There is quite serious competition among roofing materials. And this has a good effect on the development of each brand individually and on the market in this area as a whole. Due to the large number of building materials presented, consumers involuntarily have a question: which flexible tile is better? And how not to make a mistake with your choice? Let's try to figure it out together with you.

The use of flexible tiles in many countries around the world suggests that the material is suitable for use in various climatic conditions. This fact has been verified in different regions our country. For example, it showed excellent performance in the extreme harsh conditions of Siberia and Far East, as well as in the southern regions.

The best proof of the mechanical strength and high tensile strength of soft roofs are numerous hurricanes in the USA, when people were saved on such a roof when other roofs were blown away by the wind. It is particularly resistant to wind loads, as it can withstand hurricane gusts at a speed of 210 km/h.

Each manufacturer believes that its flexible tiles are the best. To the credit of many of them, it can be said that serious work is being done to improve the quality of roofing material. But in general, the technical characteristics are not very different. These include the presence of a lower self-adhesive bottom layer, which greatly simplifies the installation of shingles and allows you to create a more airtight coating.

For example, the production is based on fiberglass treated with modified SBS bitumen. The presence of polymer additives helps to improve many characteristics of the material, and, consequently, the durability of the roofing material. The thickness of the shingles varies from 3 to 3.8 mm, weight from 8 to 9.2 kg per m2. We can say that it stands out significantly in terms of this parameter, which has the smallest specific gravity 8 kg per m2.

Regarding the color stability of the top layer of soft roofing, manufacturers have taken a number of measures to increase the material’s resistance to fading in the sun. One of the most effective developments is the use of a top layer of natural stone. It also has such features. The color preservation guarantee extends for several decades.

Flexible tiles sound proud or why they shouldn’t be considered just an imitation

A fairly common fact is that flexible tiles are considered an excellent imitation of natural cement-sand roofing. At first, it was probably a big compliment for someone who had just appeared on construction market new building material. But now soft roof It has occupied its niche, is popular among the population of many countries, and therefore has fully deserved the “title” of an independent roofing material with its own exceptional features.

In order to list the advantageous characteristics, it is not at all necessary to compare flexible tiles with any other product. The material is distinguished by soundproofing properties, which is important in our time, when a person would like to be at home in a calm environment, without being irritated by extraneous noise.

One of the important factors is elastic properties bitumen shingles. Thus, its tensile strength is significantly high, and its tightness is maximum. But this is not even the most important thing, but the fact that flexible tiles allow you to veil all the shortcomings made during the construction of the roof. Experts noted an important fact - soft roofing is one of the few that is resistant to the formation of mold, moss, and fungal plaque.

The disadvantages of using flexible tiles include the need for additional costs for purchasing OSB-3 and installing sheathing under a soft roof. This is what fact makes this material not so common. But its shortcomings are brightened up in the literal sense of the word by the presence large quantity collections from manufacturers with huge selection shades of color. Compared to expensive, but less bright and attractive natural roofing, flexible tiles significantly benefit in beauty, style and originality.

Just 7 years ago, soft tiles seemed to Russian consumers to be a rather exotic material. They used it infrequently, preferring either solid classic tiles or roofing coverings.

But now almost all experts are unanimous in their opinion: for roofing forms, flexible tiles - best solution, combining beauty, durability, affordable price and ease of installation. On the other hand, it is precisely this impressive-looking roof that can give respectability to even the simplest roof.

• top layer – colored sintered basalt or slate
• (natural superior quality or SBS bitumen compound)
• reinforcing base between layers of bitumen - fiberglass (reinforced, impregnated with bitumen)
• self-adhesive bitumen (natural premium quality or SBS bitumen compound)
• bottom layer - protective film, removed during installation

Soft tiles are sold in the form of rectangular sheets, figuredly cut on one side. This sheet is called "shingle". The average shingle size is 100 x 35 cm, thickness - 0.3 cm.

Shapes and colors

Basic forms soft tile shingle cuttings:

• rectangles of different sizes;
• bricks;
• scales;
• honeycomb;
• shingles;
• diamonds.

By color bituminous shingles can be divided into:

• monochrome (made in different shades of the same color)
• multichrome (using different colors and their transitions)

As in design in general, the leader in “coloring” roofs is Italian. Shinglas also has many interesting multi-colored models. The Finns and Americans represented on our market offer mainly monochrome. One of the latest trends in the “flexible tile fashion” is two-layer models with a 3D effect. All manufacturers quickly mastered their production; this technology is mainly used for “shingle” shaped shingles.

Katepal

Katepal is a Finnish company that has been producing bitumen roofing materials for more than half a century. One of the first to come to Russia with flexible tiles of its own production. Having studied the demand and local operating conditions, in 2003 it launched Russian market branded products Ruflex, tailored to our weather and environmental realities.

Now Ruflex is manufactured at a factory in the Saratov region, with a line of seven collections of the most popular shapes and colors on stream. There are no great artistic or techno-innovative achievements behind Katepal’s products, but their quality is consistently high.

Tegola

Fantastic design and manufacturability are two main trump cards of the Italian company Tegola, the European leader in the production of flexible tiles. Looking at the company's latest development - roofing made from copper-bitumen tiles - at first you don't even understand how this beauty is made.

Widest model range and stunning colors - business card company since its founding in 1976. Two different types of bitumen are used in production depending on the purpose and geography of use of the product.

The company produces tiles for Russia mainly in Russia, at its own plant in the city of Davydovo. In addition to standard collections, a special Nordland series has been developed for our harsh continental climate, which can withstand temperature changes from -70 °C to +140 °C. So these Tegola tiles can be safely installed either in Norilsk or Salekhard.

Shinglas

Russian roofer No. 1, corporation TechnoNikol, produces its Shinglas soft tiles in Ryazan - and is going to build a second plant there. Because the demand for Shinglas, which has won the trust of consumers, is very high.

This soft roofing was developed here and for us from the very beginning. Having started 8 years ago with four collections, Shinglas now offers a model range that is superior to most imported competitors. TechnoNikol definitely won the battle for product quality; only local battles remained. Actually, this is the concern of the company’s dealers, who generally try very hard.

The only problem is that you cannot place an overseer over every artel. And citizens, unfortunately, do not always adequately understand the wording “ease of installation” in relation to domestic products. It should be understood in such a way that a construction-literate owner can entrust the installation to himself, but not just anyone, without any guarantees or recommendations.

Icopal

The oldest Finnish roofing manufacturer. Icopal flexible tiles are a European quality product at very reasonable prices. The concern produces a large range of roofing and waterproofing materials and is a leader in this segment in the Scandinavian countries.

Icopal roofing system - perfectly calculated and verified comprehensive solution for those for whom durability and reliability are most important. Most Russian dealers have 5-6 collections of regular Icopal soft tiles on sale, although the manufacturer also has non-standard models premium tiles.

ShotanTeed

45 factories in North America speak for themselves - ShotanTid is unrivaled in the States in the production of tiles of all types. The company is over 100 years old and is responsible for the quality of its products. On domestic market Only one budget series from this manufacturer is sold.

At first glance, the prices for the rest of the collections are off the charts – but that’s only at first glance. Because a 50-year warranty is an extremely rare indicator for asphalt shingle roofs. Only one model each has the same warranty from Katepal and Shinglas.

Plus, we must take into account that the American experience in the production and operation of soft tile roofs is 2 times greater than the European one. And if a famous American manufacturer says: “I guarantee 50,” it makes sense to listen to this. At least for those who like it strict classic style and finances allow you to pay actually two prices for such a guarantee.

Aiko (IKO)

World leader in production roofing coverings, the Euro-American concern Aiko, is not represented in Russia on such a large scale, which indicates real and beneficial competition for consumers in our market. However, we also sell Aiko flexible tiles, they have a good reputation and quite competitive prices in the lower price segment.

Dealers offer about ten collections, mostly standard shapes and colors, although there is also a small exclusive - a collection called “East Coast” with narrow shingles, unevenly cut along the edges.

The technology for laying bitumen shingles is the same for almost all manufacturers. There are subtleties for individual models with complex shingle shapes and for complex shapes roofs All nuances are described in detail in the instructions for the purchased models. In general, the installation of a roof made of soft tiles consists of the following stages (including preparatory stages):

• preparing the sheathing;
• laying out a vapor barrier film and securing it with strips;
• installation of timber for laying out insulation, laying out insulation;
• wind protection and counter beam device;
• installation of the top sheathing and continuous flooring on it;
• laying out and securing the lining carpet - on the cornice, pediment, along the slopes, in the valley, along the ridge, around the outlet elements (pipes);
• fixing cornices and end strips on the lining carpet;
• installation (gluing + nailing) of ridge-eaves soft tiles on eaves strips;
• mixing shingles from several packs (lots almost always differ slightly in color from all manufacturers);
• installation of the first row of shingles parallel to the ridge-eaves tiles;
• installation of subsequent rows of flexible tiles from bottom to top with trimming and gluing along the edges of the slope;
• installation of output elements (pipes), treating the area around them with adhesive mastic;
• installation of flexible tiles around the outlet elements with trimming of shingles in place;
• further installation of flexible tiles to the ridge (or ridge unit);
• it is desirable to install special elements (ridge aerators, etc.) on the ridges and slopes, onto which the ridge-eaves tiles are then attached; but you can mount skates and ramps without additional elements, simply additionally coating the ridge-eaves tiles with mastic.

Flexible water line used to connect faucets, toilets and water heaters to the water supply. Nowadays the market offers a wide range of eyeliners of various lengths and diameters.

The main difference between analogues is the material from which the flexible hose is made, through which water will flow. Initially, all liners were made from industrial rubber, but it has already been proven that this material has a negative effect on water. In addition, rubber wears out quickly, and from constant contact with water it dries out and cracks. Also, with constant bending, the material breaks. The most weak point rubber liner - crimping of the end switches, which can become leaky even after the first water supply.

It is more reliable flexible liner in a metal braid. There may be a hose made of ordinary rubber inside, EPDM rubber or PEX tube. The last two materials are non-toxic and can be used for feeding drinking water. In addition, and EPDM, And PEX They last many times longer than their rubber counterparts. How to determine the quality of water hose material? The easiest way is by smell. Industrial rubber has a sharp unpleasant smell, such a liner has a low price; it can only be used when connecting a toilet or water heater, but its service life is only about a year.

The braid is usually made of either aluminum or stainless steel. Some unscrupulous manufacturers save even more and make the braid from galvanized wire. Such a liner will rust within a couple of months and fail. Eyeliner with aluminum braid is a little more durable, but condensation often forms on it, leading to oxidation and destruction of the threads. Steel braid is different best characteristics strength and resistance to high humidity and temperature changes.

The braid almost always contains colored threads that indicate the purpose of the eyeliner: blue for cold water, red for hot. On universal ones both threads are present. Also, some manufacturers weave in additional colors to indicate the hose material (e.g. RVC water connection there is a green thread indicating the material PEX).

It is also important to pay attention to the material of the fitting - it should under no circumstances be plastic. Fittings made of brass are the most durable; silumin fittings are thinner and more susceptible to corrosion. It’s easy to determine the material: lightly scratch the edge of the fitting; if a yellowish color appears, you have brass.

When choosing a water liner, pay attention to its weight - the liner is too light and is made of silumin with aluminum braid. If the hose is tight and does not bend well, it will most likely break quickly. The walls of the fittings should not be too thin, and the threads should not be too flat - such liners will simply be torn off by the pressure of water. Check integrity rubber seals, rough rings give away cheap rubber, will quickly rupture and lead to leaks.

Brand RVC offers water liner made from EPDM or cross-linked polyethylene PEX-b in AISI-301 stainless steel winding. The fittings and nuts are made of HPb58-3 brass, therefore working pressure for such hoses reaches 20 Bar and 24 Bar, respectively. EPDM liner will last more than 10 years, and from PEX– more than 50. RVC water liner complete with a plastic nut for easy installation: now when installing a faucet or connecting a toilet at home, you will not need additional tools.

Before purchasing bitumen shingles, many people are interested in: which flexible tile is better, what is the difference and what are the differences between bituminous soft roofing from different manufacturers?

In the table below we provide a comparison of some of the characteristics of the seven main manufacturers of flexible bitumen shingles currently represented on the Russian roofing market.

(all numbers and data are taken from the official websites of manufacturing companies and other open sources of information).

Manufacturer	Tegola Nordland Tegola Nordland	Katepal Katepal	Icopal Icopal	CertainTeed Sertantid	IKO ICO	Ruflex Ruflex	Shinglas Shinglas
Country of origin	Russia, Tegola Roofing Products	Finland, Katepal OY	Finland	USA	Canada, Belgium	Russia, JSC "RBP"	Russia, TechnoNIKOL
Number of collections tile models	5 models, 13 colors	5	6 models, 8 colors	7	13 models 24 colors	6 collections, 19 colors	5 series, 10 collections
Warranty, years	15	15-25	15	20-50	20-50	35	10-50
Bitumen type (SBS, APP)	bitumen compound SBS	SBS	SBS	asphalt bitumen + stabilizer	oxidized APP (Monarch series only)	polymer-bitumen (APP and SBS additives)	SBS (Ultra series only)
Top layer (sprinkling)	basalt granulate, ceramization	basalt	slate dressing	basalt	basalt granules	basalt 5 fractions	basalt
Shingle thickness, mm	3 mm (6.2mm laminated)	3 mm	3.8 mm	no information	3.5 mm (6.5 mm double layer)	3.6 mm (6.5 mm double layer)	3-3.3 mm (6.2 mm double layer)
Weight, kg	8.5-11.7 kg/m2	4.3 kg/shingle; 8 kg/m2	8 kg/m2	9.5-21 kg/m2	9.2-13.5 kg/m2	4.4 kg/shingle; 8.2 kg/m2	8-10 kg/m2
Economy series	-	-	-	yes (CT-20)	-	-	yes (Finnish)
Premium class	Yes	-	-	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Retail price, r/m2	376-535	479-557	407-555	320-1800	450-1500	386-535	212-498

As can be seen from the table, some characteristics have a fairly large scatter. This is due to the fact that almost all manufacturers have in their assortment various types tiles from Economy Class models to Premium and Luxury models, which differ in thickness, weight, bitumen composition, base weight and other characteristics. And, accordingly, they have different warranty periods and prices.

In order for the comparison of manufacturers to be correct, let’s take one type of tile that is present in almost all manufacturers - this self-adhesive hexagonal model. This form is not available only in the CertainTeed product range, since this form is not produced in North America (USA, Canada), and this type of self-adhesive flexible tile is widespread mainly in European countries and Russia.

Manufacturer model	Tegola Nordic Tegola Nordic	Katepal Jazzy Katepal Jazzy	Icopal Theme Icopal Theme	CertainTeed	IKO ArmorShield IKO Armoshield	Ruflex Sota Ruflex Sota	Shinglas Ultra Samba Shinglas Ultra Samba
Shingle size, mm	1000x337	1000x317	1000x317		1000x318	1000x318	1003x320
Thickness, mm	3 mm	3 mm	3.8 mm		3.5 mm	3.6 mm	3.3 mm
Weight, kg/m2	8.5 kg/m2	8.5 kg/m2	8 kg/m2		9.2 kg/m2	8.8 kg/m2	3.3 mm
Breaking force	700/450 H/5cm	600/400 H/5cm	850/550 H/5cm		1000/700 H/5cm	700/500 H/5cm
Bitumen type	SBS	SBS	SBS		oxidized	SBS	SBS
Top layer of sprinkles	basalt	basalt	slate		basalt	basalt	basalt
Heat resistance, °C	120°С	90°С	90°С		110°C	100°C	95°C
Guarantee	15 years	15-25 years	15 years		20 years	35 years old	25 years old
Retail price	434 RUR/m2	535 RUR/m2	490 RUR/m2		450 RUR/m2	398 RUR/m2	417 r/m2

All the manufacturers of flexible bitumen shingles presented in our review are either produced in Russia or have their official representative offices in our country, producing and selling certain volumes of roofing materials. Some brands (such as Tegola and Katepal) are quite famous and the soft bitumen roofing of these manufacturers has been used for roof construction in Russia for quite a long time and has won its fans. Some companies appeared on the Russian roofing market a little later, but still offer high-quality products. And healthy competition here plays into the hands of the end buyer, since the absence of a monopoly allows prices to be kept at an optimal level, without allowing any of the manufacturers to artificially raise them. Also, manufacturing companies need to constantly improve their products, supplement the range with new collections, models, color solutions, as well as constantly working to improve the technological parameters of tiles, such as service life, fire safety, physical and mechanical characteristics, etc.

Choosing a manufacturer and model of flexible tiles can be compared to choosing a car; there are also various manufacturing companies here, various models, colors, technical specifications and, of course, prices. It is not possible to single out an undisputed leader among these manufacturers, since tiles from all manufacturers have their own specific advantages. During sales in the Russian Federation, materials from all manufacturers received numerous reviews from Russian consumers. Each private developer or construction company will be able to find and choose roofing material from the variety presented, which will meet all the requirements (shape, color, price, guarantee, availability in warehouse, etc.).

The final stage of installation of plumbing equipment is the connection to the water supply (hot or cold). At the same time, choosing the right connections for the mixer is the key and most crucial moment. This unit serves for non-stop water supply and must be of the best quality. This connection is an element of the mixer that connects it to the water supply, or, more simply, it is a hose. You can choose absolutely any type of equipment; each has its own features, advantages and disadvantages. That is why the question of how to choose a water liner does not lose its relevance.

How to choose a water liner and what it is

Previously, only pipes were used as connections. However, this method of water supply or connection plumbing fixtures is not universal, sometimes causing severe inconvenience during installation. As an alternative to conventional pipes, you can choose flexible hoses.

Greater ductility distinguishes this method of installation from the use of polypropylene and steel pipes. Essentially, it is a hose with male and female threaded connectors installed at both ends. It is made of elastic material, which provides it with good flexibility.

This element can be selected for connecting toilets, faucets, and shower installations. When using such a flexible liner, connecting water for these devices will not be difficult.

This is not to say that it is impossible to install a faucet and a toilet without using this particular method. Instead, you can choose metal-plastic, but it will be quite inconvenient, and such a connection will lose reliability compared to the situation when you decided to choose a high-quality flexible water line.

This element can also be used for mounting hydraulic accumulators. It is also called a “vibrating hose” and is installed in places where equipment is subject to permanent vibrations, for example, in pumping stations.

A flexible water supply will be the only choice for connecting a shower stall that is planned to be moved away. In the presence of vibration and when installing displaced equipment, this method will provide the desired technical solution.

Which faucet liner to choose: rigid or flexible?

Hard eyeliner

A rigid connection for the mixer can be chosen as the most reliable option water connections. She will look like metal pipes made of copper, brass or steel.

The rigid liner is mounted on one side to the pipeline, and the other to the mixer using a threaded connector. Metal of this design is resistant to temperature fluctuations, chemical disinfections and some mechanical loads.

If you have chosen a hard water liner, then when correct installation, it will have the following advantages over a flexible system:

Service life is about 20 years;

Not subject to corrosion;

Relatively convenient installation;

• Does not accumulate dirt, easy to clean;

Comfort of use;

Alkali resistance chemicals and temperature fluctuations.

Possible installation difficulties;

The rigidity of the structure means that it cannot be moved.

If you decide to choose a rigid line, then it will be connected to the water supply directly without the use of adapters or using angle valves and connecting fittings.

The length of such an element for a mixer, as a rule, varies from 20 to 50 cm. The connecting thread is available in two versions:

With fitting and half-inch union nut with internal thread.

With standard M10 thread for faucet or half-inch union nut with internal thread.

Most often, hard eyeliner is chosen public spaces with high traffic volumes and strict sanitary standards:

• Hospitals;

• Clinics;

  Kindergartens;

  Sanatoriums;

  Airports;

  Boarding houses;

  Stadiums;

  Sports centers.

Replacing a hard water line is not particularly difficult and can be done on your own.

Flexible eyeliner

This type of connection can be chosen in more common situations. It can be used with any plumbing equipment, and will also ensure the delivery of water to equipment located at a distance from the stationary points of its supply.

The flexible line is made from a hose of the required length, which is wrapped with metal braiding to increase strength. Fittings are installed at the ends of this structure. Most often, rubber is chosen as a flexible liner material, since it fits well under modern requirements environmental friendliness and safety. It also has a fairly long service life without emitting toxic substances. Since rubber is resistant to high temperatures, structures based on it can be used not only for hot water, but also for heating.

The flexible hose has a brass fitting, which is attached to the hose by means of a sleeve. The connection to the water supply system occurs through a union nut or fitting.

If you decide to choose a flexible water line, it will have the following advantages:

Safe operation;

Reliability and good quality;

Higher practicality relative to its rigid counterpart;

Installation and dismantling is carried out with a couple of tools and is not difficult;

Sufficiently long service life;

The flexibility of the product allows it to be moved relative to the mixer without damage;

Possibility of creating an aesthetic interior ( flexible hoses can be hidden in a box inside the wall).

Flexible eyeliner also has disadvantages:

Strong bending, twisting and stress can cause warping and leaks;

If the flexible liner is made of a bellows, then the water in it will make noise when used in different rooms simultaneously.

How to choose a flexible water line

Flexible water lines come in the following types:

Bellows liner

The bellows flexible liner is made of stainless steel. The length usually does not exceed 200 cm, and the diameter is in the range of 12–34 mm. During installation of the system, the corrugated hose is stretched to the required length. This liner also has a gasket on a brass nut with a high melting point. Low-quality brass is more susceptible to corrosion, so it is better to purchase material from trusted manufacturers.

If you decide to choose a flexible bellows water line, it will show you excellent resistance to temperature changes, remaining operational from -50 to +250 degrees. This design can be used when installing heating systems. The price range for bellows liner provides various options– from 200 to 500 rubles, the cost also depends on its size.

The bellows liner made of stainless steel has a service life exceeding 25 years. In addition to water supply, corrugated hoses of this quality are also used for gasification.

Advantages of bellows flexible liner:

High quality steel;

Resistance to water hammer;

Long term services;

Can work with low temperatures;

Safe;

Fireproof;

Operates at high temperatures up to +250 degrees.

Disadvantages of bellows flexible liner:

High cost.

Reinforced eyeliner

Most often, buyers decide to choose this option. The reinforced liner is a rubber hose braided with stainless steel. The permissible maximum water temperature in such a system is 90 degrees. Reinforced liner can be selected to connect a toilet, boiler, washing machine. It is for these purposes that it is purchased. At both ends of the hose there are nuts and fittings with seals and threads. This design should not be chosen for heating systems, since the water temperature in them exceeds what is permissible for this type of material. The price of a rubber reinforced liner is lower than a bellows liner, but the service life is also shorter.

The average lifespan of such a water hose is approximately a couple of years. With proper use it can be even higher.

So, if you decide to choose reinforced eyeliner, you will receive the following advantages:

Environmental friendliness;

Quick installation;

Convenient installation;

Durable materials;

Flexibility.

The disadvantages of reinforced eyeliner include:

Increased wear on bends (will also deform faster with frequent bends);

Water negatively affects rubber, reducing its service life.

Stainless steel liner

The hose that is connected to the water supply system and to the connected device is made of corrosion-resistant materials. This directly affects the quality and durability of the flexible liner. Choose this design quite possible at reasonable prices. Thus, this type of eyeliner also has its popularity among buyers. The length of the stainless steel hose ranges from half a meter to a meter.

When choosing this connection method, the main thing is not to confuse this element with a flexible stainless steel connection for gas equipment. Gas hoses, although made of the same metal, are not suitable for connection to plumbing, as they do not have sufficient tightness and can corrode. A logical question is how can stainless materials become corroded? The fact is that gas lines at the ends have nuts or fittings made of ordinary steel, so when they come into contact with water they will quickly oxidize and begin to leak. In general, the shelf life of stainless steel hoses is quite long, but you need to pay attention to the condition of the gaskets, which wear out over time and no longer hold water.

If you decide to choose a stainless steel eyeliner, you should know the following advantages:

Corrosion resistance of the hose;

Affordable price;

Fire resistance;

• Works at negative temperatures;

Easy to install.

However, the disadvantages of such an eyeliner will be:

Leaks are possible due to a worn or poor-quality gasket on the thread or weak connection of the liner.

How to choose a flexible water line: 10 criteria

Criterion 1. Hose

The main working part of the flexible water supply will be the hose. Quality products are made from non-toxic EPDM rubber, which can also be called ethylene propylene rubber. This material can also be chosen for the passage of drinking water, since upon contact with it it does not emit harmful substances. Also, rubber of this brand can be used for high temperature(up to 95 degrees), which allows you to use such a hose for connecting heating devices and hot water. Thus, the first thing you should pay attention to will be the brand of rubber for a particular liner. Non-eco-friendly material has characteristic feature in the form of a pungent odor.

Criterion 2. Braid

The second no less important part of the flexible liner will be the braid. The task of this element is to ensure the strength and resistance of the product to mechanical loads and water hammer. There are several types of braids:

Made from stainless steel thread. An ordinary eyeliner in such a braid has a service life of about 8 years. After this period, as a rule, new mixers are installed, complete with their own hoses. The working pressure in the liner with stainless braid is designed to be up to 10 atm, and the temperature – up to 95 degrees. A short-term increase in the declared values ​​is allowed.

Made from aluminum thread. The practice of using such braids shows that eyeliners of this quality have a shorter service life compared to others. Their working period lasts on average 3–4 years. The pressure in such a hose should not exceed 5 atm. It is also unstable to the formation of condensation, which leads to oxidation and loss of strength of the reinforcement. When choosing an aluminum braid, it is very easy to recognize: if rubbing with your hand leaves a dirty mark on the skin, then this is exactly the option you have in front of you.

Made from galvanized steel wire. This braid is even less durable and is also prone to corrosion. The working pressure inside the liner with such a braid does not exceed 3 atm. Its service period will be very short, so it can only be chosen as a temporary measure.

If you need to find water connections for extended service life, then you should pay attention to products in nylon or stainless steel braiding; they are designed for operating pressures of up to 20 atm and temperatures of up to 110 degrees. The service life of such hoses can exceed 15 years.

Criterion 3. Connection

A good marker of product quality will be the condition of the hose tip. At the same time, this part is one of the most important in a flexible water line. The service life and the likelihood of leakage depend on its quality and material.

Weak compression of the braid indicates either poor quality of the metal or insufficient adjustment of the equipment by the manufacturer. Low quality metal cannot provide sufficient wall thickness, which will lead to oxidation, corrosion, deformation and destruction.

Tips are made of the following metals:

Brass LS-59, coated with nickel-chrome. This tip will last 15–20 years.

Stainless steel AISI-304, uncoated. Service life – 15–20 years.

Carbon steel, nickel-chrome plated. The service life of such a tip rarely exceeds 3 years. You can recognize carbon steel quite simply: if yellow metal is visible when scratching the coating, then it is brass; if it is silvery-white, then it is carbon steel.

Criterion 4. Gaskets

Since the gaskets directly ensure the tightness of the system, they must be made of high-quality materials. If you decide to choose a liner, you must first of all pay attention to the quality of the material of the seals. If it is lame, then such a part will crack, delaminate and will not be able to perform its functions.

Criterion 5. Fitting

When you decide to choose a water line, you also need to look inside the hose. If you see a brass nipple (fitting), this is a sign good quality. There is no need to choose a fitting made of plastic under any circumstances.

A quality part is made of aluminum, brass, stainless steel or nickel-plated brass.

If the fitting is made of poor metal, then it will have a too thin wall. This will inevitably lead to deformation during installation, corrosion and oxidation during use.

Criterion 6. System temperature and pressure

Each water supply system has unique technical characteristics. These parameters include pressure (water supply) and temperature (DHW and heating). If you do not pay attention to these values ​​when you are puzzled by the choice of flexible eyeliner, it can quickly become unusable.

Determining the operating pressure in the pipeline is much more difficult than the water temperature, which is always known to the consumer. To resolve this issue, you can refer to the standard indicators of this parameter in various kinds systems.

In a centralized water supply, the pressure is 4 atm;

IN autonomous system heating with forced circulation– 1.5–3 atm;

In the central heating system - 2–4 atm.

In the central heating system Sharp changes and surges in pressure are common. Thus, flexible eyeliner should be selected with a certain margin of at least 20–25%.

Criterion 7. Connection type

To choose the right flexible hose model, you first need to decide on the type of connection. To do this, you need to measure the mounting assembly in the line or pipe of the connected device. It is also necessary to consider the type of thread - internal or external. Fittings can be selected from half-inch to one-and-a-half inch.

Criterion 8. Dimensions

To determine the size of the eyeliner, you need to calculate two indicators:

Hose diameter. The required size can be determined based on the water consumption of the connected equipment. For toilet optimal diameter will be 8 mm, for a sink – 10 mm, for a bath – 15 mm.

Hose length. The liner should not be too tight or bent. If left under significant tension or deformation, the hose may lose its reliability much earlier than planned.

Criterion 9. Appearance

After you've taken everything into account technical requirements and nuances, do not neglect the aesthetic component of the matter. The eyeliner you want to choose should be pleasing to your eye and blend harmoniously with the interior and style of the room.

Criterion 10. Cost of maintenance and repairs

The price of a water liner does not always determine its quality. If you decide to choose rare and unusual elements, then the failure of such parts may doom you to a long search for new ones and significantly increase the cost of repairs.

How to choose a flexible water line and what to check when purchasing

Take time to study the label of the product you are planning to purchase. All characteristics must meet your requirements and be suitable for the device being installed.

The eyeliner you choose should not be too light. Very low weight indicates the use of braided aluminum, and the fittings are made of metal low quality. It will not take a long time for these elements to deform.

If the connection fitting is made of plastic, then this is the worst option of all. Choosing such a product is not the best idea.

A flexible water line must live up to its name. You should not choose a design that is too “oaky” - its hose will be prone to cracking or may burst at any moment.

The quality of crimping of fittings must be at a high level, the tubes are inserted to the end, and the sleeves are made of stainless steel.

Pay attention to the union nuts of the liner you want to choose. Too light and thin nuts also indicate low quality not only of themselves, but also of the fitting. This can lead to depressurization of the joint. The ideal material is nickel-plated brass.

Sniff the chosen eyeliner. If it has a pungent odor, then most likely the hose is made of technical rubber, which will negatively affect your health. Quite often this material is used to produce cheap eyeliners and mixers.

Look at the colors of the braid. Each eyeliner has its own niche of use. Hoses are available for cold and hot water separately, and there are also universal ones. The color of the braid will also be appropriate - red or blue. Universal eyeliners combine both of these colors.

How to choose a flexible water line based on the manufacturer

Many domestic companies make eyeliners that are very high level. Among foreign manufacturers Italian and Spanish products have proven themselves well. Good bellows water connections can also be found from German companies.

Very often, buyers decide to choose AQUALINE flexible eyeliner. The offer of this manufacturer is distinguished by a balanced price-quality ratio. The production of this brand has high-tech equipment, which allows it to produce a product of proper condition and reliability. From the presented assortment you can choose products of both short length (20 cm) and large sizes (4 m). Thus, you can find a liner suitable for an engineering system of any complexity. The line also includes flexible hoses for connecting the mixer to the water supply source. Such designs are supplied in pairs with a short and a long fitting for easy connection.

AQUALINE flexible water line lasts an average of 10 years. The product is insured and certified according to the GOST R system.

You can select and order flexible AQUALINE water hoses on the SantekhStandard website. In addition to reasonable prices, the company delivers goods throughout Russia. The direct price of the product you have your eye on can be found in the catalog on the official website of the company.

The SantechStandard company has been successfully operating in the plumbing products market since 2004. The company's field of activity is large-scale wholesale supplies of plumbing engineering heating and water supply systems under its own trademarks, from which you can choose AQUALINE, AQUAPIPE or AQUALINK.

The products of the SantekhStandard company are manufactured using high-tech equipment in full compliance with international quality standards. Since the production has a system of intermediate and final quality control, as well as supervision of raw materials and components, the company’s products fully comply with the declared characteristics.

Any questions you may have about the flexible water supply you have decided to choose can be asked by calling: