, aluminum, while the metal tile will make the roof of any configuration interesting. The piece of copper tile looks original on the roof - an exquisite material that will make the exterior of any house unique. Thanks to its durability, excellent chemical characteristics, and the necessary flexibility, it can be used even on roofs with complex configurations. The most durable material is zinc-titanium piece metal tile, which has unique characteristics.
Many good reviews about the products of the Finnish company Ruukki, which offers a wide selection of metal tiles. Its main features include unique performance characteristics, stylish appearance, a choice of 7 material collections. The design is designed so that the roof looks neat, modern and harmonious.
