The variety of modern roofing materials can amaze the imagination. They not only provide reliable coverage, but also delight with their appearance. Among them there are “long-livers” with a service life of about 200 years and relatively short-lived, but very inexpensive options. And there are also highly functional ones that provide status and the title of “smart home”.

Peculiarities

Roofing materials are the outer part of a complex roof structure, and the roof itself may consist of one or more layers. The degree of protection from atmospheric phenomena and heat retention depends on its design.

Coatings for a private home can be made from natural materials, organic, mineral and synthetic options. The production of many products, their sizes and characteristics are regulated by GOSTs and SNIPs. Classic tiles, for example, do not have manufacturing regulations; their quality is determined only by the raw materials and firing temperature.

The duration, quality of operation and the difference in product properties largely depend on the composition. Thus, polymers last more than twice as long as their organic counterpart bitumen. Minerals beat them both in terms of safety, since they are not flammable. Ceramics and slate easily absorb moisture, so their weight can increase significantly after rain. And metal roofing reacts noisily to precipitation.

Classification: pros and cons of varieties

All roofing materials for roofs are conventionally divided into four types: piece, soft, sheet, self-leveling (mastic). It is simply impossible to find out what is used to cover buildings for various purposes today without getting acquainted with the main types.

Sheets

This large group includes rectangular or square metal sheets that have sufficient rigidity. The method of fastening such a roof is carried out with an overlap or special seams - folds.

Sheet types include smooth coverings, metal tiles, roofing with seam seams, ondulin, corrugated sheets and slate.

Flat

Made from steel (not to be confused with corrugated sheets) and aluminum. The metal can have a protective coating of zinc or polymers - polyester.

There are no strict size restrictions for galvanized metal. The width can vary from 750 to 1800 mm, length - 2000-2500 mm, thickness - 0.45-1.2 mm. For polyester, the standard flat sheet size is 2000x1250 mm. The length can be higher - from 3 to 10 meters (depending on the length of the camp).

The thickness is 0.45-0.7 mm. Unlike galvanized varieties, there is a large selection of colors. The warranty period is 10 years.

Advantages:

  • there is little waste left during installation;
  • with sufficient thickness it can withstand heavy loads;
  • flexible, relatively inexpensive.

Flaws:

  • galvanization does not have a very beautiful appearance;
  • metal makes noise when precipitation occurs;
  • requires sound insulation;
  • thermal insulation for residential buildings and lightning rods.

Slate

This concept covers almost the entire group of sheet materials. The fact is that since the Middle Ages, this type of coating, then exclusively natural, had a wavy shape. Nowadays, corrugation is made from different materials, and slate can be based on metal, plastic or rubber.

The classic version is made from asbestos cement, and it can be either flat or wave - from 5 to 8 amplitudes. The shapes differ in the height and width of the profile, and the method of installation. Produced according to SNiP standards. Thickness 6, 8, 10 and 12 mm.

There are three types of standard sizes of corrugated sheets:

  • ordinary (VO) – 1200x680 mm;
  • reinforced (RU) – length up to 2800 mm;
  • unified (UV) – 1750x1125 mm.

The parameters of flat slate are from 2500x1200 to 3600x1500 mm. Modern models may have soft colors - traditional gray, green, red. It is used for installation on the roofs of outbuildings, less often residential ones, as it is considered not entirely safe for human health.

Advantages:

  • ease of installation;
  • does not burn, frost-resistant;
  • has low thermal conductivity;
  • does not produce noise during precipitation;
  • low price;
  • actual service life without loss of quality is from 10 to 30 years.

Flaws:

  • fragility;
  • burnout;
  • susceptibility to mold and moss formation.

Ondulin

It has many names and varieties: euro slate, non-asbestos, soft, bitumen, corrugated sheet. You can find analogues - aqualin, nulin, ondura, gutta.

It is made from multilayer cellulose (cardboard) impregnated with bitumen with the addition of resins and polymers. Painted with acrylic. The surface is glossy or matte. In the second option it has a rough top layer.

Intended for decorating outbuildings. The maximum service life of ondulin is up to 50 years. Comb height – 36 mm, weight – 6-8 kg/m2. The dimensions of the standard sheet are 950x2000 mm, thickness - 3 mm.

Advantages:

  • withstands heavy snow loads;
  • flexible;
  • waterproof;
  • plastic;
  • belongs to the category of silent;
  • has a beautiful appearance.

Flaws:

  • softens at high temperatures, and becomes brittle at negative temperatures;
  • burns unevenly;
  • combustible;
  • high price

Seam roofing

Available in steel (galvanized), aluminum, copper or zinc-titanium alloy. All options, except copper, can have a protective polymer coating. The weight of one product depends on the metal: for steel - from 5 to 10 kg/m2, aluminum - 2-5 kg/m2.

Sheet options:

  • thickness – from 0.45 to 0.55 mm;
  • reinforced thickness – from 0.63 to 0.7 mm;
  • width – from 510 to 1250 mm;
  • length – from 710 to 3000 mm.

For copper:

  • thickness – 0.3 mm;
  • length – 1100 mm;
  • width 700 mm.

A distinctive feature is that the roofing elements are connected to each other using folds (vertical and horizontal), which ensure reliable tightness of the covering. Operation – from 25 to 30 years.

Advantages:

  • ease;
  • strength;
  • durability;
  • wide range of colors;
  • for copper and aluminum – patination;
  • materials are suitable for installation at any roof slope angle;
  • the most popular type of roofing for private homes.

Flaws:

  • makes a loud noise when it rains;
  • requires additional thermal insulation, sound insulation and installation of a lightning protection system.

Corrugated sheet

It is also a corrugated sheet, profiled sheet, profiled flooring, having a rectangular, trapezoidal or wavy cut. For metal sheets, production is carried out in accordance with GOST 24045-94, which establishes the dimensions and parameters of products, including the thickness of the protective layer (galvanization).

The length of roofing materials is from 0.5 to 14 m, in half-meter increments. Thickness – from 0.45 to 1.2 mm. The width that can be measured with a tape measure depends on the height and frequency of the profile waves: the higher and more frequent, the narrower but stronger the sheet. There are brands C8, C21, HC35, C44, H57, H60.

For comparison width:

  • C8 – 1200 mm;
  • H75 – 800 mm.

Corrugated sheeting has a useful or working width. It is calculated taking into account the overlap, which is recommended during installation. For example, the linear width of C8 is 1200 mm, and the working width is 1150 mm. Most often, the material is used to cover industrial and commercial facilities, such as facade panels. The service life of the roof is up to 50 years.

Advantages:

  • strength;
  • flexibility;
  • affordable price.

Flaws:

  • like all metal types, it makes noise when it rains;
  • requires thermal insulation and a lightning removal system.

Metal tiles

The basis of sheet tiles is a metal profile made of galvanized steel, aluminum or copper. The shape of the metal imitates all types of natural tiles: steps, waves, scales. The coating can be polymers - on one or both sides.

The most common products are those with an outer polymer layer and an inner part of the plate treated with paint. In the case of composite materials, the working surface is decorated with stone chips. The quality, properties, and price of the material depend on the characteristics of the protective layer.

Suitable for all types of residential and technical buildings. The length of the finished sheet is from 50 to 800 cm. The thickness of the base is at least 0.5 mm.

Advantages:

  • light weight;
  • strength;
  • resistance to precipitation and deformation;
  • wide color palette;
  • easy installation.

Flaws:

  • makes noise during precipitation;
  • when laying it produces a large percentage of waste;
  • additional expenses are required for the installation of a heat-insulating, noise-absorbing layer, installation of a lightning rod and grounding.

Piece roofing

Piece products are small-sized coating elements. They are represented by a wide selection of various forms of tiles made from natural and artificial materials. There are ordinary ones - for the main covering and special ones - for decorating the ends, windows, ventilation elements, antennas or chimneys (passage).

Products are distinguished:

  • small pieces - no more than 15 pieces/m2;
  • standard - usually do not exceed the size of 30x30 cm;
  • large format – 9.5 pcs/m2.

This roof has a beautiful appearance and a high price. Fastening is carried out using special locks.

Styling:

  • parallel - creates clear horizontal lines of coverage;
  • with offset – scale effect, more reliable protection from precipitation

Ceramic

These tiles are made from baked clay (red-brown) and painted in a variety of colors. Sometimes the top is covered with glaze, which increases the moisture resistance and durability of the material, while the top layer acquires a bright gloss or matte finish. Some manufacturers produce material with dirt-repellent properties and a self-cleaning effect.

According to the profile and installation method, ceramics can be:

  • stamped;
  • flat tape;
  • grooved;
  • with one wave;
  • two-wave;
  • grooved.

The parameters are not regulated; the thickness of the element varies, depending on the manufacturer, from 10 to 15 mm. The material is heavy, one tile measuring 30x24.5 cm weighs about 2 kg. Used to cover the roofs of country houses. The actual service life is from 25 to 150 years.

Among the undoubted advantages:

  • naturalness;
  • frost resistance and fire resistance;
  • beautiful appearance.

The disadvantages include:

  • with the strength of the entire roof, the fragility of individual tiles;
  • long installation;
  • strengthening the rafter system and high price.

Cement-sand (CSP)

A rougher analogue of tiles, which is created without firing. The composition includes quartz sand, cement, coloring and other additives that increase the strength of the products. In some cases, the material is coated with glaze. Profile – wave or flat.

The scope of application, dimensions, thickness are similar to ceramic samples. Service life – 50 years.

Advantages: Compared to natural ceramics, it has a lower price.

Disadvantages: a large percentage of losses during transportation - up to 10%, rough appearance.

Polymer sand

It is made from river sand with the addition of plastic waste, binders and dye. Compared to previous types of tiles, they are lighter, often weighing less than 2 kg. Somewhat stronger, the percentage of combat is small.

Provides complete moisture resistance and low thermal conductivity. The tile is capricious to sudden temperature changes, but otherwise has all the pros and cons of a piece roof. Operation – no more than 30 years.

Metal

The vast majority are composite materials based on steel, aluminum, titanium-zinc alloy. The exception is copper; it is always used only in the form of pure metal.

The profile is similar to natural tiles. Available in rectangular or diamond shapes, which allows for all types of installation.

Advantages:

  • wide color palette due to the polymer layer;
  • light weight of the roof;
  • ease of installation.

Flaws:

  • noisiness;
  • the need for additional thermal insulation;
  • the need for lightning protection systems and high cost.

Shingles

Wooden shingles (chipped and sawn) are made by hand from particularly durable and relatively inexpensive types of wood: oak, aspen, spruce, larch or Canadian cedar. Over time, the coating darkens significantly, acquiring natural shades of dark brown and deep green - antique. Sometimes the shingle (shingle) is coated with paint. Unlike other types, it does not have a longitudinal cutout for fastening.

Popular sizes:

  • length – from 200 to 800 mm;
  • width – from 60 to 250 mm;
  • thickness – from 60 to 150 mm.

Advantages:

  • environmental friendliness;
  • resistance to external atmospheric phenomena;
  • absolute tightness;
  • easy styling;
  • relatively low price.

Flaws:

  • fire hazard;
  • susceptibility to rotting, the formation of moss and mold, which requires constant treatment with special impregnations.

Slantsevaya

It is the most expensive type of tile roofing and has a maximum service life of 70 to 200 years. It is made from mountain stone (slate) in several forms: square, rectangular, with one rounded end - “beaver tail”. In profile - flat or with a slight wave, that is, slightly convex. The thickness of one element is from 4 to 9 mm, weight is 45-50 kg/m2.

Advantages:

  • respectability;
  • uniqueness of the masonry;
  • waterproof;
  • non-flammability;
  • maximum service life.

Flaws:

  • fragility - up to 15-20% losses during installation;
  • the color palette is limited by the possibilities of coloring the stone;
  • heavy weight.

Soft

Such roofs are distinguished by flexibility and plasticity, which makes them very convenient when laid on structures of complex shapes. The base can be cardboard, synthetic fabrics impregnated with bitumen. The resulting materials are absolutely waterproof and demonstrate high thermal insulation properties.

They do not make noise when it rains, and mold or moss does not form on them. The rafter system does not require reinforcement. Installation is not difficult and there is virtually no waste left.

There are three subspecies:

  • tiled;
  • roll;
  • membrane materials.

Roofing tiles

Its other name is bituminous shingles. It is produced in sheets with figured cuts in the form of rectangles, squares or other shapes that imitate a classic tile covering.

Used as a coating on economy-class houses or outbuildings.

Advantages:

  • The material is based on fiberglass (fiberglass), which is impregnated with bitumen, tar compounds with reinforcing additives. The outer layer is made with basalt, less often shale chips, sand or copper strips. The inner side is covered with a protective polymer film. The actual service life is about 40-50 years.
  • snow retention, which ensures the presence of crumbs;

Flaws:

  • nice appearance.
  • softening under the influence of high temperatures;
  • flammability;
  • loss of plasticity at minus values;

fragility.

Roll roofing

From the name it is clear that the material is produced not in the form of sheets, but in rolls. The production method and composition are no different from roofing tiles. The material is used to cover private houses, good for flat or low-angle roofs. Often used as a waterproofing layer.

The subgroup is quite large. Differences between types may be in the base or additional layers that provide improved performance characteristics. The average specific gravity is 7-10 kg/m2.

  • Subspecies:
  • with a layer of foil - metalloizol, folgoizol;
  • based on cellulose or PVC - can be molded, resembling asbestos-cement sheets covered with layers of paint;
  • with an additional outer layer - rubber, stone chips or thermoplastic elastomers, can have a soft color gradient;
  • on a non-woven base - fiberglass, polyester, rubemast, glass batt, rubestek, bikrost, hydrostekloizol, self-adhesive rizolin, uniflex, etc.

Membrane material

Creates a seamless coating with a thickness of 1.14 to 2 mm, which ensures complete roof tightness. Available in rolls with an average width of 1000 to 2000 mm. Weight – 1.4-2.0 kg/m2.

Various substances are used as the basis for these insulating materials.

Ethylene propylene diene monomer

EPDM – based on synthetic rubber. Safe, do not emit harmful substances. Rolls up to 12 m wide and up to 60 m long.

Available in several options:

  • unreinforced;
  • reinforced;
  • composite.

TPO and PVC

  • Thermoplastic polyolefins - the composition includes ethylene (50-70%) and propylene (30-50%).
  • Plasticized polyvinyl chloride – has a small proportion of volatile plasticizers that are hazardous to health.

Advantages:

  • creates a durable and seamless moisture-proof layer;
  • flexibility and elasticity;
  • simple installation;
  • resistance to mechanical damage.

Flaws:

  • requires the ideal condition of the roof base before installation;
  • susceptibility to chemical reagents.

Self-leveling roofing

Bulk materials are mastics in their initial state. The composition is applied to the prepared surface, where it hardens. In their finished form, self-leveling roofs are similar in appearance and properties to roll roofs. For example, there is liquid roofing felt.

Like membrane ones, there are three types:

  • unreinforced - applied in one continuous layer;
  • reinforced - with reinforced mesh or fiberglass;
  • composite - from several layers, no more than 2 mm each, including additional protective ones, with a powder of stone chips and a layer of paint.

Advantages:

  • resistance to elevated temperatures;
  • easy installation.

Flaws:

  • uneven thickness;
  • has dangerous volatile compounds;
  • impossibility of application when the roof slope is more than 25 degrees.

For smart home

Reasonable savings and heat preservation in country houses dictate new standards for roofing materials. Self-leveling, membrane and roll types of coating, for example, fiberglass impregnated with bitumen, can provide absolute hydro- and thermal insulation. Their characteristics are especially important when building a thermos house. Such a roof is quite affordable and justifies itself during construction in the difficult climatic conditions of Russia.

Glass tiles belong to the premium category for decorating the roofs of smart houses. It is made of tempered glass, equipped with technical capabilities for storing light energy. Essentially, the entire roof becomes one solar panel. For now, there is enough energy to illuminate the local area at night or heat water for a large family, but the developers do not intend to stop there. The guaranteed service life of such a roof today is about 40 years.

Protective layer

Composite roofing materials imply the presence of a polymer layer, which provides a wide color palette and increases resistance to external influences. Metal and film most often have a similar shell or only a coating on the outside.

Overview of the main types

  1. Polyester PE glossy– the cheapest covering material, 25 microns thick. The main substance is polyester, the coating is not scratch-resistant. Such materials are most often intended for cottages and garden houses.
  2. Polyester MPE matte– 35 microns, does not limit the flexibility of the base, does not respond to mechanical stress. Has a small selection of colors. The cost of MPE is less than that of plastisol.
  3. Plastisol PVC200– up to 200 microns, created on the basis of PVC with the addition of plasticizers. Stronger and more flexible than previous options, resistant to chemical reagents.
  4. Pural PU– 50 microns, modified polyurethane with polyamide. Durable and durable coating with a wide selection of colors that will not fade over time.
  5. Polydifluorite (PVF2)– 25-35 microns, from a mixture of polydifluoride and acrylic. It comes in glossy and matte. Has the highest performance of all film coatings. The price is also the highest.

Subtleties of choice

Modern diversity allows you to choose the only option that meets all the requirements of both the roof itself and the capabilities of each individual wallet. First of all, they focus on the features of the main building in order to ensure an ideal technological and operational combination. Then you should pay attention to durability, fire retardant properties, and appearance.

Warranty periods for roofing materials:

  • soft tiles – 20 years;
  • membranes, ondulin and metal tiles – 15;
  • ceramics – 30-50, slate – 40;
  • slate – 10-12;
  • metal – 40, for copper – from 70 to 100 years

When determining the service life for which the manufacturer is responsible, the type and thickness of the polymer layer matters. Before choosing, you need to decide on the angle of the roof.

Each niche has its own pricing policy. Thus, during periods of economic crises, the cost of slate and ondulin is subject to the least fluctuations and slight growth. This phenomenon is typical for all countries of the world, so planning does not cause difficulties.

  1. Prices for Euro slate are approximately the same for all manufacturers, so the main emphasis is on design and ease of installation.
  2. The cheapest material on the market is plain unpainted slate.
  3. Professionals do not advise choosing metal tiles at the lowest prices, as this is evidence of their low quality. You can only be on the safe side with a properly issued warranty.
  4. It is worth remembering that roofing made of alloys and composites is always an order of magnitude more expensive than its analogue made of pure metal.
  5. A significant price difference is typical for rolled roofing; depending on the manufacturer and product quality, it can vary by 6 times.
  6. Make purchases only from sellers who have official certificates: counterfeits may cost more than the money you save.

A well-known brand that values ​​its reputation, in addition to the quality of its products, offers complete sets of fasteners and additional elements. Instructions are provided upon purchase. All leading brands test their products, often at every stage of the technological process.

Installation

Each type of roofing has its own method, and sometimes several installation options. Rafter systems and sheathing densities of different designs are used, and various special tools are used.

Ceramic tiles

  • The rafter system must be strengthened - the pitch is reduced and the cross-section of the beams is increased. A continuous sheathing is made.
  • Work begins from the cornice to the ridge; wire, staples and nails are used for fastening.
  • Elements with grooves are laid in one layer, the beavertail joints are treated with lime or other protective mortar.

Slate roofing

A reinforced rafter system and continuous sheathing are required.

Installation is carried out using three methods:

  • English - as for ordinary ceramic tiles;
  • German - scales;
  • French - double overlap

The following actions:

  • Fastened with nails. To maintain one angle of inclination, a fixing rail is laid under the bottom row.
  • At the ridge, the protruding part of the roof of one slope should be higher than the other.
  • The joints are treated with a special waterproofing solution.

Metal tiles

  • In some cases, reinforcement of the truss structure is required.
  • Requires cleanliness of the base and cleaning after all work. Special conditions for storing elements before installation: the room must be unheated, without direct sunlight and protected from precipitation.
  • To protect the roofing pie from the inevitable occurrence of condensation, enhanced ventilation and waterproofing must be installed. You should be careful when determining the front and back sides of the membrane, since if you make a mistake, the effect may be the opposite.
  • Residential buildings require noise and heat protection. The calculations take into account the sound absorption of the insulation.
  • The first sheet is laid after alignment along the end of the roof. The following parts are overlapped or overlapped. Fastening with self-tapping screws. Daily and seasonal changes in size under the influence of temperature are taken into account.

Euroslate and slate

  • With a large roof area and a slope of 20-35 degrees, it is recommended to cover the sheet in several slopes so that snow does not accumulate in winter.
  • The lathing is made with small cells or continuous.
  • The sheets are laid from the cornice to the ridge with an overlap of up to 140 mm, minimum 100. Fastenings are screws and nails through a rubber gasket, which should ensure tightness.

Corrugated sheet

  • The first sheet is laid from the bottom corner, the next rows move up to the ridge. The sheet connects with each subsequent one or two waves.
  • It is fixed in each lower amplitude of the profile to the lathing (step - at least 50 cm) or steel purlins with self-tapping screws with a sealing gasket.

Seam roofing

  • Before starting work, edges for seam seams are cut and prepared. Collect strips the entire length of the slope.
  • The cake must be protected with a waterproofing membrane and increased ventilation is provided, since condensation forms on the inside of all metal products due to temperature changes.
  • Fastening to a continuous sheathing is carried out with clamps. They are laid in such a way that the fastening clamp of the previous strip remains under the lock of the next one.
  • Standing seams are made into which the clamp plate fits. The fasteners are not tightened tightly, allowing for the average daily and seasonal expansion and shrinkage of the sheets. In some cases, the folds are treated with sealant.

Membranes

  1. The joints are stitched with hot air using special equipment.
  2. To secure it around the perimeter of the slope, special fasteners are used, after which the entire section is sealed.

There are three types of installation:

  • ballast - for small slopes, no more than 10 degrees;
  • mechanical – for flat roofs;
  • adhesive – for complex base geometry.

Roll coverings

  • A one- or two-layer base is used for coating. For the first option, thicker and wider boards are used.
  • The canvases are fixed from the ridge to the overhang, fixation occurs with the help of vertical slats.
  • The finished roof, for example, Isol, is treated with mastic (for budget options, tar compounds are used) and covered with clean sifted sand. Or they open it with varnish, and after drying, cover it with paint.
  • For flat roofs, fused material and corresponding technologies are used.

Bitumen tiles are fixed to a continuous sheathing with waterproofing with nails.

Manufacturers

In construction stores today, both domestic and foreign roofing materials are widely represented. Enterprises that do not rest on their laurels and introduce new, improved coatings, including innovative ones, deserve high praise.

  • metal tiles– Coversys, Weckman, Stinergy, Mera Sistem, Metal Profile, Ruukki, Grand Line, AkzoNobel, Monterrey, Cascade;
  • ceramic tiles– Nelskamp, ​​Meyer-Holsen, Laumans, Erlus, Tondach, Roben, Koramic, Creation, Braas;
  • seam roofing- Ruukki, Rautaruukki;
  • corrugated sheet– “Metal Profile”, Mitten, Ruukki, Grand Line;

  • roofing slate– Theis-Boger, Rathscheck, Schiefer;
  • copper tiles– Tegola, Copper Roofing company with the Eurasia product;
  • membranes– Tyvek, TechnoNIKOL, Ruvitex Industry corp., Renolit SE, Sure-Weld, FTD, Alkorplan, Aqua100P, Logicroof, Fatra;
  • waterproofing membrane– Tyvek, Firestone Building Products;
  • soft roofing (roll)– Ryazan Cardboard and Ruberoid Plant, TechnoNIKOL, Icopal.

Among the popular roll materials is bipole, created by the Russian company TechnoNIKOL. The development is a durable and reliable waterproofing, ideal for the installation of soft roofs. The basis is fiberglass or polyester.

Examples

Metal tiles are an excellent option for a country house.

Choosing roofing materials for a roof is very difficult nowadays due to their huge variety and advertising of advantages without indicating the disadvantages. We have prepared a review with photos where you will find all types of roofing coverings, their advantages and disadvantages, after evaluating which you can choose the most suitable material, depending on the type of roof and its characteristics.

The quality and service life of the roof largely depend on what roofing material is chosen. The huge variety of their materials can confuse not only a novice developer, but also an experienced builder. Roofing materials for all occasions do not yet exist. Each of them is ideal in a separate situation.

The article collects the most popular modern roofing materials, makes a comparative review of them, and provides technical parameters and conditions of use.

Types of roofing materials

Based on their hardness, all types of roofing materials can be divided into hard and soft. Their scope of application is approximately the same, but the technology of use and operating conditions are somewhat different.

Rigid roofing is made from tiles, slate, ceramic plastic, metal, as well as their derivatives and composites.

Soft types of roofing materials include the widespread roofing felt, asphalt shingles and their various variations.

Rigid roofing materials

Rigid roofing material for the roof perfectly protects the structure from the effects of precipitation and the elements. For many centuries, our ancestors roofed houses with natural materials, mainly wood and straw. Currently, these types of roofing materials have given way to more advanced and durable coatings.

Natural tiles

Made from red clay and kiln-cured at over 1,000 degrees to a ceramic state, classic natural tiles have amazing longevity. Numerous archaeological excavations confirm that tiled roofing is practically unaffected by time. In any case, such roofing material, created 100-150 years ago, still does not need to be replaced.

Ceramic tiles are not at all afraid of rain, snow, or sun. In addition, it perfectly absorbs the noise of rain, which compares favorably with many other types of hard roofing.

Roof tile material consists of small tiles with a special lock for connecting individual elements to each other. The tiles are fastened to the base using special brackets.

Area of ​​application: roofs with a slope of 25 to 60 degrees.

Flaws:

  • installation requires qualified craftsmen;
  • heavy coating weight;
  • relatively high cost of material and installation work.

Cement-sand tiles

Since clay tiles need to be processed in ovens, their cost is quite high. A good analogue would be cheaper cement-sand tiles.

In terms of their physical, mechanical and operational parameters, cement-sand products are similar to ceramic ones, but are slightly inferior to them in their appearance and the brightness of the colors.

In recent years, another hybrid variety of this material has appeared - polymer-sand tiles. The binding base in it is not cement, but a polymer, and to increase strength, the tiles are reinforced with a polymer thread or mesh.

Cement and polymer tiles usually have a more complex lock and, due to this, they can be laid on steeper roof slopes. The guaranteed service life of these composites is 80 years or more.

Slate

Slate roofing has a low cost. This is explained by the low cost of the components: cement and asbestos, from which slate is produced. In addition, the weight of such a roof is less than a tiled roof and is 10-15 kg per 1 sq.m. surfaces. Slate roofing is nailed or screwed to a wooden sheathing covered with waterproofing material. Slate can be cut either manually or electromechanically.

Previously, this roofing material was used very widely, but today, due to asbestos, it is considered unsafe and is not recommended for residential buildings.

Flaws:

  • asbestos is considered harmful;
  • the sheets are quite fragile and often crack during installation;
  • within a few years it loses its appearance, gains moisture, and becomes overgrown with lichen and moss;
  • short service life - up to 10 years.

Today, manufacturers offer more modern brands of this material, which is not afraid of water, is well protected from organic influences and has more decent mechanical strength. Despite this, the minimum slope of a slate roof is recommended to be at least 20 degrees.

Keramoplast

Roofing ceramoplast is made of ceramic filler, polymer binder and bright dyes that are resistant to fading from the sun, temperature and time.

Keramoplast is very durable, waterproof, well muffles the sound of rain, and is not afraid of high and low temperatures. The specific gravity of the material is only 5-7 kg per sq.m., which allows it to be used on slopes with any slope. Like slate, this roof covering is secured with nails or screws. Service life is within 30-40 years.

Disadvantages: low fire resistance, the fire class is close to ondulin and roofing felt.

Metal tiles

This material today accounts for the largest share of the hard roofing market because it offers the best balance between price and quality, is easy to process, durable, and comes in a significant range. Metal tiles have a remarkable appearance and a wide range of colors available.

Galvanizing and multi-layer protective polymer coating of the metal ensures the viability of such a roof for 15 years. Some manufacturers promise up to 50 years of warranty if all their requirements are met during installation.

The advantages of metal tiles include low specific gravity, high mechanical strength, ease of transportation and delivery.

There are few disadvantages, but they exist:

  • very “ringing” - a lot of noise from rain and hail;
  • metal roof coverings generate a lot of waste during installation;
  • the appearance of rust on scratches and cuts if the recommendations for use are not followed.

Corrugated sheet

Unlike metal tiles, corrugated sheeting does not have such an elaborate appearance, but in its geometric structure resembles slate. Corrugated sheeting can be considered an economical option for metal tiles, since it is also profiled metal sheets, but costs less.

Corrugated sheeting can have a wavy, trapezoidal triangular or rectangular cross-section profile. The waviness serves not only to give the sheets longitudinal rigidity, but also provides them with the required appearance and beauty.

The mechanical parameters, advantages and disadvantages of corrugated sheeting are completely identical to metal tiles. The minimum roof slope for these materials is recommended to be at least 10 degrees. When fastened with self-tapping screws, the maximum slope is not limited. To protect against corrosion, it is recommended to seal all open sections of sheets, holes and random scratches with any plastic sealant.

Metal folded sheets

Seamless steel roofing occupies the cheapest price niche. However, it can only be installed by trained professionals equipped with special folding tools.

Roofing steel is short-lived and does not have a special aesthetic appearance. In addition to the low price, the advantage of the material is its low specific gravity, which depends on the thickness of the sheet. Used on roofs with a slope of 20 to 60 degrees.

All metal roofing materials are attached to the wood sheathing with nails or screws.

Soft roofing materials

Unlike hard roofing materials, soft roofing materials have no restrictions on the curvilinearity of roof slopes. In addition, they perfectly muffle the noise of rain and hail, and their service life is comparable to a metal roof.

Ruberoid

Despite its unsightly appearance and fragile structure, roofing felt is still actively used for roofs of secondary commercial and industrial buildings. Roofing felt is sheets of thin cardboard impregnated with a viscous resin composition. The main advantages are very low price and ease of installation.

The roofing material is glued to the base using molten bitumen, resin or special adhesive mastic.

Flaws:

  • short-lived - service life up to 5-7 years (depending on the components used);
  • combustible;
  • quickly loses its ductility and cracks.

Bituminous shingles

Bituminous shingles are free from most of the disadvantages of roofing felt. According to many builders, it is the best roofing material for the roof. - durable and resistant, consists of fiberglass mesh or carbon fiber impregnated with a rubber-bitumen composition.

Available in the form of small sheets or tapes, often with a self-adhesive backing. The specific gravity is 8-10 kg per sq.m. The plasticity of the material allows it to be used on any slope.

The service life varies greatly depending on the brand and manufacturer, but in any case, it significantly exceeds the service life of conventional roofing felt.

Bottom line

A wide range of roofing materials opens up wide opportunities for developers. Knowing how to choose a roofing material for a roof, all that remains is to weigh your desires with your financial capabilities and make the right choice to suit your taste.

The use of modern materials is an integral requirement of our world. Today's generation takes possession of new products very quickly and forgets about them at the same speed. The construction industry has to keep up with the times in order to meet this rhythm. The emergence of new materials indicates the need to test them in practice, because this is a new product and if you want to stand out, you have to take risks. Although this rule applies in fashion, it does not work here in construction. Most developers try to ignore modern roofing materials and only a few use them. In this article I will tell you which modern construction products have already passed the test of time and practice.

Introduction

Choosing roofing materials is a crucial step for any developer. Not only the service life of the coating itself, but also the entire rafter system will depend on their quality. Today on the construction market you can find a colossal number of different products that differ from each other not only in shape, weight and material, but also in color, protective components, and operating requirements.

When purchasing roofing coverings, it is very important to ensure that you do not purchase low-quality products. For example, when developers want to save money, they try to purchase the same roofing material from hand; most often it can be found at large construction sites where there is some turnover of material. This practice has already become familiar to everyone, so no one is surprised for a long time. But if you have ever done the same, do you understand what prevents a “black” seller from replacing this product with a fake and selling it to you for decent money? That's right, nothing. By purchasing materials in specialized stores, you receive a quality guarantee from the manufacturer, therefore, the purchased product will already serve you for the minimum amount of time indicated in the service life.

Modern materials include many products, including those that were produced quite a long time ago, but have not yet lost their popularity. Among metal coatings, modern metal tiles and corrugated sheets can be distinguished; as for soft ones, the leaders here are modified roofing felt, polymer membranes, bitumen shingles and ondulin. Now, let's look at modern roofing materials for the roof in more detail.

Metal tiles

This coating is an imitation of natural tiles. It is worth immediately noting that such products are very popular among middle-class consumers. It is quite durable due to its protective layer and the raw materials used in production, attractive, easy and simple to install. All installation work can be done independently, but for productive and quick work you can invite several partners. The advantages of this coating include the fact that it does not require special care, and its service life is more than 30 years.

As for the disadvantages, we can highlight low sound insulation and high thermal conductivity. If you know even a little about construction, you immediately realized that additional expenses will be required in connection with the purchase of thick thermal insulation boards in order to eliminate these shortcomings. Condensation is the enemy of all metal coatings, so you can’t do without it here. To solve the problem with the formation of condensation, you will have to take care of creating high-quality natural ventilation so that moisture leaves the roofing pie. In addition to these points, I would like to highlight one more. When installing metal tiles, its surface is often scratched and such places soon begin to rust. If you do not want to encounter such a problem, then when purchasing, pay attention to the protective layer of the metal; it should be covered with natural granulate. Thanks to this layer, the sound-proofing, heat-insulating and protective qualities of the material increase.

Sheets of metal tiles have quite a lot of rigidity, so you can create a thin sheathing of lumber as a base. Here you can use a board or timber treated with protective solutions. As for their pitch, most developers take a distance equal to the waves of the material. In mandatory cases, an underlay carpet must be laid on the sheathing, which will serve as additional waterproofing.

The sheets are fastened to the base using special self-tapping screws with a rubber lining. During subsequent operation, they may burst, so during preventive inspections of the surface, you need to check each fastener element for their presence. Otherwise, after a while, in strong winds, the roof will begin to make a knocking sound, which can negatively affect not only the roofing materials, but also your nervous system.

The laying itself begins from left to right, and not vice versa. This is due to the ease of guiding the edge of the sheet into the lock; in addition, they become invisible. The fasteners should be screwed in under the crest of the wave, in this way premature rust can be avoided, since water, even in heavy rain, will not get into this area. If your region of residence receives a very large amount of precipitation, then such places can be additionally treated with mastic.

IMPORTANT: During all installation work, try not to remove the protective film from the surface of the sheet. This will allow you to finish the job without damaging the material itself.

Profiled metal sheets

If such a long name confuses you, then this coating can be called for short: corrugated sheeting. It represents new roofing materials for the roof, but can be used in different areas of construction. At its core, this is a universal product. It can be found when laying fences, creating permanent formwork, or even as an interfloor ceiling on a frame house.

These metal coatings are distinguished by their durability, it is about 20-30 years, and weighing 11-15 kilograms. In addition, there is a protective layer on the surface, which can be renewed if desired. Installation work is not associated with difficulties and is carried out easily, and most importantly, quickly.

Corrugated sheeting is made of galvanized steel on a rolling machine with embossing, thanks to which the sheet takes a certain shape. Among the disadvantages you can see the same problems of metal coatings: high thermal conductivity, low sound insulation, condensation accumulation. In addition, it is very important to accept the fact that such a surface quickly collects static electricity, so a lightning rod is required here.

This coating is somewhat similar to metal tiles. To lay it, the same lumber is used with a pitch equal to the waves of the sheet. Vapor barrier and waterproofing layers in the roofing pie are mandatory, since a large accumulation of condensate will quickly damage the thermal insulation and you will need to carry out expensive repairs.

The installation process starts from any edge of the roof and moves upward. After installing the first sheet, the next one is laid on it with an overlap in one wave. The next row of sheets opens from the same side, and the vertical overlap should be at least 20 centimeters. Self-tapping screws with seals are used as fasteners. By the way, you can find different colors on sale and choose them to match your roof.

Modified roofing felt

New roofing materials do not always have an unknown appearance. Relatively recently, the composition of the usual bitumen roll product was changed, as a result of which it became much more durable and immediately rose to the level of decent coverage in the eyes of consumers. In addition, the properties of the material itself allow it to be used even in the most unfavorable corners of Russia. It is not afraid of moisture, now it can be laid at any time of the year, and is absolutely resistant to the effects of the sun and microorganisms. Today, such roofing material can lie on the roof for about 30 years and require a minimum of attention.

Of course, there are fewer downsides to this type of coverage, but they still exist. This coating is laid using the same fused method. Such work can be classified as unsafe and requires special care when working with a gas burner. In addition, to create a high-quality surface, you will have to purchase two types of roofing material: lining and protective. The mass of the material is quite high, so delivering it to the roof is quite problematic.

The lower layers of roofing material are called lining. They are thinner, quicker to install, and there is no protective coating on their surface. Thanks to these layers, the base is reliably protected from moisture. The upper layers have a significant difference. They are made from more durable materials, and their upper part is sprinkled with mineral powder, which protects the material from the harmful effects of the sun and mechanical damage. During installation, it is very important to ensure that this layer is not damaged, and if this happens, it must be resolved promptly. The damaged area is covered with the sprinkler, which should come complete with roofing felt.

Polymer membranes

This type of coating definitely represents new roofing materials. Their use is still limited, but many developers are already saying that such a product will become more popular than roofing felt itself. Today, membranes are already used in almost the entire construction industry. They are laid as a vapor barrier layer or where high-quality waterproofing is needed. All types of membranes can be laid in any weather, even in severe frosts. They are not afraid of sudden temperature changes and can lie on the roof for about 50 years.

Membranes are produced on different bases, and therefore the product is named accordingly. To date, only three varieties are known:

These products can be mounted on the crown of the roof in the following ways:

  • Ballast. The ballast fastening method turns the membrane into a kind of waterproofing layer. The maximum roof slope should be 10 degrees. The method itself is very simple, because for fastening you will need ordinary bulk material, most often gravel is used.
  • Mechanical. If the first fastening method is not very common, then this one is used much more often. It consists of fixing the membrane along the edges of the roof using fasteners. In cases where the roofing base is made of wood, a self-tapping screw with a plastic sleeve can be used as fasteners; for more rigid materials, for example, concrete, a dowel-nail would be the best solution. The membrane strips themselves are soldered together using special equipment that supplies hot air. Immediately after soldering, it is very important to go over it with a roller in order to increase adhesion.
  • For glue. There is not much to say here, you are all familiar with the function of glue. The edges of the canvases are coated with special glue. A properly selected adhesive composition will ensure reliable joining of the material to the base for many years.

As I already said, many developers still do not have much confidence in polymer membranes, but on behalf of an experienced roofer, I assure you that this material is worth the money.

Bituminous shingles

The bitumen skull itself cannot be classified as a modern material, since it appeared a long time ago, but I want to talk about its varieties. Shinglas and katepal are new soft materials for roofing.

Shinglas is produced in America, and its sheets are rectangular in shape, thanks to which the roof surface takes on the appearance of brickwork. As for katepal, the country of origin is Finland. The shingles of these asphalt shingles are hexagonal, and the completed roof resembles a honeycomb. In their composition, both varieties are similar to roofing felt. They contain rubber and bitumen, which are enveloped in fiberglass, and sprinkled with mineral chips as a protective layer.

The advantages include low flammability, very low thermal conductivity and good sound insulation. In addition, due to the mineral coating, the surface of the material is not subject to the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and withstands mechanical damage. During the installation process, you will hardly notice any waste, and the work itself will be easy and quick.

IMPORTANT: If you plan to lay bitumen shingles quickly and beautifully, then you should first mark the base. A tapping cord is best suited for marking.

There are quite a few disadvantages of soft tiles, but they still exist. As a base, you will have to create a continuous sheathing, and lay the lining carpet on it. In addition, additional layers of vapor barrier and waterproofing materials will be essential. Purchasing more materials will increase the cost of the entire roof by about one and a half times.

The continuous sheathing must be absolutely flat, otherwise deformation of the roofing material will occur. An underlay carpet is laid to level the surface and provide additional waterproofing. When installing bitumen shingles, do not forget about the ventilation ducts; thanks to them, moisture will leave the roofing pie, and the lumber will remain intact.

Ondulin

Despite the fact that this roofing product was released quite a long time ago, it continues to be popular with private developers. Perhaps it is due to the fact that for a long period people used asbestos wave slate, which has very similar features to ondulin. By the way, the similarity ends there, since modern material is made from modified bitumen, and the base includes natural cellulose. In order to give the material some shade, different pigments are added to it.

The advantages include the following:

  • Ease
  • Waterproof
  • Long-term operation
  • Easy to install
  • Relative cheapness

Due to its low weight and size, the material can be laid independently, without outside help. In addition, such a product is often laid on top of the old slate covering. The service life of the material is practically independent of weather conditions and, with proper installation, can reach about 50 years. Among the disadvantages is the fact that such material can only be installed on small buildings.

The fastening technology depends on the roof slope. If the surface is at a slope of 5 to 10 degrees, then a continuous sheathing is created as the base. The sheets themselves overlap, which should be at least 30 centimeters vertically and 20 centimeters horizontally. In cases where the slope falls within the range of 10-15 degrees, the overlap will be somewhat smaller and in this case is 200 millimeters on top, and one wave on the sides.

On moderately sloped roofs, where the slope is more than 15 degrees, thin sheathing is installed with a maximum pitch of 60 centimeters. It is worth noting that sheets can be divided either with a hand tool such as a hacksaw or with an electric one. The usual fasteners are used as fastening elements: nails with a flat head. Their average consumption is 20 pieces per sheet.

A reliable “roof” is one of the main conditions for comfortable living in a house: it protects from rain, snow, and creates a feeling of safety and reliability of the building. It is the roof that makes a home attractive, so the homeowner is faced with an inevitable problem: what covering to choose? Indeed, there are a huge variety of options and they are made from various raw materials: galvanized steel, copper, aluminum, composite alloys, bitumen, cement-sand mixture, polymer sand mixture, clay, slate and so on. In the article we will look at the 3 most popular options in Russia: iron, bitumen and cement-sand tiles.

Roofing iron

Steel roofs or Roofing iron are products made from thin-sheet galvanized steel. They differ in shape, thickness and type of polymer coating on the front side of the product. Today, corrugated roofing and metal tiles are the most popular because they are affordable, have a wide range of colors, are easy to install and repair yourself, so special knowledge and skills are not required. Applicable in any region of Russia from the hot south to the frosty north. Durable and easy to process: metal scissors are enough for cutting, delivery does not require heavy transport, and lifting to the roof can be done by 1-2 people. Copper and aluminum have better characteristics, but are used less frequently because they are much more expensive and require highly qualified roofers. Now we will analyze in detail specific roofing materials for a metal roof.

Corrugated sheet

It is also a profiled sheet - corrugated sheets with a corrugation height of 8-114 mm made of galvanized sheet steel from 0.40 to 0.80 mm. They are produced in a galvanized version and with an additional polymer coating. It has all the advantages of a steel roof. Disadvantages include noise during rain and hail and an unpresentable appearance. However, the latter, as they say, depends on the taste and color. Mounted with galvanized roofing screws in the color of the corrugated sheet with a rubber gasket. For installation, use a screwdriver with a hexagon socket. The variability of the corrugation height of the corrugated sheet ensures its applicability on pitched roofs of any construction projects, from a garden house to an industrial hangar. For roofs of private buildings and residential buildings, the MP20 or C21 profile is sufficient, depending on the slope of the slopes. For roofs of civil and industrial facilities, the height of the corrugated sheeting is determined by the design of the roof, which must be looked at in the technical documentation.

Metal tiles

Steel sheets with a polymer coating with a thickness of 0.40 to 0.50 mm are shaped like natural tiles. has all the advantages of a steel roof and an attractive appearance. Available in various types of wave and polymer coatings from standard Polyester to coatings based on Polyurethane and zinc and aluminum alloys. Mounted with galvanized roofing screws in the color of the metal tile with a rubber gasket. For installation, use a screwdriver with a hexagon socket. It is used on pitched roofs in all corners of Russia - garden houses, cottages, five-story residential buildings and office buildings, everywhere you can see roofs covered with metal tiles.

fold

Seam roofing is perhaps the most reliable option for steel roofing. Seam is a method of joining sheets of metal into a lock, which is absolutely airtight and provides 100% protection of the roof from leakage. Seam roofs are aesthetically pleasing, durable and recognized throughout the world. The service life of the rebate with proper installation is more than 50 years, and when using aluminum or copper it will last over 100 years. Unlike corrugated sheets and metal tiles, the installation of seam roofing occurs without the use of roofing screws, which ensures that there are no holes in the metal sheet. This prevents moisture from entering the under-roof space. The relative disadvantages of the rebate include the need for a solid base and the complexity of installation. It will be difficult for an unprepared person to install a seam roof without special tools and experience. Supplied in the form of a strip (a roll of steel tape 620 mm wide) or ready-to-install folded pictures up to 10 m long.

Copper

Copper roofing is without a doubt one of the most durable metal roofing options. Copper oxidizes when interacting with moisture and oxygen, a greenish film (patina) is formed on its surface, so copper practically does not rust. You can see copper roofing both on modern cottages and buildings and on historical buildings of the 19th century. Today you can buy copper roofing in the form of seam or metal tiles, as well as order the production of piece roofing tiles according to individual sketches. Reliable, durable, prestigious, expensive - that's all about copper roofing.

The Metal Profile company's product range includes metal tiles with Agneta polymer coating: it reproduces the appearance of copper and guarantees a minimum roof service life of 50 years.

Aluminum

Unlike steel and copper, roofing materials only became widely used in the 20th century. It has high corrosion resistance and flexibility. The advantages of aluminum include the following parameters: service life with preservation of operational properties of at least 100 years, does not require additional protection in the form of a polymer coating, ductile and easy to machine. The main disadvantage of aluminum is considered to be strong thermal expansion and a high coefficient of thermal conductivity, so only roofers with experience working with aluminum can install the roof correctly. Suitable for use on pitched roofs with slope angles starting from 12°. It is not widely used due to the high price and the unwillingness of any roofer to undertake the installation of such an expensive and capricious coating. For those who want to make a roof similar to an aluminum seam, there is an alternative - steel with a matte polymer coating in color 7004 or 7005 according to the RAL catalog.

Composite tiles

Another representative of steel roofing materials is considered a premium class and is not as common as metal tiles and even flexible or CFRP tiles. Composite got its name for its multilayer structure, which is based on a galvanized steel sheet 0.45 mm thick, coated on both sides with an aluminum-zinc alloy with additional protection of the front side in the form of basalt coating. The buyer can choose from 6 to 8 types of tile profiles and a color range of about 20 monochrome and 10 multi-color color options. Unlike metal tiles, composite tiles are produced in the form of small sheets (usually 1100x450 mm), they are silent, have greater resistance to corrosion and have a service life close to natural tiles - 70 years. The covering is easy to install even by one person, since one sheet weighs no more than 5 kg and can be easily lifted onto the roof. Cuts effortlessly with metal scissors. The most famous manufacturers are European Gerard and Metrotile. Due to the high euro exchange rate, the price of composite tiles is prohibitive for many.

Bituminous materials

Soft, flexible, bitumen shingles - all this refers to the type of roofing materials based on bitumen. It consists of fiberglass impregnated with bitumen, on the front side it has a protective coating in the form of stone granules, on the back side there is a self-adhesive adhesive layer (covered with a film, removed before installation during the installation process). Produced in the form of small shingles of various shapes, supplied in packs of 2.5-3.2 m², depending on the collection. Mounted on a solid base made of OSB3 board or moisture-resistant plywood with nails. Advantages: simple and quick installation, service life depending on the manufacturer up to 50 years, wide selection of shapes and colors, ability to cover even spherical roofs.

Disadvantages: it requires a solid, expensive base, cannot be installed at temperatures below -10°C, and in the summer heat above +40°C it becomes too soft, creating inconvenience during installation. Now let's look at the features of each type in more detail.

Flexible oxidized bitumen tiles

The ancestor and the most affordable option for bitumen shingles. All factories produce without exception. Why oxidized? Bitumen in its original form is too liquid and cannot be used for molding. To do this, it must be made thick, which is achieved by saturating the bitumen with oxygen, hence the name - oxidized. The disadvantages of oxidized bitumen shingles include a service life of up to 30 years, poor transverse tensile strength and loss of ductility at temperatures close to 0°C.

Flexible tiles made of SBS modified bitumen

By adding a SBS modifier (styrene-butadiene-styrene) to bitumen, its performance characteristics are significantly improved. The modifier is integrated into the molecular structure of bitumen and slows down the processes of oxidation and aging, which doubles the service life of the tiles. This bitumen is 2000 times more elastic than oxidized bitumen and retains its plasticity at temperatures down to -17°C, which makes it possible to install metal tiles even at temperatures of -10°C.

Euroshiver or bitumen corrugated sheet.

It consists of 8 or 10 corrugated sheets 3-4 mm thick of pressed cellulose impregnated with bitumen. The front side has a rough surface painted with polymer paint. Available in 4 colors: brown, red, green, black. Sheet size 1900x800mm. Attached with plastic headed nails. It has good sound insulation, low thermal conductivity and low weight. It is used on pitched roofs with a slope of 15°. The cost is comparable to MP20 corrugated sheeting with a polymer coating. Unlike the latter, it is not susceptible to corrosion and does not condense, but has a significantly lower fire resistance rating. Not allowed for use on roofs in civil engineering.

Natural (sand/clay)

Natural tiles are one of the oldest types of roofing materials and originate from ancient Greece, whose inhabitants covered their houses with clay tiles. In Russia, this coating appeared only at the end of the 19th century, when the Brothers Gustav and Matthias Schiffer opened the production of this tile in Russia, having arrived in St. Petersburg to build a carousel in Tsarskoe Selo. Nowadays, natural tiles are produced in two types: ceramic (made of clay) and cement-sand tiles (tspch). It is environmentally friendly, has a service life of more than 100 years, does not burn, can be laid on a pitched roof of any shape, is silent, has low thermal conductivity, there is a wide selection of shapes and colors - all these are the advantages of natural tiles. In a word, a roof made of natural tiles is a roof that will last forever.

The disadvantages of natural tiles include the high cost and complexity of installation, as well as their heavy weight.

Weighing 45 kg/m², natural tiles are 5-8 times heavier than other roofing materials, which increases delivery and installation costs. It often happens that a house built without taking into account the weight of the roofing material can no longer afford to acquire a roof made of natural tiles: neither the foundation nor the walls are designed for such loads.

Cement-sand tiles (CSP)

Cement-sand tiles - made from Portland cement and quartz sand, similar to clay tiles, but 2-3 times lower in cost. The front side of the tile is coated with polymer paint to give it color and protect it from moisture and ultraviolet radiation. The most famous manufacturers in Russia are Braas (Germany) and Baltic Tile (Russia).

Ceramic tiles

Clay, also known as ceramic tiles. It is obtained by firing clay tiles in a kiln. Ceramics is a harder, but at the same time more fragile coating than CPC. When dropped onto a hard surface, even from a small height, the tiles crack. You must buy with a 10% reserve for damage during transportation and installation.

There are 3 types:

  • Without additional covering of the front side. It has a natural red-brown color. Over time it darkens and becomes covered with patina.
  • Glazed. Tiles with a glossy front surface. The glaze provides protection against moisture penetration into the pores of the ceramic.
  • Engobed. Roof tiles coated with liquid clay, which is applied to the surface of the product before it is fired. Serves as additional protection for the tiles from moisture and gives them the required color.