Roofing is becoming more practical and functional with the advent of new finishing materials. Tile elements have long formed a special segment in the market, which is successfully replenished with bitumen 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 roof frame. The use of such coatings is allowed both as a new roof, and as a replacement for obsolete flooring during roof reconstruction.
Material structure
Flexible roof tiles differ from other roofing materials not so much in the form factor, but in composition and performance. The structure of the sheets is heterogeneous and multilayer. The outer layer is traditionally represented by a decorative coating based on basalt granulate or slate crumb. Its features include not only aesthetic advantages, but also protective effects - from the sun and moisture. This is followed by the first layer of bitumen with additives from polymers. Thanks to this layer, the tile becomes resistant to deformation and flexibility.
Organic cellulose or fiberglass is used as the base. This is a kind of core, responsible for the strength of the structure and the durability of flexible tiles. 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. Transparent film protects the adhesive surface, while maintaining its adhesive quality. It remains only to correctly lay the element and expect complete hardening at the junction.
Technical and operational characteristics
It is traditionally believed that flexible tiles have the disadvantage of low strength and durability. But the absence of destructive reactions like corrosion, for example, increases its service life even in comparison with steel corrugated board. Manufacturers give a guarantee of 10 to 50 years or more. So, on a three-layer flexible tile "TechnoNIKOL" the manufacturer gives a guarantee of 60 years. However, most models are allowed for use in harsh climatic conditions. As for the lower threshold, it reaches -50 ° C, and the upper limit is 110 ° C.
High heat-insulating qualities make it possible to keep the home microclimate in optimal parameters both in winter and in summer. This is achieved precisely thanks to the multilayer structure with warming polymer additives. But, many are confused by the large weight of the material, which is also caused by the volumetric structure. In particular, Shinglas flexible tiles 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 Mauerlat around the perimeter of the house frame.
Varieties of flexible tiles
There are several classifications by which this coating is distinguished. For example, bitumen elements are one-, two- and three-layer, which are already mentioned above. They differ in additional layers of shingle, giving 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.
- "Rhombus".
- Beaver Tail, etc.
In each case, the tile has a special shape and cut along the edges, which gives the coating an individual design. Manufacturers are experimenting with decorative qualities in terms of textured design. Not so long ago, the basis of the segment was made up of models with neutral shades, but more and more collections are appearing that imitate the natural patterns of various materials.
General tips for installing flexible tiles
The key to quality roofing is the right approach to the design process. You should initially think over the configuration of the installation, outline the layout of the material and do not forget about difficult areas. As a rule, when calculating flexible tiles, the roof area and the slope angle are taken into account. The calculation of the area is based on the length of the ribs of the slopes, ridge and edges. From the area should be excluded areas that will have to be circumvented during the installation process. These include a chimney, ventilation pipe, dormer, 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 / m 2 . It is advisable to provide an additional set of material, which will eliminate the difficulties of laying in areas of complex construction. For example, the Shinglas flexible tile in some series includes ridge elements, cornice aerators, valleys and other devices that facilitate the coupling of the coating with the supporting rafter system.
Tools and materials for installation
After the installation of the rafter system is completed, there should not be any special difficulties when installing the roof. To facilitate installation operations, it is advisable to provide the following list of tools:
- Scissors for metal.
- Roofing knife.
- Hammer.
- Construction stapler or hammer.
- Universal trowel.
- Industrial dryer.
With this kit, even a layman can realize the installation of flexible tiles, performing its cutting, laying and proper fit. But, also can not do without special consumables. At a minimum, you will need a sealant for sealing joints and joints, bitumen mastic and lining material. Again, depending on the current state of the roof, the type of rafter system and the presence of structural parts, additional components like ventilation elements, end devices for roof overhangs, reinforcing parts, etc. may be required.
Optimum 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 installation of corrugated board and most models of solid tiles and, on the contrary, imposes restrictions on the device of the rolled roof. Obstacles are associated precisely with the presence in the structure of the tile bitumen, sensitive to negative temperatures. Already at -5 ° C defects may occur in the adhesive bonding layer.
To a minimum extent, but these restrictions apply to the laying of flexible tiles, so it is better to choose summer time for work. In winter, only special preparation of the material before installation can become an outlet. Manufacturers recommend maintaining the tile at room temperature a day before installation. This will maintain an acceptable state of the bitumen structure at the time of gluing.
Styling technology
By the time the roof is installed, the base should be prepared from a moisture-resistant, smooth wood-shaving material. Also, the installation instructions for flexible tiles require reliable waterproofing of the substrate with a membrane film. To achieve the effect of continuous sealing, special mastic is used.
Directly laying tiles begins with the center of the ramp. From this point you should move to the edges of the roof, not forgetting that the segments are positioned correctly relative to each other. The use of mounting strips as row barriers will make it possible to maintain an even roof structure from flexible tiles. The fastening technology as a basic technique involves the use of an adhesive layer of bitumen. Again, at low temperatures, a special warm-up with a gas burner may be required, but this should be foreseen in advance.
For additional fixation, you can use nails. Hardware will provide a more durable coupling of the tiles in adjacent rows. A special tile with perforation is laid on the ridge. In this case, an overlap of 3-5 cm is maintained.
Common installation errors
First of all, structural restrictions on the use of this type of roof are provided. For example, the laying of most models is not allowed if the angle of the ramp goes beyond 10-90 degrees. There are also errors in the selection of fasteners. The same nails with high wind and mechanical loads are squeezed out of the massif over time. Therefore, for example, the manufacturer recommends fixing the Shinglas flexible tile using the previously applied factory installation lines with nails with a length of at least 45 mm. 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 may occur with the inevitable destruction of the rafter legs.
Tile "Technonikol"
The Technikol Corporation 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 use in harsh climatic conditions. The Technonikol flexible tile range includes the Western, Continent, Atlantic, and other collections. Each family is distinguished by its original texture, texture, and technical and physical characteristics.
Tile "Tegola"
The Italian manufacturer, which 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 luxury materials. Tegola also produces models unique in their qualities - in particular, with a copper coating. This is a flexible tile, resistant to wear and physical stress, the installation of which is carried out both on ordinary pitched roofs and on complex sites with an abundance of structural parts. 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 rafter structures in any configuration.
Tile Katepal
One of the largest Finnish manufacturers of roofing materials, which represents several series of soft tiles based on high quality bitumen in Russia. This tile is frost-resistant and independent of external climatic conditions. The coating is tolerant of precipitation and mechanical stress from snow cover with the wind. The most popular collections are Katrilli, Jazzy, KL, Rocky and others. The company also offers unique designs, which include Mansion two-layer tiles. Thanks to the SBS-modified bitumen, the finished roof from the flexible tiles of this series provides not only a durable flooring, but also creates a reliable steam and waterproofing sheath.
Conclusion
The choice of roofing material takes into account a wide range of parameters 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 rafter system, which cannot be ignored.
Also, price tags may limit the choice of this solution. For example, flexible shingles "Shinglas" on average costs 200-250 rubles / sq. M. Exclusive models from Katepal are available for 400-500 rubles / sq. M. Such costs are many times greater than investments in more familiar traditional roofing materials. How is the overpayment justified? As the users themselves note, a flexible bitumen roof is beneficial in terms of technical and operational qualities with good sealing, preservation of the natural microclimate in the house and original design. And this is not to mention the service life, which is superior to the roof of other alternative materials.