Every person living in a private house dreams of having a high-quality roof done once in their entire life. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to achieve this, or at least at least, it was like that before. Now the situation has changed somewhat. With the advent of progressive technologies, the so-called “ soft roof", which currently has somewhat mixed reviews. Flexible tiles are a durable and unique material of its kind, but let’s talk about everything in order.

Metal tiles: advantages and disadvantages

Today it is one of the most popular materials for roofing buildings. If abroad they make roofs in this way only for industrial buildings, then in our country they are mainly private houses, cottages and dachas. Of course, metal has several undeniable advantages. Firstly, it is a very durable material, and secondly, it is relatively inexpensive, and its choice is quite wide. However, there are also disadvantages here in the form heavy weight, excessive noise, especially if the installation was performed incorrectly. We should not forget that metal, whatever one may say, is prone to corrosion, so in conditions high humidity Quite quickly it loses not only its attractive appearance, but also its properties. Thus, the cheapest metal roofing options will last no more than 20 years, as consumer reviews clearly indicate. Flexible tiles have succeeded in this regard, and now you will understand why.

About the bitumen base in detail

Soft tiles have this name for a reason. It is capable of bending to a certain angle and at the same time maintaining its elastic properties. Due to the similarity with roofing felt, many believe that the basis of flexible tiles is cardboard, a material that rots. But everything is somewhat different. And, apart from the external similarity of bitumen shingles and armored roofing felt, they have nothing in common. So, the first one is based on fiberglass, usually of increased strength. Of course, it cannot do without a layer of bitumen. By the way, the performance properties largely depend on the quality of the latter. Various polymer additives and an external protective silicone layer make the soft roof durable, resistant to frost and other factors. It's safe to say that approximately 85% of consumers leave positive reviews. Flexible tiles have significantly less waste, so they will not cost much more than metal roofing. Well, now let's talk about what people write.

Flexible tiles or metal tiles: customer reviews

Many consumers say that in practice, not everything is so bad with metal products. Despite the fact that such tiles are very noisy and a lot of waste appears during installation, with the right approach they have excellent performance characteristics. Approximately 70% of metal tile buyers say that they are more expensive than bitumen tiles, but now we are talking about a high-quality product with a high zinc content. In addition, absolutely everyone is satisfied with how the metal copes with wind and mechanical damage.

Not everything is so simple either. On the one hand, these are inexpensive roll coatings (roofing felt, linochrome), and on the other, elite materials such as bitumen with a long service life. If the roof needs to be done as quickly and inexpensively as possible, then everyone advises to give preference to roofing felt and linochrome, but when quality is more important to you, then bitumen is better. As you can see, it is quite difficult to answer the question of what is better: flexible tiles or metal tiles? Reviews say that all materials are good, but only if they are of high quality. Besides this, a lot depends on the manufacturer.

Bituminous shingles from this manufacturer are known throughout the globe. Characterized by high quality and performance characteristics. The main advantage, according to most consumers, is that such flexible tiles can be used both in very cold regions and, conversely, in very hot ones. Experts note that Finnish soft tiles are suitable for pitched roofs with an angle of inclination from 11 to 90 degrees, and not every manufacturer can boast of this. The warranty declared by the company is 25 years, but in practice this figure is longer. The main focus of the production of the Ruflex company is flexible tiles, reviews of which are almost all positive. The products are high quality, lightweight and can withstand temperatures from -45 to +110 degrees Celsius.

Flexible tiles "Tilerkat"

In a separate view this type no roofing material required. This is a fairly well-known brand that is different affordable price and acceptable quality. Thus, the service life, according to consumer reviews, is more than 20 years, while that declared by the manufacturer is 15. In principle, Tilercat “prima” flexible tiles have positive reviews. They note the extremely simple and quick installation, as well as high strength of the product. But many people notice that the coating begins to fade after just a few years, although the paint does not fade. Since the company Shinglas, which produces this type of roofing material, is domestic, it is a very affordable choice with good quality.

"Tegola" - Italian quality and price

Many say with confidence that these are the best flexible tiles. Reviews in approximately 95% of cases are positive and, moreover, enthusiastic. The fact is that the service life of the Tegola soft roof declared by the manufacturer is about 60 years. But you will have to pay good money for this. It is worth noting that your roof will be reliably protected, because the tiles are not subject to rotting and corrosion, as well as temperature influences. It should be noted that the company took care of a wide variety of colors. In total, the assortment includes more than 70 cuts from various lines (premium, exclusive and super). Of course, flexible Tegola tiles have positive reviews for a reason, but thanks to high quality this roofing material.

Anything else worth mentioning?

As noted above, the weight of flexible tiles is very small. Yes, on 1 square meter there are only 5 kilograms of soft roofing. This significantly reduces the load on the house, but does not in any way impair protection from precipitation. By the way, the bitumen base has much better sound insulation than metal tiles, pay attention to this special attention. It should be noted that soft tiles in some cases are the only right decision. Thus, on roofs with complex geometry it is extremely difficult to work with metal sheets, which are practically impossible to process.

Conclusion

So we talked about what is better: metal tiles or flexible tiles. As you can see, the choice is not so obvious. In some cases it is advisable to use one roof, in others - a completely different one. However, it is important to give due credit to quality. For example, domestic manufacturer- it's not always bad, right,

When choosing reliable and durable materials With excellent aesthetic properties, the question often arises of what is better - metal tiles or soft roofing? At first glance they have approximately the same performance characteristics, minimal price differences and relatively simple installation technologies. How does everything really stand when you carefully compare them?

Structure and dimensions of metal tiles

Metal tiles are profiled sheets made from thin-sheet cold-rolled steel by stamping using special equipment. To protect against corrosion, layers of galvanization, a passivation layer, and decorative coating polymer-based and protective mounting film.

Important! A roof covered with metal tiles looks very aesthetically pleasing and attractive, since many manufacturers use classic and unique profiles and textures, as well as color shades that can be easily matched to any facade design. Coating colors are available not only in solid colors, but also in textured ones. All shades are standardized and correspond to RR or RAL color cards.

The sheets have longitudinal and transverse stiffening ribs, which ensure their high strength and prevent irreversible deformation as a result of mechanical stress. At the same time, they are quite light (weight up to 6 kg/m2) and do not create a significant load on the roof.

The standard sizes of metal tiles are as follows:

• length can vary between 0.5-3.6 m;
• standard width is 0.5-1.12 m;
• sheet thickness – 0.4-0.5 mm.

Structure and dimensions of soft roofing

Soft roofing is roofing materials made on a bitumen base with the addition of dyes. These include:

1. Ondulin is a material obtained by pressing purified cellulose fibers impregnated with bitumen and ether resins. Externally, it is a rigid sheet with a wavy profile with dimensions of 2x0.95 m and a thickness of 3 mm. Available with a minimum set color ranges, does not contain toxic elements, is resistant to high humidity.
2. Soft tiles - made on the basis of fiberglass or fiberglass with impregnation with bitumen, impregnation with dyes and possible application stone chips. The dimensions of the sheets are 100x33 cm with a thickness of 2-3 mm. It is highly resistant to ultraviolet radiation, abrasion, mechanical stress and sudden temperature changes, and is available in a wide range of colors.

Important! The main advantage of using flexible tiles is the minimum amount of waste when installing any type of roof. Due to the small size of the sheets, it is possible to carry out exact calculations material and save money.

1. Ruberoid - inexpensive roll roofing material, made from cardboard, fiberglass or polyester, which is impregnated with bitumen on both sides, and on front side It is possible to apply a layer of stone chips. Its dimensions are 1x10 m with a thickness of 1-3 mm. Able to withstand temperature changes, ultraviolet radiation and high humidity.

Comparison table for installation, maintenance and operation conditions of metal tiles and soft roofing

A comparative table of the conditions for their installation, maintenance and operation will help determine which is better for roof cladding - metal tiles or soft roofing. It reflects the basic requirements and nuances of installation, allowing you to determine the possibility or necessity of using a specific material in certain conditions.

	Metal tiles	Soft roof
Material processing methods	Cutting with scissors, a hacksaw or a grinder at minimum speed, followed by applying a protective coating to the steel.	Cutting can be carried out with any available hand tool cutting tool. Apply protective coating not required.
Laying base	Lathing with a pitch equal to or less than the wavelength of the profile or a solid base.	Only a smooth, continuous flat base.
Requirements for the levelness of the base	Deviations from evenness of up to 10 mm are possible.	Deviations of more than 0.5 mm are not allowed.
Mounting method	Self-tapping screws.	On nails, self-tapping screws, by melting the material or with an adhesive base, depending on the type of soft roof.
Minimum slope angle		Depends on the type of material. For example, laying roofing felt is possible on a flat roof with an inclination angle of 5° or more.
Possibility of moving on the roof	Permissible, but only with special shoes to prevent damage to the protective layer.

It follows from the table that it is very difficult to say unambiguously which roof is better, since the requirements for their installation do not coincide perfectly; the materials have different requirements to the base and methods of fastening. However, when it is technically possible to install all types of materials, then metal tiles become the winner.

Advantages and disadvantages of installing a soft roof

Using one of the types of soft roofing as a roofing material allows you to obtain the following advantages:

• the material has a minimal coefficient of thermal expansion, so it can withstand sudden temperature fluctuations without deformation or damage to the joints;
• increased resistance to any precipitation;
• high level sound insulation to reduce the noise of precipitation;
• relatively simple technology installation, since the use of special tools is not required and the material is easy to process;
• minimum amount of waste when covering roofs;

Important! If you need to cover the roof with minimum slope slopes or complex geometry of slopes, then the answer to the question of what is more profitable from a financial point of view - soft roofing or metal tiles, then the choice is clear in favor of the first. It is easy to process, has minimal sheet sizes and ensures tight contact with the base.

• lack of windage, thanks to which the roofing sheathing is not afraid of any wind loads;
• high level of tightness of the joints created;
• long service life;
• there are no industrially produced roofing materials cheaper than any type of soft roof;
• no tendency to corrosion, fungus, mold or pests;
• no need to update the decorative coating.

The disadvantages of a soft roof include:

• long installation process due to the small size of the sheets (with the exception of roofing felt) and the need to control the tightness of the joints;
• low resistance to ultraviolet radiation, which is fraught with loss of the original color shade;
• high demands to the base for installation;
• minimal fire resistance;
• impossibility of installation when negative temperatures environment.

Advantages and disadvantages of metal tiles

The main advantages of metal tiles include the following:

• excellent decorative properties provided by a wide selection of sheet profiles, types of coatings and the availability of not only plain but also textured finishes;
• resistance to sudden temperature changes, all types of precipitation, chemically active substances and pests;
• increased fire resistance;
• absence of toxic substances and components;
• good mechanical and plastic properties that can withstand significant mechanical loads;
• service life up to 50 years;
• choice technical characteristics material for any operating conditions and budget;
• installation on uneven surface, including for the purpose of leveling the plane of the slopes.

The disadvantages of metal tiles are as follows:

• minimum level of noise insulation;
• high coefficient of thermal expansion, which can be fraught with deformation or depressurization of joints;
• difficulty in transportation due to the need to prevent bending of the sheets, which can lead to damage to the protective layer and irreversible changes in the shape of the profile.

Comparison results

The question of which is better - metal tiles or flexible tiles - is multifaceted, since it is necessary to take into account many factors and nuances in each case. With a formal approach, taking into account the disadvantages and advantages, metal tiles are more profitable, since its disadvantages are insignificant and can be easily eliminated.

If you do not take into account the pros and cons of materials, but take into account only the technical capabilities of their installation and operation without taking into account decorative properties, then in this case a soft roof is the most justified choice.

Soft roof ( bitumen shingles) and metal tiles are approximately equivalent roofing materials that combine reliability, durability and aesthetic appearance. Therefore, when a common developer is faced with the problem of choosing one of these materials, he, as a rule, is lost.

Meanwhile, you just need to compare some of the features of these two materials and determine which of them are more preferable in a particular construction case. Let’s do this now to answer what is better: soft roofing or metal tiles.

Let's start with the most basic thing - understanding what the materials we are going to compare are made of and what they look like.

Metal tiles are profiled sheets with longitudinal and transverse corrugation, imitating the shape and pattern of ceramic tiles. It turns out pretty similar. From a distance you can’t tell that these are not piece tiles, but metal modules.

The structure of metal tiles is complex; in cross-section, it consists of several layers. It is based on a thin sheet of steel 0.4-0.7 mm, coated with zinc on both sides, with a thickness of at least 18-20 microns. Next, again, passivation layers and primer are applied on both sides. To finish, the bottom side of the module is painted with protective paint, and a polymer is applied to the top - polyester, pural, plastisol, etc.

Bituminous shingles are a different type of material; these are narrow strips (shingles) with cutouts in the form of rectangles, diamonds, petals, etc. When laid on the roof, these parts form the basis of a unique pattern inherent in a specific type of product.

Flexible tiles also have a multilayer structure, which is based on fiberglass, “wrapped” in a shell of modified or oxidized bitumen. Stone chips-granulate are applied to the front layer, and a bitumen-polymer adhesive composition is applied to the bottom layer, allowing the shingles to be glued together without the use of mastics.

Thus, both of these materials claim to be similar to natural tiles, have a multi-layer complex structure that ensures durability and reliability.

It's time to start comparing, using the most significant characteristics as a guide.

Criterion #1 – size and weight

If you look at metal tiles, it immediately becomes clear that it is difficult to install alone. The sheets of material are quite large: length - 0.5-7.5 m (usually up to 4.5 m), width - 1.12-1.19 m. Accordingly, difficulties may arise with raising them to a height and securing them to the rafters. Therefore, manufacturers usually do not produce modules longer than 4.5 m.

Such problems do not arise with bituminous shingles, since the material is produced in the form of small-sized shingles. Standard: length – 1000 mm, width – 337 mm. It is easy to lift shingles to a height and carry out installation activities, even if the team consists of only one person.

Regarding total weight on the roof, then metal tiles turn out to be lighter, despite the size of the sheets. The weight of 1 m2 of roofing made from it is about 5 kg, from soft tiles - about 8-12 kg.

Conclusion: metal tile modules are different large sizes than asphalt shingles, but ultimately, metal roofing weighs less and places little stress on the rafters.

Criterion #2 – scope

Both materials are used on pitched roofs with a minimum slope angle of about 12-14°. Moreover, soft tiles are truly universal. It is suitable for any roof, even the most complex shapes- with domes and turrets. Bituminous shingles are very light in weight and size, so they can easily cover surfaces with kinks and bends. In valleys and corners, it is enough to bend the shingles so that they take the desired shape. This type of installation produces very little waste, usually no more than 3-4%.

There is a different approach to metal tiles; as a rule, they are laid only on the simplest roofs, with straight lines of slopes. If the shape of the roof has a lot of kinks and details, then it can be a real headache for the developer. Firstly, there is a lot of trimming to be done, in some cases there may be up to 30% of the material left over. Secondly, endless cutting will raise the cost of the roof, but will naturally reduce its quality due to the formation of open edges that will need to be painted over to avoid corrosion.

Conclusion: soft tiles are more versatile and allow you to cover a roof of any shape, complexity and configuration with a minimum amount of waste.

Criterion #3 – type of base

Metal tiles are traditionally mounted on a latticework made of boards or beams. The sheathing pitch is selected in accordance with the wavelength of the module - as a rule, it is 350-400 mm.

To install bitumen shingles, you will need a more complex sheathing - continuous, usually consisting of two layers. The first layer is sparse, the same as in the case of metal tiles, the second layer is solid flooring made of plywood, OSB or boards.

Conclusion: sheathing for bitumen shingles is a more complex system, and, accordingly, more expensive, requiring more expensive materials. Choosing metal tiles, on the contrary, will help reduce foundation costs.

Criterion #4 – complexity of installation

Installation of metal tiles is considered simpler, since the sheets are large and allow you to cover them in a short time. large areas roofs. Moreover, the installation process is not associated with a large number of professional secrets, so self-taught craftsmen often decide to do this work on their own, showing excellent results.

The situation is more complicated. Any mistake during installation will immediately affect the quality, sometimes leading to a complete loss of performance characteristics. Therefore, when laying soft tiles, it is recommended to contact roofers with qualifications and experience.

If we talk about labor costs, then, on average, the process of covering a roof with a soft roof lasts 3 times longer than installing metal tiles. Although there is a second side to the coin. For an experienced roofer, installation of metal tiles can become more difficult due to the “sluggishness” and bulkiness of the sheets.

To transport them to a height to the installation site, special wooden supports, along which lifting is performed in a vertical position. This process requires a minimum of two workers. Bitumen shingles are more convenient in this regard, small sizes which enable one roofer to lift them onto the roof and install them, without the use of transport devices.

The installation of metal tiles, performed only on simple pitched roofs, can be called unconditionally easy. Various kinks complicate this process due to multiple cuttings. In this case, labor costs increase to maximum limits, often exceeding similar indicators for a soft roof.

Conclusion: on simple one- or gable roofs, if you have a team of 2 or more people, installation of metal tiles is simpler. And, conversely, on complex, wavy or multi-pitched roofs, or when installation is carried out by one roofer, it is better to choose soft tiles to simplify the work.

Criterion #5 – soundproofing properties

Metal tiles have a significant drawback - “noisiness”, which manifests itself during rain and hail. To eliminate this problem, a heat-insulating layer (at least 150-200 mm thick) is laid under the metal tiles, which additionally plays the role of sound insulation. Such measures are especially necessary when arranging a residential attic, of course, if the sounds of drumming from bouncing raindrops do not fit into your idea of ​​comfort.

Bituminous shingles are absolutely silent; there is no need to lay special soundproofing layers for them. Therefore, it is perfect for arranging any roofs, including those where insulation is not structurally provided, for example, in summer attics, gazebos, garages, etc.

Conclusion: If the quietness of the roof is important to you, but a thick layer of insulation (which undoubtedly increases the cost of the structure) does not fit into your plans, choose bitumen shingles. For warm roof, the cake of which contains an insulating layer, you can choose any material - it will not play a significant role in terms of sound insulation.

Criterion #6 – design capabilities

Both materials look great when laid on the roof.

Metal tiles imitate classic ceramic tiles, so they look very natural. Moreover, there is large number profiles with different wave sizes and geometries. Some of the most popular profiles are Monterrey, Supermonterrey, Cascade, Joker.

In addition to the variety of profiles, the range of metal tiles is striking in quantity. color solutions. There are about 100 of them! This means that a metal roof can have almost any shade that fits into the architectural ensemble or your personal preferences.

Soft roofing is absolutely not inferior in terms of design possibilities, thanks to which almost any architectural ideas can be brought to life. Appearance soft roofing, first of all, depends on the shape of cutting bitumen shingles. The most famous of them are diamond-shaped, hexagonal, rectangular, oval, “beaver tail”, “shingles”, etc.

As for colors, there is also a huge variety in this regard. There is both a monochrome material, the petals of which are painted in one color, and multicolor - using a variety of colors and shades (necessarily combined with each other).

The great advantage of the appearance of a soft roof is the hidden fasteners. The shingles are attached to the base using a self-adhesive bottom layer and small nails overlain by the top row of shingles. The metal tile modules are secured to the sheathing with special self-tapping screws, which, despite the caps painted to match the roof covering, remain visible.

Conclusion: The range of both materials is huge, both in shape and color. The choice of a specific product is a matter of personal taste.

Criterion #8 – durability

The service life of roofing material depends on its wear resistance. For metal tiles, this factor is associated with the type polymer coating. Material made from polyester is considered to be of lower quality, while material made from pural is considered to be of higher quality. Wear resistance is also directly dependent on the zinc content, which must be at least 275 g/m2.

On average, the durability of metal tiles is estimated by manufacturers to be between 20-50 years.

Bitumen roofing can last 30-50 years. The period depends on the quality of the bitumen used (oxidized is better than modified), the type of base, and the thickness of the protective layer.

Conclusion: The service life of both materials is approximately the same and, with proper installation and selection of high-quality material, can reach 50 years.

Criterion #9 – cost

Soft tiles are more expensive than metal tiles. On average, if we consider only materials, the price differs by 1.5 times. But, in addition, under a soft roof it is necessary to lay an underlay carpet, as well as a continuous sheathing (preferably made of FSF or OSB-3 plywood). All this costs additional money.

In addition, the installation of bitumen shingles is also more expensive, taking into account the time required and the need for professional skills.

Conclusion: metal roofing – more budget option than a soft roof.

In conclusion - what is better?

According to some parameters, metal tiles are more suitable, and according to others, bitumen roofing is more suitable. You need to choose by weighing and assessing the importance of each factor for a particular case. For example, low sound insulation of metal tiles may not play a role on the roof of a barn, outbuilding or other non-residential building. And on mansard roof, on the contrary, become a strong argument in favor of bitumen shingles.

We invite you to watch a video that talks about the main features and differences between metal tiles and soft roofing - this will help you make the final and correct choice.

The choice of roofing material determines the service life and design features rafter system and sheathing. What is better, soft roofing or metal tiles? To answer this question, it is necessary to consider the characteristics of each material: its cost, installation time and service life.

Soft roofing and metal tiles: main characteristics

The concept of soft roofing includes a large number of building materials:

• Ondulin
• Bituminous shingles
• Ruberoid
• Linocrom, etc.

Each of them has its own performance characteristics. The most popular are bituminous shingles and ondulin.

Metal tiles are made from sheet metal by rolling. The difference between the types mainly lies in the color of the material, as well as the quality of the protective layer.

Cost of materials

Of course, there are a huge number of manufacturers producing both soft roofing and metal tiles, but if you comparative analysis materials of approximately the same quality, you can determine the most advantageous material for installation.

• Metal tiles. From 330 to 360 rub. per m 2
• Bituminous shingles from 420 to 540 rubles. per m 2
• Ondulin in the range of 210-240 rubles. per m 2

Of course, it seems that the most profitable option is to purchase and install ondulin. But if you take into account the service life and appearance of the product, as well as the need to purchase additional roofing materials: wind strips, QSB slabs (for bitumen shingles), the preference for metal tiles becomes obvious. The price of the product is also affected by the thickness sheet metal, which is used in production, but in general the golden mean in the price-quality position remains the 0.5 mm material.

Cost of installation work

Another aspect that significantly influences the choice of roofing material is cost. installation work.

If we compare soft bitumen roofing and metal tiles, it becomes obvious advantage the last one. So installation work will cost on average 30-40% cheaper.

Of course, the overall price you will have to pay for laying roofing material is influenced by the complexity of the roof itself. So the cost of installing metal tiles may increase if you have to cover broken roof, and in this case, the costs of materials also increase. Where bitumen shingles can simply be bent, the metal sheet has to be cut and joined together, covering this place with a special profile.

Therefore, when calculating the total cost, the following must be taken into account:

• Cost of material including connecting, ridge and wind strips
• Price for work taking into account the characteristics of the roof

How does sheet thickness affect cost?

The difference in soft roofing mainly lies in different technological processes production of materials. Metal tiles may also differ in sheet thickness and the percentage of zinc content in this material. These two criteria can significantly affect cost and performance and strength characteristics. What to look for when choosing metal tiles:

• Coating. High quality material coated with special varnish protective agent. The budget and most common versions have a polyester (PE) coating, more expensive materials(PUR), which significantly affects their durability. Matte protective layers (MatPUR, Purex, MatPE) have also appeared; products with this index are not only reliably protected, but also look more aristocratic
• Zinc content. This coefficient is a decisive factor influencing service life. The best ratio is 275 g of zinc per square meter. This product will last at least half a century
• Thickness. Affects damage received during transportation and installation work, as well as the duration of operation. The ideal thickness is about 0.5 mm

Layers of metal tiles

How to make a choice and take into account service life

The type of soft roof can affect its service life. So, for example, ondulin will last about 7-10 years. If the intensity of solar radiation is low, this period can last up to 15. Bitumen shingles, according to the characteristics declared by the manufacturers, can last a maximum of 25 years, but only if we are talking about expensive types of soft roofing. Metal tiles with a high zinc content and a thickness of about 0.5 - 0.7 mm will normally last about 40-50 years.

Appearance matters

To make a choice, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the appearance of the product. And not only what does bitumen or metal tiles at the very beginning of operation, but how it will look a few years after installation. Or bitumen shingles?

• Ondulin. Loses color saturation. In case of strong solar radiation, it may lose its original attractiveness to a large extent.
• Metal tiles. After a period of approximately 10 years, the paint will begin to fade and the roof will have to be repainted to restore its original appearance. At least that's what the manufacturers indicate. In practice, it is clear that even if the color fades a little, it is not enough to repaint the roof
• Bituminous shingles. The appearance remains original even after decades throughout its entire service life.

When calculating the total cost of a product, it is necessary to take into account not only the costs of purchasing the material itself and components, but also its maintenance.

Installation work, which is cheaper?

If you need to cover a flat roof, definitely the cost of laying metal tiles will be cheaper than soft roofing. This is explained by the fact that the installation of bitumen shingles has to be carried out almost piece by piece, in small fragments, which significantly affects the installation speed. If there is a broken roof, the cost will be almost the same.

Before you start installation, you need to know. Not everyone the tool will do for this task. It is strictly forbidden to cut metal tiles with a grinder! This will lead to a reduction in the service life of the material.

By purchasing necessary tools, you can begin installing the roof. The basis for laying metal tiles is the sheathing. Read about how to make a sheathing for metal tiles. The article contains installation instructions, as well as expert advice.

• Calculation of a rigid sloping roof must be made using the formula 1 * 1.5. The resulting area must be multiplied by this coefficient
• Most optimal thickness metal tiles 0.5 mm. By choosing such material you can avoid unnecessary costs and overpayments.
• When installing bitumen metal tiles, it is imperative to fix each fragment with special nails

Video about soft roofing and metal tiles

Comparison of soft roofing and metal tiles. A roofing materials specialist will help you figure out which roof to choose.

Today, a real dilemma for craftsmen has become the question of which roofing materials are better - metal tiles or soft roofing. At first glance, both coatings are good looking and deserve attention. Moreover, both are currently leaders in the building materials market. However, if you take a closer look, each of them has its own characteristics, which at one time or another will become decisive in the final choice. What these nuances are, and how not to get confused by them, we will understand below.

Let’s immediately make a reservation that in the article below, by soft roof we mean flexible bitumen shingles. Since soft ondulin is, in principle, a separate brand and type of product, and roofing felt as a soft covering in in this case we don’t take it into account (it’s unlikely that at least one master will undertake to draw a serious parallel between these types of building materials).

So, the only concepts common to both types of coatings (soft tiles and metal tiles) are:

• The purpose of the coatings is to organize the roofing of residential buildings;
• Optimal conditions of use: roof pitch angle of 12 degrees;
• A characteristic feature is low weight, which allows you not to load the rafter system;
• Service life is within 30 years.

Important: when deciding what metal tiles are better or soft roofs, it is necessary to take into account not only the features of the coatings themselves, but also such nuances as the roof configuration, climatic conditions in the region, wind load, features of the rafter system and the budget for roof covering.

Soft (bitumen) tiles: about the material

Flexible tiles (bitumen shingles) are a type of roofing material that vaguely resembles roofing felt. The basis of this coating is fiberglass. Top layer- bitumen impregnation with the addition of modifying impurities. In order to strengthen the top layer of the tile, it is sprinkled with fine stone chips on top of the bitumen impregnation. The result is a roofing material that is both flexible and durable.

It is worth knowing that the back side of soft tiles has an adhesive base, which facilitates its installation. It's easy enough to remove protective film. Basically, bitumen shingles are produced in the form of small panels with parameters of 350x1000 mm. During operation, tile slabs can be cut. The color scheme of this coating has several standard shades (brick, red, black, gray, green).

Metal tiles: about the material

Metal tiles are solid sheets of galvanized steel coated with a polymer protective layer. Such sheet tiles are produced using exclusively cold pressing, which makes it possible to obtain panels with a characteristic “tile” embossing.

The initial quality of the roofing coating depends on such parameters as the thickness of the base metal and the thickness of the protective top layer of the panels (15-35 microns). The coloring pigment is part of the top polymer layer, which makes it possible to obtain metal tiles of any shade. In addition, one should not discount the quality of the equipment used to produce roofing. The newer and more modernized it is, the more even and without geometric errors the sheets of metal tiles come out. And this allows you to install the roof without gaps.

Important: metal tiles are sold only in m2.

Comparative characteristics of coatings

To understand what will be more advantageous for covering the roof of a house - soft roofing or metal tiles, we will analyze both types of covering in detail point by point and compare their characteristics. Let's start with the cost of the materials themselves and the price of installation. After all, it is often the cost of the work that is ultimately decisive.

Cost of material and work

First of all, let's look at the financial issue. As for the cost of materials, metal tiles definitely win here, since their cost per m2 is cheaper than a soft roof by an average of $3. But here it is worth considering not only the price of the material. You need to take into account the amount of waste when laying the coating. So, if the roof has a complex configuration, then metal tiles will generate more waste. This means that you should purchase a coating with a safety factor of approximately 2. That is, 20% more than the required roof area. In this case, you always need to take into account the cost of the work. Because if a craftsman can safely lay bitumen shingles himself without the help of a neighbor, then you can’t lay metal tiles alone. The material needs to be cut and lifted. At the same time, the complex installation of a metal roof requires special tools and certain skills. In general, the job is for professionals who need to be paid. Moreover, if we compare the labor intensity of the coating laying process, then flexible tiles are easily cut and laid on any plane.

But here the other side of the coin also opens - rafter system under cover. So, if under metal tiles you can make a standard sheathing of 100x50 timber with a pitch of 50-70 cm, then under a soft roof an additional solid base made of moisture-resistant plywood is required. That is, there are additional costs in the form building material, water-repellent impregnation and cost of work.

Important: in the end, we find that it is easier to install a soft roof yourself, while a metal roof is easier for a team of workers to install. Cost of finished metal roof It will be cheaper only if it has a simple configuration (1 or 2 slopes).

Coating service life

If we compare the service life of coatings, there are no pros and cons. In particular, metal tiles made according to GOST and laid according to the rules can last up to 70 years, although the manufacturer gives an average of 15-30 years. Under the same conditions, a soft roof can last up to 50 years. At the same time, the manufacturer also gives it a service life of 30 years. Thus, there are no winners at this point. The materials are approximately equal.

Operation of coatings in snowy winters and their maintainability

Both types of coating, in principle, can withstand snow loads well and are not prone to slippage of snow layers. So, if with bitumen shingles the coating surface itself acts as a snow retainer, then in the case of metal tiles, during its installation a snow retention system is provided. It’s worth knowing that if a section of the coating is damaged, it’s always easier to replace a small element flexible material than to dismantle the metal roofing panel. Therefore, here it’s up to you to decide what to choose - definitely - flexible tiles.

Fire safety of roofing materials

When choosing which is better to lay metal tiles or soft roofing, it is worth considering the fire resistance of the coating. Everything here is simple and clear. Organic soft roofing is on fire. And even stone chips as a top layer are not able to protect the material from melting at a temperature of 110 degrees. At the same time metal roofing not subject to combustion. The exception is coatings made in violation of technology (with a poor-quality top polymer layer).

Sound insulation and sound absorption of roofing materials

When determining which roofing is better, the palm should be given to the soft coating. Thus, metal tiles beat off the “symphony of rain” in every bad weather. Moreover, such roulades will be heard not only by the owners of the house, but also by neighbors at a distance of 30-50 meters. Additional insulation 15-20 cm thick under the roof can save the situation. But this will increase the cost of roof installation work. At the same time, soft tiles perfectly absorb noise and are ideal for houses with attic spaces.

Moisture resistance of roofing materials

It is worth noting here that both types roofing coverings excellent resistance to moisture. But there are also nuances. Metal tiles are prone to corrosion if the top polymer coating is damaged during installation. In turn, bitumen shingles can undergo deformation under the influence of ultraviolet radiation and move out of their place. Or mistakes will be made during its installation. In both cases, water will begin to leak under the roof over time.

Important: in both cases, you should simply strictly follow the rules for laying roofing materials and then there will be no problems with leakage or corrosion.

Appearance of coatings

Here, each master has his own advantages and preferences, but it is worth noting that a metal roof, although cheaper, is still no less attractive than a soft roof. Both types of roofing materials look attractive and noble. At the same time metal coating released even at 30 color options, which allows the master to bring the design idea to life. Soft tiles, although they do not have such a wealth of shades, look noble, beautiful and neat on the roof. That is, the materials here are, in principle, equal.

As can be seen from the article, the materials being compared have their own advantages or disadvantages when used in certain conditions. Therefore, choosing is not so easy. But there is a basic recommendation for each of the coatings:

• Thus, metal roofing is ideal for roofs with two or four slopes, but provided they are straight. Pyramids, towers, slopes - all this can be simply and quickly covered with metal sheets with minimal waste.
• In turn, valleys, arches, turrets, domes and other delights of a roof with a complex configuration are easier and more profitable to cover with flexible tiles.

Important: if you like both roofing materials, then today architects-designers can offer combinations of coatings that are quite interesting. So the question is " soft roofing or metal tiles"will disappear by itself.