Roofing is becoming more practical and functional as new finishing materials appear. Tiled elements have long formed a special segment on the market, which is successfully replenished with bituminous flooring, shingles, tiles and other products. In fact, these are modular sheets with unusual cutouts along the edge. Typical installation of flexible tiles is carried out with an overlap and without special fixation to the rafter frame. The use of such coatings is allowed both as a new roof and as a replacement for obsolete decking during roof reconstruction.
Structure of material
Flexible tiles differ from other roofing materials not so much in form factor as in composition and performance. The structure of the sheets is heterogeneous and multi-layered. The outer layer is traditionally represented by a decorative coating based on bas alt granulate or slate chips. Its features include not only aestheticadvantages, but also protective effects - from the sun and moisture. This is followed by the first layer of bitumen with additives from polymers. It is thanks to this layer that the tile acquires resistance to deformation and flexibility.
Organic cellulose or fiberglass is used as a base. This is a kind of core responsible for the strength of the structure and the durability of flexible tiles. The installation of sheets with a bitumen-polymer self-adhesive layer is facilitated by the fact that the user does not need to prepare special mixtures for fixing. The transparent film protects the adhesive surface while maintaining its adhesive qualities. It remains only to lay the element correctly and wait for complete curing at the junction.
Specifications
Traditionally it is believed that shingles have the disadvantage of low strength and durability. But the absence of destructive reactions like corrosion, for example, increases its service life even compared to steel corrugated board. Manufacturers give a guarantee of 10 to 50 years or more. So, the manufacturer gives a guarantee of 60 years for a three-layer flexible tile "TechnoNIKOL". Moreover, most models are allowed to be used in harsh climatic conditions. As for the lower threshold, it reaches -50 ° C, and the upper limit is 110 ° C.
High thermal insulation qualities allow you to keep the home microclimate in optimal parameters both in winter and in summer. This is achieved just thanks to the multilayer structure with insulating polymer additives. But many are confusedthe large weight of the material, which is also determined by the bulk structure. In particular, shinglas shingles in different series have a mass of 12 to 17 kg/m2. Accordingly, such a cover can only be laid on a reliable rafter system with a rigid installation of Mauerlats around the perimeter of the frame of the house.
Varieties of flexible tiles
There are several classifications by which this coating is distinguished. For example, bituminous elements are one-, two- and three-layer, which have already been mentioned above. They differ in additional layers of shingles, which give the tile volume and relief with a pronounced texture. The cutting method is also different. Today, on this basis, the following types of flexible tiles are more often distinguished:
- "Brick".
- Dragon Tooth.
- "Diamond".
- Beavertail, etc.
In each case, the tile has a special shape and cutting along the edges, which gives the coating an individual design. Manufacturers are also experimenting with decorative qualities in terms of textured performance. Not so long ago, the segment was based on models with neutral shades, but more and more collections imitating the natural patterns of certain materials appear.
General tips for installing shingles
The key to a quality roof finish is the right approach to project planning. You should initially think over the laying configuration, sketch out the layout of the material and do not forget about difficult areas. As a rule, in the calculation of flexible tiles, it is taken into accountroof area and slope angle. The area is calculated based on the length of the edges of the slopes, ridge and edges. From the area should be excluded areas that will have to be bypassed during the laying process. These include chimney, ventilation pipe, roof window, etc.
Particular attention before installation is given to the preparation of the base. The fundamental question is whether the crate is required as an additional supporting platform? It should be provided if, as a result of the calculation, it turned out that the mass load exceeds 30 kg/m2. It is desirable to provide for additional equipment of the material, which will eliminate the difficulties of laying in areas that are complex in design. For example, Shinglas flexible tiles in some series include ridge elements, cornice aerators, valleys and other devices that make it easier to pair the coating with the supporting truss system.
Tools and materials for installation
After the installation of the truss system is completed, there should not be any special difficulties in the installation of the roof. To facilitate installation operations, it is desirable to provide the following list of tools:
- Metal shears.
- Roofing knife.
- Hammer.
- Construction stapler or hammer gun.
- Universal trowel.
- Industrial hair dryer.
With the help of this set, even a non-specialist will be able to implement the installation of flexible tiles, cutting, laying and correct fitting. But, also, one cannot do without specialconsumables. At a minimum, you will need a sealant for sealing seams and joints, bituminous mastic and lining material. Again, depending on the current condition of the roof, the type of rafter system and the presence of structural parts, additional components such as ventilation elements, roof eaves end fixtures, reinforcing parts, etc. may be required.
Optimal installation conditions
Much depends on the individual requirements for laying a particular material. The temperature regime as such does not matter in the case of the installation of corrugated board and most models of solid tiles and, on the contrary, imposes restrictions on the installation of a rolled roof. The obstacles are connected precisely with the presence of bitumen in the structure of the tile, which is sensitive to negative temperatures. Already at -5 °C, defects in the bonding adhesive layer may occur.
To a minimal extent, but these restrictions apply to the laying of shingles, so it is better to choose summer time for work. In winter, the only way out can be a special preparation of the material before installation. Manufacturers recommend keeping tiles at room temperature a day before laying. This will keep the bitumen structure in an acceptable state at the time of gluing.
Styling technology
By the time the roof is installed, a base of moisture-resistant, smooth wood-shaving material should be prepared. Also, the installation instructions for flexible tiles require reliable waterproofing of the substrate with a membrane film. To achieve the effect of continuous sealing, a specialmastic.
Directly laying tiles starts from the center of the ramp. From this point, you should move to the edges of the roof, not forgetting to observe the correct location of the segments relative to each other. The use of mounting strips as barriers in rows will allow you to maintain an even roofing of shingles. Fastening technology as a basic technique involves the use of an adhesive layer of bitumen. Again, at low temperatures, special heating with a gas burner may be required, but this should be provided in advance.
Nails can be used for additional fixation. Hardware will provide a stronger coupling of tiles in adjacent rows. A special perforated tile is laid on the ridge. In this case, an overlap of 3-5 cm is maintained.
Common installation mistakes
First of all, structural restrictions on the use of this type of roofing are provided. For example, laying most models is not allowed if the slope angle is outside 10-90 degrees. There are also errors in the selection of fasteners. The same nails, under high wind and mechanical loads, are squeezed out of the wood mass over time. Therefore, for example, the manufacturer recommends fixing Shinglas shingles along the previously applied factory installation lines with nails no less than 45 mm long. A great responsibility lies on the first row of masonry. In this area, without proper sealing and violation of the structural arrangement of the tiles, leaks can occur with the inevitabledestruction of rafter legs.
Tile "TechnoNIKOL"
Corporation "Tekhninikol" presents an extensive line of "Shinglas", which has been mentioned more than once and is considered one of the most popular in Russia in this segment. The structure of this tile is based on a combination of bitumen and fiberglass, designed specifically for operation in harsh climatic conditions. The range of TechnoNIKOL shingles includes the Western, Continent, Atlantic and other collections. Each family is distinguished by its original texture, texture and technical and physical characteristics.
Tegola tiles
Italian manufacturer, which also has its own production in the Moscow region. The line of this company contains more than 100 color options, and the range covers the entire spectrum from budget to elite materials. It produces Tegola and models that are unique in their qualities - in particular, with a copper coating. This is a flexible tile resistant to wear and physical stress, which is installed both on ordinary pitched roofs and on complex sites with an abundance of structural details. An important distinguishing feature of this material is its low weight - the lightest elements weigh about 80-100 g / m2, so they can be laid on roof structures in any configuration.
Katepal tiles
One of the largest Finnish manufacturers of roofing materials, which represents severalseries of soft tiles based on high quality bitumen. This tile differs in frost resistance and independence from external climatic conditions. The coating is tolerant of both precipitation and mechanical loads from snow cover with wind. The most popular collections are Katrilli, Jazzy, KL, Rocky, etc. The company also offers unique developments, which include two-layer Mansion tiles. The prefabricated shingle roof of this series, thanks to SBS-modified bitumen, provides not only a durable flooring, but also creates a reliable vapor and waterproofing shell.
Conclusion
When choosing a roofing material, a wide range of parameters is taken into account from technical indicators to operational protective properties. In the case of flexible coatings, two other equally important criteria must be taken into account. This is the load from its own weight and cost. As for the first factor, bituminous materials give the greatest load on the supporting truss system, which cannot be ignored.
Also, price tags can limit the choice of this solution. For example, shingles "Shinglas" cost an average of 200-250 rubles per square meter. Exclusive models from Katepal are available for 400-500 rubles per square meter. Such costs are many times higher than investments in more familiar traditional roofing materials. What justifies the overpayment? According to the users themselves, bituminous flexible roofing is beneficial in technical and operational qualities with good sealing, preservation of the natural microclimate in the house andoriginal design. And that's not to mention the service life, which is superior to roofing from other alternative materials.
