Metal tile is a popular modern material that allows you to qualitatively cover the roof and protect it from various influences. Depending on the features of the appearance, installation, color scheme and lifetime, you can choose varieties of this material. Which metal tile is better and what to look for when choosing?
Material Features
A 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 effective 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 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, the metal tile is easily laid in comparison with other materials.
- Rich color scheme. Perhaps this is the main advantage of this material: modern manufacturers offer tiles in more than 10 colors.
- Longevity of service. A metal roof tile is an advantageous solution, since it can last about 50 years under the condition of proper operation.
- Cost. Compared to many other materials, this one has an affordable price, especially when you take into account the total cost of the entire roofing cake using metal tiles.
- Light weight. Most roofing materials are quite heavy, and this one is light in weight and simple in construction. Most often, a square meter of metal weighs about 4-7 kg. This, in turn, reduces the cost of transportation.
- Resistance to atmospheric precipitation. The material has a smooth, even surface with which water drains easily and snow melts. In addition, the operation of the roof is possible in any climatic conditions.
The thickness of the sheet plays a role!
The thickness of the metal tile is one of the main indicators that speak in favor of the choice of a particular variety. Standards say that the sheet thickness 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, awnings, and the second is poorly suited even for these purposes.
The sheet of metal can be of greater thickness. For example, Ruukki offers a material that has a thickness greater than 0.5 mm. It is worth remembering that the thicker the sheet, the less impact it will have on it during transportation and the more inconspicuously the docking seam will be.
What material?
The metal tile is made of cold-rolled steel, hot-dip galvanized, which went 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 with a primer. Its task is to promote better adhesion to the decorative polymer coating. The profile of the metal tile on the back side is covered with a transparent varnish that protects the surface from mechanical stress. Outside, that is, on the front side, a decorative colored polymer coating of metal tiles is used. It consists of several layers:
- steel sheet;
- zinc layer;
- anti-corrosion protective coating;
- primers;
- decorative color coating based on the polymer;
- protective varnish.
Remember when choosing that a metal roofing tile does not always have all of the above layers - some manufacturers do not intentionally apply a primer or a phosphate layer, thereby reducing product quality.
What coverage?
The quality of the finishing material depends on how carefully the manufacturer treats the production process. Coating for this material plays an important role, with one company applying it and the other not. Which metal tile is better in the end? Of course, one that has a sufficient degree of galvanizing is not less than 275 g of zinc per 1 square. m. metal. In addition, the material is always processed with different types of top decorative coating. The most common include:
- polyester;
- pural;
- plastisol;
- PVDF.
Polyester: simple and reliable
This is the most popular metal tile coating, which is also called polyester enamel. The top layer of this polymer is applied with a standard thickness of 25 microns. The coating is easily damaged, for example, under the influence of scratches, but they are easy to paint over. The polyester layer is characterized by high corrosion resistance, UV stability, and the possibility of use in any climatic conditions. Some manufacturers offer sheets whose coating is thinner - up to 20 microns. Remember that this coating is not enough to use the material as a roofing.
A type of polyester is matte polyester, which has a large thickness of 35 microns. As a result, it is more resistant to various influences and has better ductility. 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 a material with such a coating even in adverse climate conditions.
Plastisol
The roof metal can be coated with plastisol, consisting of polyvinyl chloride and plasticizers. This coating is special: its layer thickness 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 well when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, such a metal tile should not be used in hot climates.
Plastisol PVDF (PVDF)
This coating has a maximum thickness of 30 microns, consists of acrylic and vinyldenfluoride. A distinctive feature is in the glossy metallic surface, which is resistant to various negative influences and can be operated in any climatic conditions.
Shape and color
Which material is better in terms of color and geometric? There is no clear answer, 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 burn out faster in the sun, and it is especially light metal tiles that look especially beautiful against the background of buildings.
From the point of view of geometry, this material is one of the most moody. In production, an important role is played by dimensional accuracy - length, width, sheet height, profile shapes and metal thickness. All these indicators are important for the final product. On any roof, a piece square metal tile will harmoniously look, allowing you to create even constructions of an unusual shape.
The stiffness of the sheet may vary depending on the wave height: the higher the relief, the less flexible the material. Modern metal tiles are presented in two dimensional forms: small wave (up to 50 mm) and high wave (above 50 mm). Moreover, the profile pattern itself is either with a symmetric or with an asymmetric wave.
Popular types (profiles) of metal
The 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. Installation of this material is carried out with an overlap, be sure to use a lathing, 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 has straightforward shapes that look like a bar of chocolate. It is advisable to apply for masonry over a large area of the roof. Its main advantages are the evenness of the relief pattern and the presence of decorative channels. The cost of metal - from 170 rubles per square meter.
There are more expensive varieties of this material. So, the cost of the Andalusia metal tile starts from 300 rubles per square meter, the planks are made with imitation of natural classic tiles. It is distinguished by the presence of internal fasteners, thanks to which the joints are well hidden. A roof covered with such a metal tile looks like a single whole.
Less popular are the profiles of “Spanish Dune”, “Banga”, “Pamir”, “Shanghai”, etc.
And 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 lightweight construction plant. It produces metal tiles coated with the most popular formulations 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. The products are created from steel sheets with a thickness of 0.45 mm, which are galvanized on both sides. The material will become reliable protection for any roof structure, able to withstand climatic changes and a large influence of precipitation.
The Finnish metal tile Poimukate has proven itself well. Production is carried out in accordance with European quality standards of steel, after which the material is coated with a zinc protective layer. The thickness of the sheet is 0.5 mm, while the tile is with a high wave, so that 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 selection of colors, various patterns imitating natural materials give the tile an interesting look. The coating thickness is used up to 0.5 mm, therefore, it will serve as 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 is engaged in the production of 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 tile from copper looks originally on the roof - an exquisite material that will make the exterior of any house unique. Due to its durability, excellent chemical characteristics, the necessary flexibility, it can be used even on roofs of complex configuration. The most durable material is zinc-titanium piece metal tile with unique characteristics.
A lot of good reviews about the products of the Finnish company Ruukki, which offers a wide selection of metal tiles. Its main features include unique operational characteristics, stylish appearance, and the ability to choose from 7 material collections. The design is designed so that the roof looks neat, modern and harmonious.