What is better to use a metal tile or ondulin as a roof for a private house

A good owner selects the roofing material for the roof carefully and meticulously, taking into account both its strength and appearance. In this article, we will consider what is better than ondulin or metal for the roof of the house, and we learn this simply by comparing these coatings by the most important parameters.

Let me introduce: Monsieur Ondulin and Freken Metal Roofing

#1. Ondulin (aka Euroslate), invented by the Frenchman Gastan Gromier in difficult military times (1944), is still produced in France. This natural organic roofing material appeared in Russia only after 50 years. It is produced from compressed cellulose fibers, which are corrugated by strong heating. Then paint and bituminous impregnation are applied to the coating. Resins and mineral pigments contribute to excellent water resistance.

Ondulin is produced in the form of standard sheets of the same size.

We give specific numbers:

• Sheet length - 2 meters;
• sheet width - 0.96 meters;
• wave height - 36 millimeters.

#2. In the middle of the last century, a metal tile was invented by a Finn named Paolo Runnila. Initially, this roofing was called Rannila. It is made of profiled steel sheet, hot-dip galvanized on both sides. The passivating aluminum coating prevents the metal from oxidizing, and the primer promotes better adhesion to the polymer. The inside of the metal tile is varnished, and the outside is polymer.

This roof has a greater variety of sizes than the euro slate, which makes it possible to reduce the amount of waste.

The sheet sizes are as follows:

• Sheet length - from 0.35 to 8 meters;
• sheet width - from 1.16 to 1.18 meters;
• profile height - from 22 to 25 millimeters;
• wave step - from 350 to 400 millimeters.

After meeting you can compare the characteristics.

Installation: the easier it is to cover

#1. Ondulin sheets are very light and small, so they can cover the roof even alone and without the help of experienced specialists. The consumption of this coating is less than that of metal. Accessories are inexpensive. This material has high elasticity and flexibility, so it is very easy to install. And even the complex configuration of the roof will not be an obstacle for this - the sheets of the euro slate are perfectly bent. For the installation of ondulin, no special tools are needed. Enough of roulette, hammer and hacksaw for working with wood. Well, do not forget to cook lubricant for the teeth of the saw.

At an angle of inclination of 15⁰ and more, the crate is packed in increments of 65 cm, if the angle of inclination is less than 15⁰, then the step of the crate should be reduced to 45 cm.

Another advantage of Ondulin is that it can be easily laid on slate without removing the old coating (photo: onduline.com)

#2. As for the metal tile, for its installation requires a certain experience. After all, you will have to work with metal, and it is very important not to confuse the order in which the strips and accessories are installed. It is imperative to make accurate vertical measurements, checking the result with a level. Well, and in the case of a complex roof shape, laying a metal tile is completely unprofitable - half of the material can go to waste. And tools for working with this roof need special ones.This is a screwdriver, and electro-cutting scissors that can cut metal, and level. So it’s better for amateurs not to risk it, but to pay a good master.

As for the base for these roofs, it will differ in that Ondulin will require a more frequent crate step, and with a roof slope of less than 15⁰ It is advisable to use a solid base because it loses in stiffness. This will require some additional cost for the rafter system.

The step of the battens for the metal tile will depend on the type of profile of the metal tile

Metal tile - / Ondulin +

What is stronger and stronger Onudlin or metal

There is nothing to compare here - of course, the metal tile is stronger. You can climb onto the roof covered with this roof even in winter, even in summer, without any fear of breaking it through. You never know why it might be needed - for repair, for example, or installing an antenna. But the ondulin roof requires careful handling - because inside it has cardboard. Therefore, in the heat or cold, do not go around the Eurosheath.

Metal tile + / Ondulin -

Durability

The French, producing ondulin, promise that he will serve at least 15 years (this is indicated in the warranty card). This means that for so long the roof will definitely not let water through. With respect to ultraviolet, the warranty is much less. In fact, the service life of this coating is almost 3 times longer - up to 40 years. And 10 or 15 years such a roof and its color does not lose, except that a little fading in the sun. However, this material was developed as a temporary roofing, therefore, it will obviously lose in terms of durability to the metal tile.

For metal, the term of the technical warranty (determining the resistance to corrosion) ranges from 10 to 50 years. It depends on the type of polymer coating, the manufacturer (after all, this roof is produced by different companies), the thickness of the metal. And at least three years warranty on the resistance of paint to fading. Experience has shown that a good metal tile does not fade over its entire life. And how much the roof covered with this material will serve in reality is largely determined by the quality of installation.

Metal tile + / Ondulin - 

And if suddenly a fire? Compare fire resistance

Ondulin is burning, unfortunately. Naturally - after all, inside it, by and large, is cardboard, although impregnated with bitumen with additives. This roof withstands temperatures up to 110 degrees, and the fire safety class has KM5. In kindergartens, schools and hospitals, it is forbidden to cover roofs with a Euro slate. This can be confirmed by the video test presented below.

Ondulin burning

The metal tile is not afraid of fire - the steel sheet inside will not be able to burn. The temperature that this roof is able to tolerate is 130 degrees. If it is exceeded, it is possible to melt and burn the upper polymer layer. So in terms of flammability it is obvious that it is better - metal or ondulin. Of course, a metal based coating.

Metal tile + / Ondulin -

Saved from noise, which is better in noise isolation

Ondulin is good for lovers of silence - this soft coating does not convey at all either the sound of hail with rain, the howling of the wind, or the steps on the roof of March cats or flocks of migratory birds. Especially it will be pleasant to fans to arrange a bedroom in the attic - nothing will disturb the morning dream.

Metal already in its name suggests that it cannot be quiet. The steel sheet inside her perfectly conducts sounds. So the rain with hail, the singing of a blizzard and all the other noises you will hear for sure. And if you do not make good thermal insulation with sound protection, then it is unlikely to fall asleep in a room under a roof.

Metal tile - / Ondulin +

The likelihood of snow falling and the need for snow retention

Heavy snowfall for the owner of the house, this creates a lot of problems. Snow accumulates on the roof, threatening to suddenly fall from there a whole avalanche. This is typical for a metal tile whose surface is slippery. The snow load for this material is 1200 kilograms of force per square meter.For this material, the use of a snow retention system is mandatory.

Ondulin has a rough surface, so it better retains snow. The snow load is somewhat less than that of metal - 960 kilograms of force per square meter, therefore, as a rule, they do not install a snow retention system on such a roof.

Metal tile - / Ondulin +

Everything should be fine in the roof

Ondulin cannot pamper the builder with the frenzy of colors. It is released in a rather meager palette. Primary colors (matte or glossy) - green and red with brown. Sometimes even black sheets are released. The shape of the euro slate is similar to an ordinary slate - wavy. It’s rare when something else comes across - unless the Onduvill is released like a Mediterranean tile.

The metal tile in its color scheme is very diverse. She has 30 primary colors, plus the entire RAL palette (more than 200 colors), plus the RR palette (metallic). Impressive, isn't it?

RAL palette

We also note beautiful accessories and an abundance of design options for the profile. Here you have both the classic and the original bends of the waves that can turn the roof into a small masterpiece. So in appearance, the metal tile clearly wins.

• For more information about the types of metal, see the material:Types of metal tiles depending on the type of profile and polymer coating

Metal tile + / Ondulin -

Open the wallet and compare the cost

Now let's figure out what is cheaper - ondulin or metal. This question is very important in view of the fact that many prefer ondulin only because of its lower cost. Let's see how much lower it is. So, one sheet of euro slate costs from 400 to 420 rubles. We get from 200 to 220 rubles per square meter. The average price of a metal tile for the same area is from 190 to 220 rubles. Accessories for ondulin cost from 250 to 280 rubles, and for metal tiles - from 100 to 300 rubles (price per meter). Consider that some manufacturers equip ondulin with nails. This is not provided for a metal tile - you will have to fork out at least 3 rubles for one self-tapping screw.

Further on the installation. If you do it in accordance with all the rules, using waterproofing, then for a roof from ondulin the price is a little less, but not so much. But the metal tile has a longer service life, and therefore it is cheaper at annual cost. For euro slate, you can save on moisture protection (but then you will have to think over the waterproofing of the insulation if you have a warm roof). And you can also put it on your own, and then you will not have to pay the masters. As you can see, there are many nuances and options.

If you will do everything according to the technology and you will involve specialists who need to pay for the work to install this or that roofing, then for the roof from Ondulin you will pay only 10 - 15% less, but you will get less high-quality and durable roof protection.

Metal tile + / Ondulin +-

Total: Metal 5 + and 3 - / Ondulin 4 + and 5 -

In which case can this or that material be used

For a large house with a solid roof surface, it is better to use a metal tile. Ondulin is a less reliable material. Yes, and it is dangerous in a firefight, and the sun fades with time.

If you need to choose a roof for a small country house, garage, bathhouse or canopy in the yard, then feel free to take ondulin. In addition, you yourself can easily mount it. And you can also advise the euro slate to those for whom the most important thing is silence in the house.