Types of roofing materials for roofs: compare and choose the best. Roofing materials: advantages and disadvantages There are several types of roofing materials for pitched roofs

As you know, it is made of clay, fired at a thousand-degree temperature. It is divided into several types, depending on its location in the roof. It is characteristic that the tiles are attached not only to the base, but also to each other, thus forming, as it were, a continuous carpet. This protects against leakage and provides a service life of up to a hundred years (subject to the proper quality of the material).

Among the advantages of ceramic tiles, it should be noted, first of all, low operating costs - cleaning is done about once a year. It also perfectly absorbs noise and does not burn at all. Withstands more than a thousand cycles and has a wide range of colors and shades. But, unfortunately, there are some drawbacks - for example, a lot of weight, which increases the load on the truss system, and the fragility of the tile itself.

Δ2.2. Cement-sand tiles.

Cement-sand tiles were developed due to the heavy weight of natural tiles. In this case, firing is not used; instead, a chemical reaction takes place, which significantly reduced the weight of the product. Such tiles are attached to the structure with nails that are driven into specially made holes. Over the years, the material does not lose its properties, but rather increases strength.

The advantages of cement-sand tiles include resistance to sunlight and aggressive environments. In addition, the material can withstand more than a thousand cycles. With the disadvantages, you need to add: the large dimensions of the element and low mechanical strength, the material can be damaged even during transportation. The material costs much less than its ceramic counterpart (about $10-30 per sq.m.), and the aesthetic indicators are almost the same.

Δ 2.3. bituminous tiles

For the manufacture of bituminous tiles, cellulose or fiberglass is used, which is covered with bituminous tiles. This is an extremely reliable coating, as bituminous tiles stick together under the sun, thereby forming a kind of carpet. Such a tile is small in size, it can be round, rectangular or multifaceted. The features of this coating include the fact that it is easy to deform - this can be done with bare hands.

Among the advantages of bitumen tiles, we would note the following: it is not damaged during transportation, is not subject to corrosion, it is easy to install and carry out further repairs. At the same time, it has an increased flammability, it is impossible to mount it in winter.

Δ2.4. metal tile

This is essentially the same galvanized steel, but coated with special polymers. Outwardly, it looks like ceramic tiles, but in reality they are large sheets of steel with a corrugated texture.

The metal tile is quite easy to mount, it is extremely resistant to mechanical damage. Also, this coating has a rather low cost (2-3 times lower than that of ceramic) and low weight (about five kilograms per square meter). The disadvantages of this coating, we would include only low heat and sound insulation.

∆2.5. Slate

Slate, or asbestos-cement slabs, is a cement composite in which there is a reinforcing asbestos fiber. It is a rectangular wavy sheets that overlap. To date, slate is used to cover minor structures - for example, the same sheds, but with a limited budget, it is quite normal to cover a residential building with this material.

The advantages of slate include, first of all, the high strength of the material, low price and the possibility of an easy cut if necessary. The disadvantages are fragility and harmfulness to the human body, aesthetic unattractiveness and loss of color during prolonged use.

Δ2.6. Decking

These are the most "budget" sheets of galvanized steel, corrugated and coated with polymer compounds. Waves on them can have different shapes and heights. It is mainly used in commercial construction.

The advantages of corrugated board would include its high bending strength, speed of installation, and a small amount of waste compared to metal tiles. The material is inexpensive, but at the same time demonstrates an extreme degree of durability. There is only one drawback - low heat and sound insulation.

Δ2.7. Steel seam roof

At the sheets steel seam roof smooth surface, so that water flows quite easily on slopes. Sheets during installation cling to each other, forming specific hooks.

Such steel has a lot of advantages: it does not burn and does not spread flame; she has a pleasant appearance; it can be mounted in winter; the material is flexible and weighs a little, there is a minimum of waste when laying it. But there are also disadvantages: the material is easily deformed upon impact and needs insulation and sound insulation.

Δ2.8. Copper and aluminum seam roofing

This type of seam roof is expensive, but has an attractive, if not elite, appearance. The original appearance lasts long enough, because upon contact with air it is covered with a protective oxide film. Fits in the same way as the previous material.

In operation, the coating is very simple (it is necessary to clean it about once a year), it does not lend itself to corrosion, it is refractory and absolutely harmless to the human body. The only downside is the high cost.

Δ2.9. bituminous slate

Bitumen slate is a sheet of cellulose that has been impregnated with bitumen. It is characterized by flexibility thanks to what this material can be used on the most inconvenient surfaces.

Among the advantages, we note a slight weight (perhaps one of the smallest), ease of use and a wide variety of colors. Cons: over time, such slate burns out, and the number of cycles that it can withstand does not exceed 25. It also burns well and deforms from the sun.

Δ 2.10. slate roof

Slate is a prestigious material that has been “designed” by nature itself. Many European medieval castles were covered with such a roof. weighs quite a lot (about twenty-five kilograms one square meter) and is made by hand.

Δ 3. Pivot table

For the convenience of visitors, we have given the main parameters of each type of roof in the table below.

The question of how to choose roofing materials arises at the stage of designing a house. At this time, the general concept of the future building is being considered, the budget is being planned and all parameters of building and finishing materials are being evaluated. Not only its appearance, but also the durability, quality of the roof, its thermal insulation and strength characteristics depend on what kind of roof the house will have.

There are usually several defining criteria, and it is their combination that helps to make the right decision on choosing a roofing material. The main parameters can be considered as follows:

1. Durability of roofing material. The roof is not a place that you want to repair all the time. The service life of a roof is influenced by two factors, each of which is equally significant: the type of material and the quality of installation. For example, natural tiles will last more than 100 years, ondulin - 15-25 years, and the durability of flexible tiles is equal to 20-40 years. However, these characteristics do not matter if the laying technology is not followed.
2. Building type. The requirements for the roof also depend on the type and purpose of the building. A cottage, a summer house, a bathhouse are distinguished by capital structures, and the roof for them must be selected appropriately. But the premises for economic purposes are unlikely to need to be covered with expensive and durable material.
3. roof configuration. It is important to understand that the choice of roof directly depends on the architectural design of the house and its design features. If a metal tile is perfect for a flat roof, then this option is not recommended for covering complex shapes - the material consumption is too high. For the design of numerous slopes, turrets and ridges, it is more expedient to purchase flexible shingles or similar material with medium-sized elements.
4. Financial aspect. Considering this issue, it is worth remembering that the cost of roofing material cannot be estimated only on the basis of the cost of acquiring a certain number of square meters. Here it is necessary to take into account the complexity of installation and the features of the truss system - focusing on the total amount, and it is worth making a choice. Builders prioritize materials such as metal tiles, corrugated board, shingles and ondulin. They are inexpensive to purchase and fairly easy to install. But lovers of ceramic or cement-sand tiles should think about financing in advance - an expensive truss system and complex installation will be required.
5. Aesthetics. The roof helps to complete the structure of the building. Therefore, it is very important that roofing materials harmoniously fit into the overall design of the house, blend with the landscape and delight others with color and textured patterns.
6. Difficulty of installation. This point is important if a non-professional is planning to lay the roof. Some materials can be laid on their own with some skill and minimal skills, but in most cases it is better to trust specialists in this matter.

Today there is a large selection of roofing material

Types of roofing

Having decided on the basic requirements for the future roof, it is necessary to choose the roofing material itself. The market offers a sufficient variety of options, the main of which are:

• metal tile;
• corrugated board;
• bituminous tiles;
• slate;
• roofing steel;
• aluminum roof;
• ceramic tiles;

When deciding which roof to choose, it is worthwhile to objectively evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each of the materials.

metal tile

It is a sheet material up to 0.6 mm thick, having a layered structure in the section and coated with a polymer coating. This feature of the design makes the metal tile very strong and durable. Manufacturers set the service life for roofing material to be about 15 years, but in reality it is twice as long. This is one of the advantages of this type, other pluses include:

• the ability of the roof to withstand loads up to 1500 kg / sq.m;
• rich palette of colors;
• drawing and relief imitating tiles;
• simple installation;
• light weight;
• a complete set of accessories;
• low cost.

Metal tile is a reliable and durable material, the installation of which will not be difficult.

There are few drawbacks to metal tile, which makes it one of the most sought-after materials. The disadvantages include what:

• for complex roof architecture, the consumption of sheets will be unreasonably large;
• sound effects from rain and wind are possible.

It is worth noting and features of the installation of metal tiles:

1. The slope of the roofs must be at least 12 degrees.
2. When insulating the roof, it becomes mandatory to have a vapor barrier so that condensation does not form.
3. Installation is carried out on a cobbled crate.

Thus, the metal tile is distinguished by a wide range of advantages, minor disadvantages and loyal laying requirements.

Decking

This type of roofing material is a metal sheet with a corrugated relief. It is very similar in structure and properties to metal tiles, but differs from it in less aesthetic decor and low price.

Decking - a cheaper analogue of metal tiles with a long service life, is a good option for a limited budget

The service life of corrugated board depends on the type of polymer coating and can reach 50 years.

Important!
If the profile height is less than 20 mm, then such sheets are not used for roofing. Their purpose is to create partitions and fences.

Ondulin

The second name of this roofing material is euroslate. It is made in the form of corrugated sheets, which are based on cellulose fibers impregnated with bitumen. The front side is protected by a colored polymer layer, most often red, brown, green or black.

Ondulin is a modern prototype of slate

Advantages of this roofing material:

• high resistance to any climatic manifestations;
• differs in longitudinal flexibility;
• light weight, up to 4 kg/sq.m;
• simple installation;
• suitable as a secondary coating without dismantling the old one;
• moderate cost;
• service life up to 50 years;
• high water resistance.

The disadvantages are more significant than the previous materials:

• low decorative and aesthetic indicators (small palette of shades, weak relief pattern);
• color guarantee is given for a period of not more than 5 years;
• brittle at low temperatures.

Important!
Ondulin is great for wall cladding, and not just for roofing.

Installation of ondulin is carried out on the crate

Features of ondulin roof installation:

1. The minimum roof slope is 6 degrees.
2. Installation is carried out on the crate, the type of which depends on the magnitude of the angle of inclination of the roof.

Ondulin is suitable for almost any type of home. It is widely used in individual construction, as well as for farm buildings and agricultural facilities.

It will be about the tile, which has many names. Most often you can find the definitions of “soft”, “flexible”, sometimes it is called shinglas or shingle, depending on the manufacturer. This type of roofing material is made on the basis of organic cellulose or fiberglass, which are impregnated with bitumen. The front side is usually covered with basalt granulate.

Bituminous tiles are mounted on a continuous crate and are well suited for roofs with complex geometries.

A huge range of advantages increases the competitive advantages of the material, despite its rather high cost:

• very small percentage of waste during installation;
• suitable for roofs with irregular geometry and complex outlines;
• high waterproofing and soundproofing characteristics;
• weight up to 20 kg/sq.m;
• plasticity - when the building shrinks, it "adapts" to the deformation of the roof;
• resistance to various temperatures from minus 60 to plus 100 degrees Celsius;
• non-combustible, has the ability to self-extinguish;
• easy installation;
• a large palette of shades and high color fastness;
• service life up to 60 years.
• resistance to deformation;
• imitates drawings of different types of tiles.

There are no ideal materials, so it is worth remembering the disadvantages, which are usually the following:

• During installation, it is always necessary to have a continuous crate, as well as equipment for the ventilation system.
• It is impossible to work at temperatures below 0 degrees due to the increased fragility of bitumen.
• Sufficiently tangible cost of roofing material.

Features of the installation of shingles vary depending on the slope of the roof:

1. Up to 12 degrees - laying is not performed.
2. 12-18 degrees - a continuous waterproofing layer is required.
3. More than 18 degrees - waterproofing is mounted only in places of possible leaks.

Flexible tiles should be chosen by those who appreciate not only practicality and high quality, but also are not indifferent to beautiful shades, aesthetics and elegant design.

Slate

The passage of time has no power over this roofing material. Sheets formed on the basis of cement and asbestos have been valued by builders for many years. Today, slate is not a gray, faceless material, but a roof made in different color shades and with a modern design.

The optimal choice in terms of price / service life is traditional slate

The main advantages include:

• low price;
• durability;
• resistance to high temperatures;
• high hardness;
• low electrical conductivity;
• corrosion resistance.

The disadvantages of slate are often considered subjective. Among them are:

• big weight;
• fragility;
• the harmfulness of asbestos dust;
• average aesthetic values.

roofing steel

Galvanized steel has long competed with slate and other inexpensive roofing materials. Its undeniable advantages include:

• low price;
• simple installation;
• the ability to use for complex roof shapes;
• light weight.

Steel roofing - a competitor to slate in terms of cost and ease of installation, it is better to use it for roofing outbuildings

However, the disadvantages of steel roofing are gradually reducing the demand for this type of material. Its cons:

• noise during precipitation;
• unrepresentable design.

Increasingly, roofing steel is used for roofs of utility buildings, garages - where savings are important in the first place.

aluminum roof

Aluminum roofs look good, are light in weight and easy to install. Also, any type of crate is suitable for their use. Aluminum sheets are used in the manufacture of seam tiles.

Installation of aluminum roofing is carried out using clamps

The peculiarity of the installation of such a roof is that its fastening is carried out with the help of kleimers - special tongues that provide thermal movement of sheets during temperature changes.

Important!
Installation of this roof can be carried out without making holes in the sheet material.

This type of material belongs to the traditional ones - ceramic tiles were used in the installation of roofing in antiquity. Today in the building materials market you can find:

1. Classical tiles, which are made from baked clay;
2. Cement-sand tiles - a cheaper analogue, made from a mixture of sand and cement using natural dyes.

Ceramic tiles - a symbol of reliability, elitism, aristocracy, are distinguished by high cost and complex installation

These roofing materials are very similar in properties, but the cement-sand version has a rougher design and greater thickness. The advantages of ceramic tiles have been known since time immemorial:

• high level of heat saving;
• good climate resistance;
• low noise level in rain and wind;
• graceful design;
• a huge selection of colors and shapes of tiles;
• environmental friendliness;
• service life - more than 100 years.

Ceramic tile is a classic, but, unfortunately, it is not without flaws. Its disadvantages include:

• high cost;
• high weight;
• the need to strengthen the truss system for installation;
• installation complexity.

Ceramic tiles are marked with a halo of aristocracy, so they are usually used by those who want to emphasize the status of their own home.

Membrane coating

It is most often used to cover the roofs of industrial buildings or houses, the roofs of which are characterized by a low slope and a solid foundation. The membrane is made of a polymeric material with a high level of elasticity.

The main scope of the membrane coating is industrial buildings and houses with a small roof slope.

Her virtues:

• high strength;
• ability to elastic deformation;
• resistance to low and high temperatures;
• fast installation;
• service life of 30 years.

Membrane coatings are laid on a smooth and solid debris-free surface. The material is used in the form of panels, which can simply be deployed on the desired area and docked with self-vulcanizing tapes. To protect against UV rays, the coating is covered with gravel from above.

conclusions

Sometimes a huge assortment makes it difficult to choose. But, on the other hand, the availability of roofing materials with different characteristics, colors and designs allows you to make the only right decision for roofing already at the stage of designing a house.

The most important thing to do is to carefully study the properties of typical solutions and stop at the most affordable option in terms of price and properties. Then the result obtained at the end of the construction work will bring satisfaction and will delight the owners with an excellent roof for many years.

Materials that are intended for roofing must be very strong and durable, have the ability to withstand various atmospheric factors: solar radiation, negative temperatures, frost resistance, corrosion resistance.

The difficulty lies precisely in the large assortment, and whatever material you choose, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

To make the right decision on how to choose a roof for your home, you need to consider many factors.

Key factors to consider when choosing a roofing material

1. First of all, the choice depends on the load that will act on the roof. It consists of the weight of the whole (battens, rafters, insulation, roofing, etc.) and the weight of the snow cover (the normative weight for the given region is taken). You also need to take into account the strength of the wind in this region.
2. The choice also depends on the architectural solution of the roof. Looking at the draft design, it becomes clear what kind of roof the planned building will have. Based on the dimensions, shape, design features of the planned building, they choose the design of the roofing system and the material with which it will be covered. For example, when choosing ceramic tiles, when building a building, you need to make at least 30-35 degrees - this is provided for by device technologies.
3. An important factor is fire resistance and durability. The choice is made based on the functionality of the building under construction. For example, for the construction of the roof of a utility shed, it makes no sense to spend money on very expensive materials.

Manufacturers offer not only wavy, but also flat slate sheets. As a rule, the type of material is selected depending on the slope of the slopes. Flat sheets should only be used on slopes with a slope of at least 25 degrees.

When all operating conditions and installation technology are met, roofing materials have the following warranty periods:

• soft tiles -15-20 years;
• metal tile - 5-15 years (the period depends on the polymer coating of the sheets);
• natural tiles - 20-30 years;
• slate up to 10 years;
• roofing steel and corrugated board - 15-20 years;
• bituminous sheets - about 15 years;
• slate roofs - 30-40 years.

Currently, there is a very large selection of materials. The financial issue during construction is of great importance, especially at the end of construction, when there are few funds left, but it is necessary for a long time and with high quality. When choosing, do not overestimate the types of materials that have recently appeared on the market and are praised by sellers. There is no ideal material that will suit any conditions of use for the roof.

To understand which roof to choose for your home, it is best to consult with a specialist and familiarize yourself with the types of roofing materials.

Roofing material - ceramic tiles

S-shaped ceramic tiles are one of the characteristic and traditional types of roofing. Also called Dutch tiles, they especially attract attention on the preserved roofs of many ancient buildings and churches.

This type of roofing material is made from clay mass, which is formed and fired in a kiln at a temperature of over 1000 degrees Celsius, after which it acquires a brown-red color. It can be covered with a protective film applied before firing and serving to better remove natural deposits. The finished product looks like a tile about 30x30 cm in size and weighs at least 2 kg. Ceramic tiles are classified depending on the method of manufacture and position on the roof. It happens with one or two waves, grooved, flat tape, slot stamping, etc.

Tiled roofing is used when the roof slope is from 25 to 60 degrees. If the slope is less, measures are taken to improve ventilation and waterproofing. If the slope is greater, auxiliary fastening with nails or screws will be required.

Tiles are attached to each other with the help of special locks. Fastening to the crate is carried out using special holes. The top shingles are installed on top of the bottom shingles, creating a continuous roof covering that prevents leakage. Such laying is used in wooden, stone, brick houses and even in high-rise buildings.

The basic tool needed for laying a roof with ceramic tiles

• trowel;
• putty knife;
• acute-angled trowel;
• faceted awl;
• barrel for solution;
• pick hammer;
• pickaxe hatchet;
• hammer-hacksaw-hatchet;
• stairs.

pros

1. Low costs during operation (cleaning of valleys, gutters and inspection of abutments is usually carried out once a year).
2. High degree of noise absorption.
3. Ceramic tiles are not subject to corrosion.
4. High degree of frost resistance.
5. The roof looks very attractive. There is a wide choice of colors and shapes.
6. The construction with ceramic tiles allows the roof to "breathe". Thanks to this, the moisture that accumulates under the roof evaporates quickly.

Minuses ceramic tiles as a roofing material:

1. Too much weight, due to which it will be necessary to increase the sections of the truss structure or reduce it with the same section.
2. Ceramic tile is a rather fragile material.
3. During the creation of complex structures, various technological difficulties arise: a greater consumption of elements for fastening, strengthening the crate, laying additional waterproofing.

Roofing material - cement-sand tiles

Cement-sand tiles - a cheaper and lighter analogue of natural tiles, made of sand concrete with the addition of dyes.

Ceramic tiles are too heavy. To reduce it, cement-sand tiles were created. It consists of cement, sand, iron oxides (they serve as dyes). In appearance and in all design features, it is not inferior to ceramic tiles. There is a flat cement-sand tile and profile, with and without coating. The slope at which it can be used should be from 20 to 60 degrees.

Installation on the crate is done in rows, using the ligation method so that the previous row is offset by half the width of the tile. A rafter cross section of about 50-150 mm and a step of 600 mm are recommended (it all depends on the span of the rafter leg and the load). The tiles are fastened with nails to the crate. Holes for the passage of nails are already made at the factory. Under the cement-sand tiles, an underlying layer is made of waterproofing and battens.

The main tool required for laying a roof with cement-sand tiles is the same as for ceramic tiles.

pros

1. Becomes more durable over time.
2. Wide choice of color scale.
3. Frost resistance.
4. Resistance to aggressive environmental influences and solar radiation.

Minuses cement-sand tiles as a roofing material:

1. High price.
2. Massiveness (tile thickness more than 10 mm).
3. With improper transportation, a large percentage of scrap.

It can be used in a brick and wooden house of various heights.

Roofing material - bituminous tiles

This type of material is made from cellulose, fiberglass and polyester. Such a tile is quite reliable, it has a small size (100x30 cm) and a weight of about 8-12 kg / sq.m. It comes in triangular, rectangular and round shapes. There is a large selection of colors. The tile is very plastic and resistant to natural precipitation. With its help, it is not difficult to create various intricate forms of roofing structures.

It is applied on roofs of the houses having a slope more than 12 degrees. A prerequisite is the use of a lining layer, which is laid on a continuous crate over the entire roof area.

Bituminous tiles can be chosen during the construction of gazebos, cottages, private houses, garages and other buildings. It can be chosen when reconstructing an old roof (from bituminous materials and roofing iron), creating a new coating on top of the prepared old one.

The tool required for laying a roof with bituminous tiles is the same as for ceramic tiles.

pros shingles as roofing material:

1. No scrap during installation and transportation.
2. Fast local repair.
3. Allows you to create different angles of the roof.
4. Does not create noise during precipitation.
5. Small amount of waste.
6. The tile is not subject to corrosion and rotting, does not rust.

Minuses bituminous tiles as a material for the roof of a house:

1. High combustibility.
2. Exposed to the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays (fading).
3. Installation of this tile can not be carried out in winter.

Roofing material - metal tiles

A metal tile is a durable, easy to use, operate and install roof made of galvanized steel with a thickness of 0.4 - 0.7 mm with a polymer coating that protects the steel from aggressive environments and UV radiation.

It is a sheet of galvanized steel coated with a polymer that determines the property and color of the surface. There are various varieties that mimic ceramic tiles. Sheet thickness - from 0.4 mm. It can be used on roofs with a slope of more than 15 degrees. With a slope of up to 20%, all joints between the decks are sealed.

Installation is quite simple. The tiles are fastened with self-tapping screws. The size of the overlap along the slope is chosen about 250 mm. It is used in the construction of kiosks, shopping centers, high-rise and one-story buildings, industrial buildings and private houses.

The main tool needed for the installation of metal tiles

• a hammer;
• screwdriver;
• roulette;
• long rail;
• hacksaw with fine teeth;
• marker;
• stairs;
• perforator or drill;
• self-tapping screws.

pros

1. Fast installation.
2. Resistance to external mechanical influences.
3. Small price.
4. A light weight.
5. Does not break or crack during transportation.

Minuses metal tiles as roofing material:

1. Very poor soundproofing.
2. Lots of waste during installation.

Asbestos-cement slabs (slate)

Slate is produced in the form of rectangular sheets that have a wavy corrugation. The standard size is 1.2x0.7 m. The sheets are overlapped and fixed with nails to the crate. Sealing gaskets are placed under them. The base for the roof is a crate of bars. You can choose this material at 12-60 degrees.

Currently, they are used in the construction of summer kitchens, sheds, utility blocks, country houses, etc.

The main tool needed for laying a roof with slate

• a hammer;
• Bulgarian;
• yardstick;
• slate nails;
• kapron cord;
• stairs.

Advantages of asbestos-cement slate as a roofing material:

1. Pretty durable material.
2. Can be easily cut with a grinder.
3. Low price.

Cons of asbestos-cement slate as a roofing material:

1. Fragility.
2. Decorative unattractiveness.
3. Asbestos, which is part of the composition, is harmful to humans.
4. Accumulates moisture, which leads to loss of color, the appearance of moss and fungus.

Whatever roofing material you choose, you must strictly adhere to the rules for its installation. Then the roof of your house will last for many years!

As you can imagine, there is no universal answer to this question. If you don't know how to choose roofing materials, decide on your own priorities first. What will you pay attention to first of all - the price of a roof or its consumer characteristics.

In addition, there are general criteria for choosing a roof. When choosing a roofing material, you should take into account the type of building, the shape of the roof, the service life and much more.

When deciding which roof to choose, it is worth considering the functional purpose of the building. That is, what do you plan to cover: a summer cottage, a residential building, a country cottage or a barn. Agree, it makes no sense to spend money on a durable and strong roof for an outdoor toilet or a tool shed.

seam roof

The most common for a country house is a seam metal roof. The roof received this name due to the seam formed as a result of the connection of the layers to each other - the fold. Thanks to this method of fastening, it is possible to cover the roof quickly and without the use of additional consumables. In construction and finishing works, both painted roofing and galvanized sheets are used. The last version of roofing materials can be attributed to the cheapest type of coating. However, winning in price, galvanization significantly loses to its counterparts from an aesthetic point of view.

There is also a seam roof made of copper. The peculiarity of copper sheets is that they are very durable. However, they also have a drawback. Over time, the copper seam roof changes its color. In the first year, it retains a red tint, then turns to brown, and after a couple of years it becomes black. This is a natural oxidation process. Plus, in some places, patinas appear on the roof - spots that characterize natural oxidation. These oxides have a malachite color and do not look very aesthetically pleasing. However, it is they who protect copper from corrosion and damage, thereby extending the life of the roofing up to several hundred years.

metal tile

A very popular roof covering for pitched roofs. Outwardly, it is a profiled sheet with imitation of natural tiles. The base is galvanized steel. From below, the sheets are covered with a protective layer, and from above - with a layer of soil and a decorative polymer coating. The wear resistance of the roof depends on the choice of polymer.

Metal tiles are usually used on roofs of a simple shape. If the budget of the roof and ease of installation are important, then when deciding which roof to choose, you should pay attention to metal tiles.

The disadvantages of metal tiles are as follows:

1. a large number of additional components and accessories, such as valleys, ridges, end strips, ventilation devices, etc.
2. high noise level during rain and wind. This problem can be eliminated by laying an additional layer of soundproofing materials.

Flexible roof tiles

If we are not talking about a tiny cottage, but about a comfortable mansion, then there is no point in saving on the roof. Here it makes sense to think about flexible or shingles. Such a roof is similar to a layer cake and consists of many elements. Outside - colored stone chips, then a layer of bitumen applied on both sides to the fiberglass. And the last bottom layer is rubber-bitumen. This layer is adhesive. Its main task is to ensure good adhesion and tightness of the coating.

The main advantage of flexible tiles over their counterparts is its resistance to corrosion and decay. It does not delaminate and during installation a minimum of waste is generated. In addition, the market for building and finishing materials has a wide variety of colors and shades.

There is only one minus here, deciding which roof to choose, you will see a high price. In addition, laying shingles requires a perfectly flat base. Usually a wooden or plywood crate is placed under the tiles.

natural tile

These tiles include two types of roofing: ceramic and cement-sand.

Ceramic roofing is made from clay. Russian manufacturers do not deal with this type of roofing. Hence the first minus is the almost complete absence of highly qualified specialists who are fluent in the skill of laying elite tiles. Meanwhile, this elite roofing material is the queen of the roof and emphasizes the status and wealth of its owners. The ceramic roof has the highest wear resistance, does not make noise during gusts of wind and rain, does not fade, is not afraid of heat and frost, and can serve its owners for a single century. The proof of this can be the architectural monuments of Europe, which have survived to this day.

The weight of such a roof is very large. Therefore, if you want to cover the roof with ceramic roofing, it is necessary to include in the project an additional load on the foundation and truss system.

Cement-sand roof

Such a roof is a symbol of prestige and prosperity. Slate is the most aesthetic and sophisticated finishing material. The gray color of wet asphalt with a shimmering sheen creates a unique noble effect of antiquity. Tiles can be laid in scales, rhombuses or rectangles. Thus, each coating is exclusive and strictly individual.

And, as you know, originality costs money, and sometimes a lot. The cost of 1 square meter of cement-sand roofing can go up to $300. However, such a roof will be nothing. Slate tiles are not afraid of rain, snow, wind, heat, cold or fire.

wooden roof

Previously, our ancestors did not know other roofing materials, except for natural ones. Then wooden roofs remained only at street toilets, baths and sheds. Today, wooden roofing is experiencing a new peak in popularity. The most valuable is the roof, which was made by hand from deciduous or coniferous trees. Price sq. meters can vary between 50 and 70 euros.

Perhaps outwardly, a wooden roof seems fragile, but the test of time gives different results. In addition, processing with modern means that prevent the negative effects of the environment will extend the life of a wooden roof by more than a dozen years.

thatched roof

Those distant times when a straw roof was associated with a village hut are long gone. Today, reed and straw roofs have become the prerogative of exclusively elite houses. However, despite the cheapness of raw materials, a thatched roof is quite an expensive pleasure. Price sq. meters of natural roofing - from 60 to 120 euros.

Natural material and unique laying technology provide protection against temperature extremes no worse than modern finishing materials. Plus, such a roof does not require the installation of additional ventilation and thermal insulation devices.

Architectural design of the roof

The type of roofing directly depends on what kind of roof you have - a simple gable or with complex ridges and valleys. For example, the flexibility and plasticity of a seam roof make it possible to cover roofs of even the most non-standard shapes with it. And in order to cover an ordinary shed roof, you can use metal tiles or corrugated board. If, however, these materials are used to cover a roof with a complex architectural solution, then the difficulties that arise during installation may cast doubt on the entire feasibility and economic benefit of such an action.

If the roof project includes round or oval elements, various arches and domes, then you should pay attention to such roofing material as shingles. It is worth noting that this coverage option is the most optimal and one might even say the only one in this case.

Roof appearance

Remember, when you approach your favorite house, be it a summer house or a cottage, first of all you pay attention to the roof. It is the finishing touch and the appearance of the house is highly dependent on the type of roof chosen. Modern roofing suppliers offer a huge variety of spectacular pitched roofs. Architects and designers are also advised to pay special attention to the color of the coating. This is especially true for flexible tiles. It is desirable that the color of the roofing material is in harmony with the facade, combined with the fence and well suited to the surrounding landscape. So, red and burgundy roofs look good immersed in flowers, blue roofs are ideal for a site that has various ponds and streams. The green roof harmonizes well with sprawling trees and lush bushes. Keep this in mind when deciding which roof to choose.

Roof weight

When you designed and planned your house, when you built floors or laid foundations, did you take into account how much roofing materials would weigh? And meanwhile, the mass of a natural tile on the order exceeds the weight of a metal tile. Cement-sand tiles are even lighter than natural ones, by about 20-30 kg. However, it is difficult to attribute it to light roofing materials. Under it, it is necessary to initially lay a margin of safety in the foundation and walls, plus, the rafters should be selected and erected only taking into account the recommendations of the roof manufacturer.

Thus, if the answer to the previous question is no, then you need to remove heavy roofing materials from your shopping list right away. The weight of the roof has a significant impact on the overall cost of roofing.

Life time

Experts say that basically the service life of any roofing is determined by the level of skill of roofers. That is, no matter what characteristics the roof has, if its installation was of poor quality and hastily, then one should hardly expect good results.

In addition, any roof during its service life is regularly exposed to

• precipitation,
• strong winds and even hurricanes
• sun rays
• temperature fluctuations
• microorganisms, insect pests, etc.

The average manufacturer's warranty for their products is as follows:

• 15-20 years for soft tiles
• 5-15 years for metal tiles
• 20-30 years for natural and ceramic tiles. The actual service life can exceed 1-2 centuries.
• 10 years for slate
• 15 years for bituminous corrugated sheets. Color retention is not guaranteed.
• 15-20 years for corrugated board and roofing steel (g
• 30-40 years for slate roofs. The actual service life can exceed 1-2 centuries.
• 15-20 years for seam roofs

The actual service life with proper installation and regular maintenance may exceed the warranty by several times. In this case, the actual durability can exceed these figures at times.

Temperature regime

When deciding how best to cover the roof of a house, it is necessary to pay special attention to the resistance of the roof to the effects of temperature changes, that is, whether the roof retains its shape at low or vice versa high temperatures. So, for example, a flexible tile is based on non-woven fiberglass or polyester, plus, it is always impregnated with modified bitumen, which determines its flexibility and resistance to temperature extremes. The most popular polymer components for impregnation by Russian manufacturers are styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and atactic polypropylene (APP). APP is more resistant to temperature rise, but does not tolerate frost well. SBS is less resistant to heat, but has high frost resistance.

In Russia, which has a cold climate, it is recommended to use styrene-butadiene-styrene.

UV resistance

Also, an important criterion when choosing how to cover the roof of a house should be its resistance to ultraviolet radiation. This resilience depends on three main factors:

1. The presence of a polymer component. The absence of such an additive in bitumen makes the roof less resistant to sunlight;
2. The density of the mineral crumb, which is on the outside of the tile. Basalt, or any other material, creates a protective layer on the surface of the roof, making it more resistant to the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation.
3. The quality of adhesion of microparticles to bitumen. In case of unfair production and violation of technology, adhesion may be changed. In this case, there will be a rapid shedding of mineral chips and a quick exposure of the bitumen layer.

metal durability

The service life of a metal tile depends on:

1. steel profile thickness,
2. zinc layer thickness,
3. type of polymer coating.

The optimal sheet thickness is 0.45-0.8 mm. If the steel is thicker, it is more difficult to mount and profile it. Thin layers will be subject to deformation and destruction.

But with the zinc layer, everything is a little different, the more it is, the better. After all, its presence guarantees the protection of the roof from corrosion. In addition, it is not enough to apply one layer of zinc to the sheet. Galvanizing must be double-sided with a primer layer. This will protect the metal tile from oxidation.

The type of polymer used in the production of metal tiles affects not only the service life, but also the external characteristics of the roof. So, plastisol, for example, applied to a metal tile with a layer of 200 microns, guarantees resistance to mechanical damage. However, it loses its protective properties at an air temperature of more than +60.

Polyester remarkably tolerates high temperatures up to 120 ° C, but it is absolutely defenseless against mechanical stress. Keep this in mind when deciding how to cover the roof of the house.

The polyvinyl fluoride acrylic (PVF2) polymer layer demonstrates good UV and temperature resistance. It is stronger than polyester, but less resistant to damage, unlike the same plastisol.

Pural can be called a kind of compromise between all polymers. It is equally resistant to both temperature fluctuations and UV and corrosion.

A matter of money

The money issue in construction, as in any other business, plays an important role. Especially when it comes to the end of construction, when finances are coming to an end, and the roof needs to be covered with high-quality and durable materials. Everyone knows that roofing materials are quite a significant line of the budget. Thus, it is very important to find a balance between the type of roof and the economic possibilities of the developer. The cost estimate should include not only the cost of roofing material, taking into account all consumables, but also the laboriousness of installation, as well as the presence of waste during installation.

The choice between heavy and light types of roofing must be made already at the design stage. During installation, you may be able to abandon heavy coatings and lay bituminous tiles on the roof, but on the contrary, hardly.

It is worth noting that the choice of such light and inexpensive materials as corrugated board, odulin, shingles or metal tiles will be a convenient and profitable purchase, both at the stage of purchase and at the stage of laying. Expensive and heavy roofing materials, such as ceramic and cement-sand tiles, require not only high costs at the time of purchase, but also more expensive truss systems.

So what roofing material to choose? Beautiful? Durable? Or cheaper? These questions can be answered individually without hesitation. However, in reality, you need to consider all the selection criteria in the complex, then the roof will delight you for many years and will reliably protect you from any bad weather.

Everyone who starts construction thinks about what kind of coating is best to use. Today, fortunately, there are plenty to choose from. However, it is not easy to make the best choice without knowing all the nuances, pros and cons of each type of coating.

For more than 170 years, the ICOPAL group has been producing high-quality roofing and waterproofing materials, including those presented in this review.

The ICOPAL product range includes the following roofing materials:

• flexible tile
• composite roof tiles
• bituminous roll materials
• PVC - membranes

Each of these types of coatings has its own advantages and disadvantages. When deciding on the type of roof and choosing the material for it, many factors and their combination should be taken into account: the expected service life, requirements for appearance and design, the cost of the material itself, the cost of its installation, etc.

Flexible tiles (soft roof)

Flexible or bituminous shingles are a very popular roofing material, especially in the field of private housing construction. These are small-sized sheets (1 meter long and 30-40 centimeters wide) of a rectangular shape. When installing the roof, they are overlapped in even rows.

The basis is most often fiberglass impregnated with bitumen. On the outside, the sheets are covered with hydrophobized shale or mineral granules, on the back - with fine-grained sand. On the lower part of the roofing material, an additional layer of adhesive bitumen can be applied, thanks to which the shingles are glued together along with mechanical fastening to the roof base.

The main advantage of bituminous tiles is that it is flexible. Tiles are great for pitched roofs, especially where the complexity of the configuration precludes the use of other materials.

The advantages of flexible tiles can also include:

• low cost
• light weight
• simple installation and repair process
• attractive appearance
• moisture resistance
• resistance to deformation and temperature changes

It must be remembered that bituminous tiles should only be mounted on a well-prepared and absolutely flat surface. We recommend that you always use special tile underlays, and only galvanized nails.

There are practically no drawbacks to this roofing material. In any case, compared with all the above advantages, they are insignificant. Therefore, today soft roofing made of bituminous tiles is widespread both in private and industrial construction.

This roofing material for roofs is one of the most reliable and durable. Some mistakenly believe that it is just a type of metal tile. This, of course, is not the case, rather the opposite. Composite tiles combine almost all the best qualities and characteristics of various roofing materials. In addition to reliability, durability and excellent appearance, this roofing material for roofs has the following advantages:

• light weight
• good soundproofing properties
• absolute waterproofness
• resistance to corrosion and mechanical stress
• high fire performance
• simplicity and manufacturability of installation

If you decide to use composite tiles as a roof, we advise you to pay attention to the correct selection of components and strict adherence to the installation technology by roofers. The service life of the roof will largely depend on this.

Composite tiles have a multilayer structure. Corrosion protected steel sheet with anti-corrosion protection is coated with several layers of acrylic resin, polyester and epoxy primer. Granules of natural stone are applied on top of the composite tiles. The material reproduces the appearance of natural tiles, but is much stronger and lighter.

The disadvantages of composite tiles can only be attributed to the relatively high price of the material itself and repairs.

This roofing material is one of the most common. The metal tile is made of galvanized steel sheets, which are covered with polymer paint. The operational characteristics of this roofing vary: they depend on the thickness and quality of the steel, the durability of the paint, the degree of compliance with the technology in the production process. In general, the quality parameters of metal tiles are determined by the price. When arranging the roof, this material requires a number of additional elements: end and ridge strips, cornices, sides to hold snow (the surface of the tile is very slippery). Save on these additional accessories is not worth it. The quality of installation of the roof of a garage, a country house or other structure and, therefore, the reliability and durability of the entire structure depends on this.

This roofing covering - universal. It can be used on any type of roof.

The advantages of metal tiles are:

• low cost
• ease
• variety of colors
• resistance to temperature extremes and climatic influences
• aesthetic appearance

There are also quite a few disadvantages of metal roofing. Here are the most obvious ones:

• actual lack of soundproofing properties
• low corrosion resistance
• large amount of waste during installation

Decking

According to the production technology, the corrugated board is quite close to the metal tile. In general, it is an inexpensive, reliable, durable and versatile roof building material that can be used as both roofing and cladding. Its advantages and disadvantages largely repeat the similar parameters of the metal tile.

Additional advantages include versatility and ease of installation.

Bituminous roll materials

The concept of "bituminous roll materials" is quite broad and covers a number of soft coatings, which are produced using petroleum products.

Roll roofing materials can be classified according to several key characteristics. First of all, by the type of base: cardboard, fiberglass, fiberglass, polyester, combined bases.

There is a wide selection on the market today. These are both coatings of the so-called old generation, and new roofing materials.

If you want soft roofing to last twenty years or more, use SBS-modified roofing materials on a high-strength polyester non-woven backing. The roof is installed in one or two layers.

The most common, although very outdated coating, is roofing material. The secret of its popularity is simple - extremely low price and ease of use.

New polymer-based materials are many times more durable, but also much more expensive than old-generation materials.

PVC-P membranes

In recent years, innovative polymer roofing coatings, in particular, have become increasingly widespread on the building materials market. For the manufacture of this material, polymeric raw materials are used - polyvinyl chloride with the addition of plasticizers.

The secret of the growing popularity of this material is not only durability, but also ease of installation, the possibility of choosing different types and sizes, excellent waterproofing properties and excellent performance. Polymer roofing materials are not destroyed by exposure to temperature extremes.

As for the disadvantages, the installation of such a roof for a garage, house or cottage will cost more and be more laborious than using traditional bitumen coatings. In addition, special equipment is required for the installation of PVC-P membranes. The material is excellently suited for flat roofs of large areas, for example, for roofs of industrial plants, office and shopping centers. However, it is difficult to imagine it as a roofing material for a garage.

An important advantage of PVC-P membranes is their low flammability and flame propagation. Therefore, they can be used on flat roofs of any area without restrictions and additional fire prevention measures.

Generally speaking, each material for arranging roofs has both its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, when choosing a coating, clearly define for yourself what kind of roof you need.