Metal tile is one of the most popular roofing materials. In addition, products of this plan are extremely practical, because they do not require any specific installation and serious financial investments.
The technology of covering the roof with a metal tile is simple, and even an ordinary consumer will cope with its implementation. Naturally, with a strong desire and due dexterity. It is also worth noting that, unlike other roofing materials, the cost of installing metal tiles is much lower. So in some particularly difficult cases, it’s better not to add trouble and spend money on a couple of smart builders.
The metal tile is a convenience, reliability and efficiency. At least that's what material manufacturers say. But not every product pleases with its quality. There are frankly bad decisions on the market that, after a year, bend, rust and lose their original color.
The critical characteristics of such building materials are the quality of the metal and the technology used for coating metal tiles. It is very, very difficult to make such products with your own hands, so it is better to give preference to large companies with decent production capacities. Intelligent equipment for the manufacture of metal is not cheap. Yes, there are portable machines for sheet broaching on sale, but we have already mentioned the quality of such solutions above.
So, let's try to figure out how to choose the right metal tile. The main characteristics of the materials, manufacturers, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of one or another type of roof will be considered in our article. As a basis, we take the opinion of professional builders and other specialists in this field.
Sheet thickness
The metal tile is a protection of your house against heavy rain, hail, and also other troubles. But if the material bends and somehow deforms even under the fallen apple, then such protection is worthless.
One of the critical parameters of a metal tile is the thickness of the sheet. This parameter ranges from 0.4 to 0.7 mm. Naturally, the greater the thickness, the better. The likelihood of dents is noticeably reduced.
Steel quality
Large enterprises producing metal roofing work with three types of steel - domestic, Asian and European. Russian suppliers are located in the cities of Lipetsk, Magnitogorsk and Cherepovets. Domestic steel is considered worthy in quality and is in good demand.
Asian materials are poor. The only significant plus of such steel is its low cost. Metal tiles of this kind come without any intermediate coating. In this case, the paint is applied directly to bare steel. It is better to avoid buying such products.
One of the highest quality is considered to be European steel. Yes, it costs significantly more than the Russian and even more so the Chinese counterpart. But products made of such material will stand on your roof for decades. The following countries produce quality steel products:
- Corus brand, England;
- RUUKKI, Finland;
- SSAB, Sweden;
- Arkelor, Belgium.
Manufacturers have long been producing high-quality materials, and they can be trusted. So when choosing a metal tile, be sure to pay attention to the steel supplier.
Zinc layer
In addition to other types of metal tile coatings and their characteristics, which we will discuss below, there is also anti-corrosion protection. The latter is galvanized. The thickness of this layer directly affects the operational life of the roof.
Galvanization of roofing materials is regulated by domestic GOST 14918-80. All quantitative and qualitative indicators are described in detail there. So, the zinc content on the metal surface should be at least 142.5 g per square meter. That is, the coating thickness in this case is 10 μm.
If products with lower indicators catch your eye, it is better to pass by, because there will be nothing good from such a purchase. The standard in which you can definitely be sure of high-quality corrosion protection, can be called a value of 275 g / m 2 .
Protective covering
Another critical characteristic of metal roofing is a protective coating. In principle, the decisive factor here is the cost. The more expensive the material, the better. In total, in this market, there are four main varieties of the protective layer.
Types of metal tile coating (in decreasing cost and quality):
- plastisol;
- polyurethane;
- matt polyester;
- glossy polyester.
We will analyze the features of specific varieties.
Pural
This type of polyurethane coating has been on the market for almost 20 years, and during all this time there have been no complaints about it. The characteristics of Pural-coated metal tiles can be called exceptional. The production of such products is only one company - Ruukki, whose central office is located in Finland.
Naturally, the delivery of material from Europe will cost a tidy amount, so the brand organized a local rental. The production facilities of the company with the appropriate quality control department are in the hands of the following enterprises:
- Pural Ruukki.
- Grand Line.
- Granite HDX Arcelor.
- "Metal Profile".
Choosing a Pural coating, you can be sure that your roof will be protected to the maximum. Of course, this will cost a pretty penny, but exceptional quality has never been cheap.
Plastisol
This is the ideal cover for the middle strip and cold regions. It is good in almost everything. The plastisol alloy reliably protects the material, extends the life of the metal tile and fades extremely slowly.
The only weak point of the plastisol coating is extreme heat. Scorching sun rays damage the structure of the roof, it bursts and looks shabby. So for the southern regions of the Krasnodar Territory and Crimea, this option is not suitable.
Polyester
Such a coating is considered less durable than the same polyurethane. In addition, during the installation of metal tiles on polyester, all sections must be treated with a special metal paint. It’s inconvenient to work at height, and such moments add even more discomfort.
One of the obvious advantages of polyester is its barely noticeable fading. The process takes place evenly and practically does not feel visually. That is, there will be no separate faded spots on the roof. The manufacturer usually provides a 10-year warranty on such products.
For comparison. High-quality roofing products with a polyurethane coating (such as the Pural) and good galvanization can easily last 50 years or more. The difference in cost between the first and second, of course, is very significant.
Brands and Trust
Let's analyze a few companies involved in the production of metal and which you can trust. Experts in this field strongly recommend that you do not buy roofing materials from one-day firms.
Yes, the cost of metal in this case is much lower, but at the same time, the quality of the products is falling. Many unscrupulous sellers organize seasonal production and produce frank junk that will crumble in a year or two. So it is better to pay attention to the following brands.
Ruuki
Here we have the best of the best. Almost all construction companies involved in the installation of roofs sing praises of the products of this brand. It is impossible to find fault with the quality of Ruuki metal tile. The manufacturer uses in his products only high-quality steel, the maximum possible thickness of galvanizing, as well as the Pural proprietary coating.
But for exceptional quality you have to pay well. In addition, the high price is due to the export state duty.
Metal Profile
The main production facilities of the company are located in Moscow. The brand produces metal tiles based on materials from Severostal. The average sheet thickness varies around 0.45-0.47 mm. In the assortment of the company you can find products with more attractive indicators.
The thickness of galvanization varies around 180 g / m 2 , which fully complies with the established GOST. And as already noted above, Metal Profile is engaged in the production of Pural coated products.
Qarzit
It is customary to treat the entire roof of such a plan with epoxy resin. But this brand uses a polyester effect on the material in its production. This allows you to significantly increase the resistance of the metal to ultraviolet.
It is also worth noting that the brand uses an alloy of zinc and aluminum as an anti-corrosion coating. The application rate fluctuates around 265 g / m 2 . So the brand offers the best rust protection of the roof, especially on cuts.
Metehe
This is a Finnish metal tile with a standard thickness of 50 microns, where 30 microns is polyurethane and 20 microns is a primer. Reviews of both specialists and consumers about the products of this company are mostly positive.
The brand’s products are high-quality steel along with excellent galvanizing, as well as time-tested technology for the production of metal tiles. The only negative that can not be attributed to the technical part of the products is the measure of cut. Products enter the market in stock measured lengths, which is very inconvenient for the average consumer. Transporting such a format is noticeably more expensive, as well as cutting into a more familiar one.