Thinking through all the details of their future home, developers pay a lot of attention to the roof. After all, I want her to be beautiful and strong, delighting the owners for many years. And today, when choosing, the question often arises: which is better - a metal tile or a soft roof? Well, yes, it is these two materials that have now become favorites among roof coverings. Now we will compare them.
Content:
What is what - briefly about each material
First, what is common to both coatings. This is their purpose - they are used in the organization of the roof, the slope of which is not less than 12 degrees. They are characterized by low weight, durability and a long service life. Now more about each material.
#1. The metal tile is made of a steel sheet of a figured profile. From above it is covered with a layer of zinc to protect against corrosion. The topmost layer is coated with one of the types of polymer. In particular, it can be plastisol, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, pural.
Sheet Size:
- Width - from 1100 to 1200 mm;
- Length - from 400 to 6000 mm;
#2. Flexible bituminous tiles, or soft roofs, have other names - shingle, shingle. The reinforcing basis of this material is a sheet of fiberglass. On both sides it is flooded with oxidized (artificially aged) modified bitumen with additives. Thanks to the modification of SBS (styrene + butadiene + styrene), bitumen becomes more elastic, flexible and resistant to temperature influences. Sprinkling the outer side of the roof with crushed stone gives high strength. And from the inside, a self-adhesive layer is applied, protecting it with a silicone film.
Sheet Size:
- Width - 350 mm;
- Length - 1000 mm;
Compare the main parameters
What base and rafter system is needed for each of the roofing materials
Both coatings are lightweight, so when using them, rafters with a step of 60-80 centimeters are quite suitable. The cross section of the rafters is either 200 or 150 by 50 millimeters. In a metal tile, the step of the crate is selected in accordance with the step of its wave. Typically, these values lie in the following ranges: from 30 to 35 centimeters.
Base for metal tile flooring
Well, you won’t be able to put flexible tiles on the trellised base - it won’t keep its shape. Therefore, it is necessary to construct a structure from OSP-3 plates (OSB-3). It is also possible to use sheets of FSF (waterproof plywood). On the one hand, a solid base and heat will help to keep, and the excess noise will be muffled. On the other hand, additional installation costs will be required. And this is not less than 150-200 rubles per square meter.
Base for soft roofing
Metal tile + / Soft roof -
Easy installation depending on the shape of the roof
A soft roof is perfect for any form of roof. After all, the dimensions of one sheet are very small, and therefore it is possible to cover the most difficult surfaces with this material. And no ornate bends, domes, turrets, ribs with kinks and valleys will not serve as an obstacle. All the same, there will be few waste - 15 percent, not more.
Two installation rules:
1. The soft roof is not laid at sub-zero temperatures - it becomes fragile;
2. In the heat it is forbidden to walk on flexible tiles - bitumen softens.
But with metal, the situation is different. If the roof is quite simple, with one or two slopes, then installation will not be difficult, and there will not be much waste. But if the shape of the roof has bends and complex details, then almost half of the metal tile can be found in the remains. There are roofs for which this roofing is not at all suitable. For example, if they are in the shape of a cone or dome.It is possible to mount a metal tile in any weather, except strong wind.
The main thing is to act according to the rules:
1. It is necessary to use special self-tapping screws with a rubber gasket;
2. Do not cut metal "grinder»- it is possible to work only with a circular saw with an electric drive, metal scissors or a jigsaw.
Metal tile - / Soft roof +
About weight and thickness
The weight of the metal per square meter is from 4.5 to 6.5 kilograms. This value depends on the type and thickness of the polymer layer, as well as on the characteristics of the metal sheet. Thickness varies from 0.38 to 0.55 millimeters.
The soft roof will be a little more weighty - from 7.5 to 15 kilograms per square meter. Accordingly, its sheets are thicker than metal tiles - from 3 to 5 millimeters.
Metal tile + / Soft roof +
Which roof has a longer service life
Manufacturers guarantee metal tiles from 5 to 20 years of excellent service. In reality, the roof of it does not lose its properties from 10 to 50 years. This largely depends on the type of polymer coating that protects the metal tile. And if you take a composite metal tile, belonging to the class of elite materials, then it can be safely operated for 50-70 years (with a thirty-year manufacturer’s warranty). This roof has a strong aluzinc coating, on the outside it is covered with a layer of colored stone granules.
Soft tiles made of fiberglass and bitumen can last a little longer than metal tiles - from 16 to 70 years. After all, neither fiberglass nor bitumen are subject to corrosion, unlike steel. Manufacturers give a flexible roof a 30-year warranty.
Metal tile - Soft roof +
Fire attitude
The soft roof basically contains combustible materials. However, its upper layer is stone granules, which are able to perfectly protect the roof from fire. Melting tiles in close proximity to the fire will occur, of course. But no more than that. So neither a firecracker accidentally thrown there nor a spark from a chimney can damage a soft tiled roof. The temperature limit is 110 degrees.
As for metal, everything is clear right away. After all, the steel sheet inside her cannot be ignited or melted. An open flame, getting close to the roof of this material, will not be able to spread further. The temperature limit is 130 degrees.
Metal tile + / Shingles -
Noise protection
Speaking of metal, it is unlikely anyone would ever think to call it silent. During the rain, the drops are tapping loudly on the metal, and this sound is clearly audible in the house. You can make this rainy accompaniment quieter by selecting a suitable insulation, which will also absorb sounds well. And it should be at least 15 centimeters thick.
The bituminous tile laid on continuous plates is absolutely "silent". And there is nothing to make noise in it - there is no metal in the middle. Such a roof is especially good if you have plans to equip a room in the attic. There is nothing to think about, which is better - tiles or soft roofs (the second option is better, as you probably already guessed).
Metal tile - / Soft roof +
How the roof behaves during a snowfall
In winter, when an avalanche gathers, it is better not to walk close to the house - this is dangerous. That is how things are when a metal tile is on the roof. Its surface is smooth, and snow on it can accumulate fairly. And then all of a sudden collapses down, and with such force that the drain and uproot. Do not forget to arrange a system on such a roof to hold snow.
An example of a snow retention system for a metal roof
Rough bituminous tiles are free from such a drawback - the snow that accumulates on it does not descend in an avalanche. Therefore, systems for retaining snow are not so necessary. Although some manufacturers provide them. However, the decision to install them depends on the roof angle and local climate.
Metal tile - / Soft roof +
Aesthetics and Design
Both materials look just fine.The metal tile repeating the classical tile from ceramics with its appearance looks stylish and refined. She has more than 30 standard shades of color, which can be combined in various ways.
Soft roofing can also pamper the consumer with a variety of colors and patterns. The roofs covered with this material, in terms of aesthetics, are in no way inferior to those made of metal tiles. However, bitumen material has a clear plus - hidden fastening. This allows you to not violate the aesthetics of the entire building. But the metal tiles are fixed in an open way, and the fasteners are quite noticeable, although not critical.
Metal tile + / Soft roof +
Talk about pricing
One square meter of metal will cost you 180-480 rubles. For example, an excellent roof with a pural coating and a thickness of half a millimeter costs 350-400 rubles per square meter. And the elite composite tile has a price of 600-1200 rubles per square meter.
The main grades of soft roofing have a price of 200-570 rubles per square meter (elite grades - 700-2000 rubles). The final price depends on the composition of bitumen, the thickness of the tiles, type of granulate. If we add here, the fact that a soft roof requires more investment in the base on which it is laid, then at a price such a roof will come out more expensive.
Metal tile + / Soft roof -
Other nuances
The metal tile is basically metal, therefore:
- She often has condensation on the inside, so good insulation, hydro - and vapor barrier are needed.
- To avoid static electricity, it is advisable to make lightning protection.
- To prevent corrosion, paint over all sections of the cuts.
- In strong winds, large metal sheets have a windage.
The soft roof is not afraid of either corrosion or condensation. Her small tiles and sail do not possess. Only ultraviolet rays for flexible tiles are dangerous. But oxidation and a layer of stone granules save them.
Total: Metal 5 + and 4 - / Soft roof 6 + and 3 -
When which roof is better to apply
The metal tile, strong and not very expensive, is good for a house with a simple roof (with one or two slopes).
A house with a residential attic and a roof consisting of complex elements will be nice to cover with a soft roof. This is especially rational when the roof has a complex shape.
For the rest, rely on your own taste. And the size of the wallet, of course.
