Metal tile (130 photos): types for the roof and production features, characteristics and advantages of metal sheets, reviews

Metal tile: advantages and disadvantages

    The tiled roof is a highlight in the architectural appearance of the house. It looks expensive and soundly, which is typical of the classic European style. However, the technology of roofing with clay tiles is gradually becoming obsolete. Its disadvantages outweigh the advantages, so more modern materials have replaced the clay tiles. And the metal tile has been the sales leader for a long time.

    Features:

    Metal roofing is a cold-pressure profiled sheet roofing material. The basis is made up of cold rolled sheet steel with the addition of copper and aluminum. The top of the sheet is covered with a protective polymer layer. Cold rolled steel is more durable than hot rolled steel. In addition to roofing materials, safes and high-security entrance doors are made from it. The polymer layer protects the sheet from corrosion and contributes to color retention.

    The first sheets of metal tiles, produced in the 80s of the XX century by the Finnish company Rannila, did not yet possess all the characteristics of modern metal tiles. Nevertheless, even then they competed with clay tiles due to their appearance, simple installation, aesthetics and low price. In Russia, metal tiles appeared less than 30 years ago. Since then, technologies have been repeatedly improved, their own production has appeared. But some limitations in application have not yet been overcome.

    The material can only be used for roofs with a slope of at least 14-15 °. Otherwise, snow will linger on it and leaks will quickly form. The recommended temperature range is from -50 to + 50 ° C. At higher and lower temperatures, the material loses some of its unique properties. The same happens when using the coating in a moderately aggressive and aggressive environment: constant precipitation, winds, severe frosts, critically high temperature.

    When using metal tiles in regions with difficult weather conditions, it is necessary to observe special installation technologies and take additional measures to protect the roof.

    Application

    Sheet metal tiles are used mainly in private construction. The use of profiled sheets as a building material is variable: finishing the roof of residential and non-residential premises, local use on individual architectural elements, the use of sheets not for their intended purpose.

    The most common option is to use metal tiles for sheathing the roof of a country or private house. A room is usually sheathed in which the attic is not used as a living space. This is due to the low sound insulation of the metal tile.

    A broken and domed roof can also become a limitation. Metal tiles do not have sufficient flexibility, unlike soft tiles, so it is not easy to finish roofs with intricate shapes. Up to 50% of the material can be turned into surplus. The reason to abandon the use of metal tiles is a flat roof. Due to the fact that precipitation will linger on it, it will begin to flow after 2–3 seasons.

    Roofs of other types are suitable for successful installation:

    • single slope;
    • double slope;
    • four-slope;
    • hip;
    • attic;
    • multi-pliers.

    A metal roof is also a good solution for a bath, a terrace, a gazebo in the country, outbuildings. An alternative option is to use sheet material for the bay window, balcony and other elements protruding beyond the facade of the house. The last way is to use metal tiles not for finishing the roof.

    From solid sheets they make country fences, awnings in the recreation area, trims are used to decorate children's "fungi", pet houses, flower beds.

    Pros and cons

    The advantages of metal tiles have made the material in demand among professional builders, architects and consumers. These include the following:

    • small sheet weight. Clay tile gives a tremendous load on the rafter system, and metal tile practically does not load it. A layer of snow of any thickness does not create a risk of roof collapse;
    • convenient standard size. With an external resemblance to a tiled roof, the profiled sheet has a convenient width and length, and not individual tiles of material. This speeds up the installation;
    • affordable price ;
    • wide range of. The sheets imitate ceramic tiles of different styles, differ in color and dyeing technology;
    • unpretentiousness. The protective coating makes the metal tile suitable for use in most regions of our country. And for finishing the roof in an aggressive environment, additional sheet protection and improved equipment are provided;
    • complete with sheets, you can purchase all the necessary elements for finishing the roof: structural elements, drains, ebbs, ridge, valleys and others;
    • the minimum number of seams at the joints of the sheet material gives the roof strength;
    • can be used over some types of old roofing;
    • attractive appearance;
    • the ability to combine the material with many types of facade finishes and use it for buildings in different styles;
    • service life - up to 50 years.

    The disadvantages of metal tiles do not detract from its advantages, but they are, and in some cases are critical.

    • Cannot be used to cover roofs with a pitch angle of less than 15 degrees. Since the surface of the metal tile has a complex relief, snow masses are retained on it. The large tilt angle helps to solve this problem.
    • Despite the assurances of manufacturers and consultants, it is difficult to independently cover the roof with metal tiles. The process is time consuming, requires roofing skills and often occurs with errors. And the dismantling of the material entails the cost of new material.
    • Not all types of coatings are resistant to mechanical damage. If scratches appear during installation, the material will lose its corrosion protection. This reduces its service life by almost half.
    • Poor soundproofing. To protect against noise, you will have to make more effort during installation, spend more time and money on additional materials.
    • Not suitable for complex roofs. In theory, the material can be used, it is quite elastic, however, you need to adjust the pattern as on wallpaper.
    • Installation of lathing is required. The sheets are strong, but not rigid enough to be mounted without crate. These are additional costs and time.
    • Metal tiles, like all rigid materials with a corrugated surface, can leak. Installation of a waterproofing layer under the roof is required. If you summarize all the related work and the necessary materials, the final price of roof cladding with metal tiles can be an unpleasant surprise.

    Kinds

    There are several types of roofing metal tiles. The basis for dividing into varieties is the material from which the profile sheet is made, and the geometry of the profile. Under the phrase "metal tiles" is usually understood as one of the three common types of products.

    • The aluminum profile is the lightest. It does not corrode, therefore it does not need protection from moisture. However, the material is too thin and soft, it needs to be additionally reinforced with other materials. Its cost is higher than that of other species, so it is not widely used.
    • The copper profile looks noble, but from contact with the environment, it is covered with a coating of different shades. Its regular cleaning and maintenance is too expensive for a budget material.
    • Galvanized steel profile is used more often than others, as the most reliable. To protect it from corrosion, it is coated with aluzinc and polymers, which makes the structure heavier, thicker and more expensive at the same time.

    The range of steel profiles in colors and designs is very diverse. The following profile types are found:

    • "Monterrey" is a synonym for "classic" in relation to metal roofing. The wave is smooth, glossy, in the color of natural clay tiles. The style is recognizable at first sight;
    • "Kron" is a profile with a wave and a sole of different sizes. The corrugated surface is narrow, low, and the flat sole between the waves is wide;
    • "Opal" are profiled sheets in which the width of the flat sole is equal to the width of a smooth semicircular wave;
    • "Banga" is a design novelty among sheet tiles. It is made using 3D image technology - it has the highest waveform and pronounced transitions;
    • "Venice" - this beautiful large drawing is very similar to the profile of "Bang";
    • "Shanghai". The pattern of this tile resembles a slender algorithm: a wide and high wave, two small and narrow waves on the sole, a wide wave again. Relief and unusual, although it does not look like a classic tile roof;
    • "Spanish Dune". The profile shape resembles a large tile;
    • “Joker” is a profile with a concave rounded wave and high sharp edges at the junction of the waves. The roof resembles an undulating surface of water, schematically conveyed in the drawing. Looks classic with a small sole and soft waves that mimic the coveted ceramic finish;
    • "Bavaria" was created using a special dyeing technology that makes a flat metal roof look voluminous and natural, as if it was covered with small pieces;
    • “Agneta” is a profiled material that consists of a narrow wave and a sole, but the sole is not just straight, but inclined to the right or left;
    • "Country" is a tile with a minimum wave height;
    • "Modern". A distinctive feature of the profile is a narrow wave with clear pencil case edges and a wide sole, concave inside the sheet.

    Comparison with other materials

    Metal shingles differ from other types of roofing materials according to different criteria. So, it is better than soft tiles in terms of rigidity, but inferior to the same material in terms of sound insulation. It is cheaper than ceramic tiles, but more expensive than Euroslate.

    Comparing metal tiles with other types of roofing materials, they must be divided into two groups: soft and hard coatings.

    Soft roofing

    Soft coatings include: flexible shingles (aka bituminous), euro-slate, onduvilla. Bituminous tiles are in many ways inferior to metal ones. It is less durable and requires the installation of a solid sheathing over the rafter system. This is a time consuming process and unnecessary stress on the structure. The resistance of shingles to environmental conditions leaves much to be desired. It deteriorates from moisture, ultraviolet rays, severe frosts. When freezing, the material becomes brittle, the top layer cracks. Water gets into cracks, and mold and mildew develop in a humid environment, since the material is not biostable.

    Bitumen is a flammable substance. Soft shingles support combustion and release harmful substances in the process. Finishing with soft tiles for 1 sq. m is several times more expensive than steel. If we compare the positive characteristics, that is, the aspects in which the metal tile already loses: high-quality sound insulation and thermal insulation, simple installation, elasticity, the minimum percentage of waste when installing a complex roof. Low weight and wide range are the advantages inherent in both types of tiles.

    Euroslate, better known on the market as ondulin, is the main competitor of metal tiles among soft coatings. For some technical characteristics, they are similar. So, both materials are sheet, have approximately the same weight and size. The service life of metal tiles is on average 10 years longer than that of ondulin. Both types of sheets support combustion and cannot be recovered after a fire.

    Profiled steel sheets are superior to ondulin in that the polymer coating retains color brightness longer. The color range of metal tiles is more diverse than ondulina.

    According to some characteristics, the metal tile differs from ondulin in an unfavorable way. So, the euro slate has 100% tightness, you can not install waterproofing under it. The metal tile does not leak only for the first few years, therefore, one cannot do without a waterproofing membrane. Ondulin promotes thermal insulation, steel sheets do not. The sound insulation of ondulin is 15 dB higher than that of metal tiles. The differences between metal tile and ondulin are almost identical to the comparative characteristics with euro slate.

    Hard coatings

    Hard coatings:

    • ceramic tiles;
    • cement-sand tiles;
    • professional flooring;
    • slate;
    • folded metal profile.

    Ceramic tiles are a prototype of metal tiles. It has few advantages. She is beautiful, resistant to freezing and fire, serves for decades. The rest of the modern material is superior to it.

    Ceramic tiles are assembled by hand from small clay plates. This is a long process that requires professional involvement. The relief surface of the roof does not provide complete tightness, therefore it is imperative to install waterproofing and thermal insulation. The shingles are heavy, giving a huge load on 1 sq. m of the rafter system. Ceramic plates are not resistant to mechanical damage. During the installation process, some of the material becomes unusable due to chips and cracks. The total cost of material and work is many times higher than the cost of sheathing with metal tiles.

    Cement-sand tiles are a budget analogue of ceramic tiles made from natural materials. Like metal tiles, they are available in a wide range of colors. They have an equally long service life, biostability, a wide temperature range of use, virtually zero water absorption.

    Natural tiles do not rust, unlike metal ones, they provide better sound insulation, and are installed with a minimum amount of waste (no more than 5%).

    The disadvantages that a natural one has and a metal tile does not have are the following:

    • piece material;
    • it is mounted for a long time, accurately and only by professionals;
    • heavy weight;
    • high prices for materials and installation;
    • low mechanical strength and associated transportation difficulties;
    • limited variety of shapes and colors.

    Slate is close in characteristics to natural tiles. With metal tiles, this material has in common the size of the sheets and good sound insulation. Otherwise, it is inferior to modern material due to its high weight, lack of aesthetic qualities, fragility and water permeability. As for combustion, the slate does not just support it, but it also explodes in the process.

    Seam roofing, profiled sheet, metal profile - this is a group of materials that differ in the method of fastening and profiling sheets. In this regard, they have some external differences. And also the thickness of the sheets and the composition of the coating vary. Metal tile looks more interesting in comparison with all sheet materials made of steel. The rest of the profiled sheets and metal tiles are interchangeable.

    Specifications

    The advantages of metal tiles are provided by its technical characteristics.

    The weight

    The specific weight of the sheet affects the method of transportation and the degree of complexity of installation. It also shows what kind of load is given by the total weight of all sheathing sheets. The norm for sheets of different thicknesses is regulated by GOST. According to the standard, weight is measured in kilograms per square meter. For a thin sheet metal tile, it is 4 kg, taking into account the permissible deviations up or down. For thicker sheets (0.4-0.5 mm) per 1 sq. m has a load of 5 kg / m².

    A sheet made to order according to non-standard parameters weighs more than the material according to GOST.

    Dimensions

    As for the dimensions of the sheet, the dimensions before installation and the usable area after installation on the roof are important. Since the sheets overlap each other, adjusting according to the pattern, the usable area is reduced on all sides by the amount of the total amount of overlaps. The standard sheet width cannot exceed 120 cm. Before the compression (wave formation) procedure, all sheets have a width of 125 cm. They shrink in proportion to the height - the greater the height (length) of the sheet, the smaller the width. The minimum value for a standard sheet is 110 mm.

    Sheet heights are often cut to order for a specific roof size to minimize material waste.

    There is also a standard length. It is determined by the size of the wave and is in the range of 50–365 cm. The wave width can be different, from 10 to 35 cm. The typical wavelength (distance between rows) is 35 cm. The overlap width is 10–15 cm. Accordingly, the useful area of ​​the sheet decreases by 10-30 cm, and averages 1.1 m².

    An important parameter is thickness. Strength, resistance to mechanical stress and the ability to withstand heavy weight (for example, snow masses), while maintaining its shape and tightness, depend on it. By thickness, sheets are distinguished economy, standard, premium. Economy have a minimum thickness of 0.33 to 0.4 mm. Standard or general-purpose metal tile is 0.4–0.5 mm thick. Premium has the highest performance in this parameter - 0.5-0.9 mm.

    Forms

    The shape of the metal tile means the profiling pattern. The wave of metal tiles is square, rectangular, round.

    • Square waves are distinguished by low waves, beautiful, sharp, well-defined profile edges.
    • Rectangular has brighter outlines and an elongated upward shape. It can be both low and large, with a pronounced relief.
    • Round is of two types: convex and concave. With a convex profile, high waves alternate with a smooth, rounded ridge line. With a concave sheet of metal, it resembles waves with a ridge pointed at the highest point.

    Life time

    The service life of a metal tile depends on the finish coating of the profiled sheets and environmental factors. Plastisol coated sheets have the longest service life. 50 years is not a random number that should impress buyers, but a real warranty period from the manufacturer.

    The second most durable coating is polyurethane and PVDF (vinyl-based substance). Their durability is measured in 30-40 years. Other types of coatings can last up to 30 years. In this case, the manufacturer gives a guarantee for only 10.

    The service life can be significantly reduced if you purchase the tiles in advance and store them in unsuitable conditions. The metal tile will become unusable if:

    • store the material outdoors in winter and summer, and not indoors;
    • store it in direct sunlight;
    • expose to contact with aggressive chemicals;
    • do not protect from rain, snow and freezing;
    • store material in bundles, not on logs, but on the ground.

    Noise isolation

    Thermal insulation and sound insulation are the weak points of metal tiles. The material has good thermal conductivity and does not drown out, but, on the contrary, amplifies sounds. A silent roof will not work when using metal tiles, even if you mount an acoustic membrane between the steel sheets and the crate.

    Other characteristics

    • Water permeability. Due to the polymer coating, the material simply repels water. This does not protect against leaks. The leak is formed in the places where the nails (screws) are attached, when the rubber gasket wears out and stops creating a sealed seam.
    • Strength. The metal tile can withstand a load of up to 400 kg / m². In winter, two adult men of average build can throw snow off the roof. The metal tile on the correct crate will withstand this load.
    • Fire safety. The metal does not burn up to +600 degrees, but the polymer coating supports combustion and melts.
    • Electrostatic. Metal roofing is capable of accumulating charge. This is dangerous during a thunderstorm, so a lightning conductor is required.

    Colors

    The color of the metal tile coating depends on what color the coloring pigment is added to the composition of the protective coating, and by what technology the surface is painted. Several factors influence the choice of color: individual preferences, the design of the facade and the color of finishing materials, the location of the house in relation to other objects on the street. The latter factor may seem dubious, however, how the house fits into the surrounding landscape is very important.

    Manufacturers offer a wide range of colors to choose from. The colors correspond to the selection of the Ral catalog.

    Ral is a German color standard that ensures uniform shades of finishes. Thanks to the universal palette, you can use materials from different manufacturers for decoration and repair, and they will match the color as much as possible.

    • Brown. This is a metal tile of a noble deep shade. The light brown color is usually not released. And the dark brown tiles are presented in the color "dark chocolate", which is harmoniously combined with shades of the dark and light spectrum for finishing the facade.
    • Green. The dark and rich, almost emerald roof is an example of the classic use of greenery in home decoration. It looks harmonious due to the fact that the color is natural, well combined with the natural landscape. It is combined with different shades and textures: brown wood, white plaster, red siding and others.
    • Green moss. Unlike green metal tiles, the material in this color is lighter and more calm, closer to pistachio and light green.
    • Blue. Difficult in terms of design, but very beautiful color. It is often also called the color of Prussian blue. It blends harmoniously with the natural landscape and light colors in the facade decoration.
    • Terracotta. In the perception of the Russian consumer, it is orange. A very upbeat and eye-catching color. Suitable for a combination of green, blue, gray in the facade decoration.
    • Red. Another kind of color for traditional roofing material. It is versatile to combine with different textures and materials, whether it is siding, plaster, wood, paint or glass.
    • Black. The color in the catalog is a deep blue-black, completely unusual for Russian regions. Black metal tiles look good on wooden houses and in combination with the Art Nouveau style: a lot of metal, glass, reflective surfaces and stone.
    • Gray. The shade is less aggressive than black in terms of design stereotypes for the exterior. Light graphite is a fairly intense color. Often gray metal tiles are dull, so they look like a soft roof covering. Almost any color scheme is suitable for a combination: yellow, green, blue and others.
    • Cherry. This is a more modern and playful take on red tiles. It can be used both in classic combinations and in more daring ones. For example, the cherry-colored roof tiles and the light pink facade of the house.
    • Beige. This is a rarely used type of metal tile. It is difficult to combine it with the finishing of the facade, so that the roof does not "get lost" against the background of the surrounding flowers. There are more and less saturated colors, from ivory to ocher. The light color and warm shade help to improve thermal insulation as it absorbs the sun's rays. In this case, the light color fade out more slowly.
    • Copper. Another decorative option is copper staining. There are also roofing sheets of silver and steel shades.
    • Multicolor. These are options in bicolor or colored using 3D technology. They simulate the presence of shadows and reflections on the surface of the waves, which makes them look more like ceramic tiles.

    Composition

    A seemingly thin sheet of metal tile actually consists of at least six layers. The layers "build up" not only on the front surface, but also on the "wrong side", which lies on the crate. This ensures the durability of the material. So, it's worth highlighting a few layers.

    • Metal base. It can be aluminum, copper, galvanized steel or combined materials. If you need the most durable roof, galvanized steel is used. For moisture-resistant metal tiles, aluminum is chosen. For beauty - copper.
    • Zinc sheath. Aluzinc is sometimes used. This layer is applied to the top and bottom of the sheet in order to reduce the likelihood of rusting when the polymer layer is damaged.
    • Passivating. It is present not in all types of metal tiles, but only in dense and expensive ones. This is additional protection against corrosion. It forms a thin film that reduces the intensity of chemical reactions and the formation of rust.
    • Primer. It improves the adhesion of the polymer layer to the base.
    • Finish protective coating. The bottom side is paint. It is evenly sprayed over the surface of the sheet. On the front side, it is a polymer coating.

    Some decorative coatings have a name. It, like a color in the Ral catalog, means a specific type of surface: smooth, textured, matte or glossy.

    There are several types of coverage.

    • Polyester. Economy is the predominant quality. It retains color well, is flexible and biostable. With a small layer thickness, it is not scratch resistant. There are two varieties: matte and glossy. Teflon is added to matte to create a velvety effect. This increases resistance to UV light, mechanical damage and difficult weather conditions. Consequently, the service life also increases. Matt surface is provided by Cloudy, Matt, Safari coating. Glossy surface of polymer-coated metal tiles - Unikma, Satin, Still Silk, Finnera.
    • Polyurethane. It is applied in a thick layer, therefore it has high performance in color fastness, mechanical resistance and anti-corrosion properties. Agneta, Prisma, Pural, Purman, Quarzit coatings are produced from polyurethane.
    • Polyfluoride. It is made with the addition of high quality acrylic and pigments. Its main property is color fastness. And also the pigments give shine, and the varnish makes the surface glossy. It can be produced with decorative chips in the composition. Often, shingles are made from polyfluoride, imitating silver-colored copper or steel sheets. The surface of the sheet is smooth, eg Norman, Atlas, Velur.
    • Plastisol. This is a high quality material. It is resistant to difficult weather conditions, often has a relief and texture, and due to this it retains its color longer. Textured and textured coatings include Viking, Drap, Velvet, Safari, Purex.
    • Pural. It is a tough, hydrophobic, durable plastic shell with added polyamide. It is distinguished by a wide temperature range, resistance to mechanical damage, color fastness and long service life. The surface of the material is beautiful, matte and velvety in appearance.

    Production

    Metal tiles are made in a fully automated production. The technology is phased. Each stage is accompanied by control, so a high quality product is obtained at the output. Cold rolled sheet steel is used as raw material. The sheet thickness before applying protective layers on it varies from 0.35 to 0.7 mm. The thicker the sheet, the higher the quality.

    The technological chain for the production of metal tiles includes the following stages:

    • rolled steel sheets;
    • applying a protective anti-corrosion coating. Used iron, zinc, aluminum, silicon. Aluminum is applied in pure form or combined with one of the auxiliary elements;
    • polymer protection coating;
    • profiling of sheets. Due to the fact that the sheet takes its final shape after all protective coatings have been applied, the coating thickness is the same throughout the sheet. This provides reliable protection against environmental influences;
    • slicing. In fact, it is carried out by the same rolling mill that forms waves on the sheet. It is carried out according to the standard and according to the individual order;
    • after the final stage, the metal-plastic shingles go to the packaging and are completely ready for use.

    Manufacturers

    Metal tiles first appeared in Finland. Today, almost 40 years later, factories for the production of this roofing material are located both in Europe and Asia. There are also domestic factories on the list of bona fide manufacturers.

    The ranking is headed by imported products of the Ruukki brand . This Finnish manufacturer actually stood at the origins of the production of metal tiles. The quality of products grows steadily with experience, so the products receive well-deserved positive reviews. The price per square meter is higher than that of Russian manufacturers, but it pays off in quality. Other Finnish brands are in no way inferior: Weckman, Takotta, Rannila.

    The popular Arcelor metal tile is produced by Belgium, purchasing high quality steel from European manufacturers. The material fully complies with the standards adopted in Russia. It is distinguished by a high zinc content in a protective anti-corrosion layer and different versions of a polymer topcoat.

    It is Arcelor tiles of the Belgian production that the popular Cloudy tiles with a matte and glossy surface are presented on the domestic market.

    Another type of material that Europe supplies is the Swedish metal tile Mera System . The manufacturer successfully combines the classic form with new technologies when applying a protective coating. And also Sweden and Germany have branches for the production of Arcelor tiles. The Polish metal tile Blachotrapez pleasantly surprises with the price and quality . In addition to all the advantages of roofing material, it also has protection against the accumulation of static energy. This is convenient as there is no need to install a lightning rod.

    Russia is the leader in the building materials market in terms of the percentage of domestic and imported goods on sale.

    Many consumers choose metal tiles of Russian brands, since metallurgical production in Russia is at a high level, and this provides a supply of high-quality raw materials at the factories. And also a plus is a lower price, which does not include customs tax and overpayment for the brand. Popular brands are VikingMP, TechnoNICOL, Unicma, Severstal, Quarzit . The leader, of course, is the Grand Line . It is this manufacturer that supplies the market with Kvinta metal tiles with a unique waveform and materials with different coatings - smooth Steel Silk and textured Steel Velvet.

    Owner reviews

    The effectiveness of using metal tiles and the status of manufacturers are confirmed by the reviews of those who checked the properties of the material in practice. Positive reviews prevail. Professional roofers unanimously note the practicality of the material and its high quality at a relatively inexpensive price.

    Homeowners who have not worked with the material with their own hands mostly praise the beautiful result. The roof looks neat and aesthetically pleasing. The material is universal for combining with any type of finish, the main thing is to choose the right color. Color fastness is also considered a virtue. Among the reviews, there are data on the service life without any complaints from 2 to 20 years.

    Negative comments are often associated with difficulties in working with the material. Without a minimum of experience in roofing, it is impossible to install it correctly the first time. Complex elements are especially problematic: valleys, skates, tong. As a result of cladding a complex roof, there are many scraps that have nowhere to apply. In practice, the statement that metal tiles can be painted was not justified. Its top layer repels not only water and dirt, but also paint. There are differing opinions on the noise generated by rain. Homeowners without additional insulation under the rafters feel discomfort. No noise is heard in the house if soundproofing material is present.

    How to choose?

    Before starting roofing, two more important tasks need to be solved. The first is to calculate the amount of material, and the second is to choose metal tiles. Online resources will help you to correctly calculate the materials, where you need to enter data on the roof area. An alternative is manual calculations. But the most reliable solution is to entrust measurements and calculations to a professional roofer.

    But the choice can be more difficult. Manufacturers produce more than 300 types of metal tiles! In order not to get confused, experts recommend answering a few questions.

    • What color do you need a tile? This question will help throw off more options at once. There are only 4 main colors, and they are universal. Green, chocolate, brown and wet asphalt (graphite) match most façade colors. The rest of the palette is for bold design lovers.
    • Smooth or matte finish? This is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a certain quality. Due to the top coating, matte tiles are of a higher quality, more durable and resistant to corrosion.
    • What type of profile do you need? The profile does not actually affect the performance. It is important to consider only the fact that the simpler the drawing, the easier the installation and less scraps. In order to save money, it is recommended to choose the most laconic profile. If such a goal is not worth it, the choice is based only on taste preferences.
    • What is the service life of a metal tile? For outbuildings, a material with a service life of two years is suitable, for a residential building - from 30 years. Of all types of material that have been selected for color, texture and type of profile, it is worth choosing the material with the longest service life. By default, this factor should include the maximum thickness of the steel sheet, the optimal type and thickness of the anti-corrosion coating, the most durable polymer coating.

    Installation instructions

    Roof cladding with metal tiles goes through only a few stages, such as.

    • preparatory work is the choice of tools and weather conditions, surface treatment of an old roof or rafter system;
    • installation of lathing;
    • waterproofing and soundproofing the space under the roof;
    • preparation for the installation of complex elements: chimneys, ventilation system, protruding roof elements;
    • installation of sheets and accessories.

    In practice, it is very difficult to complete these steps on your own. You need to know the features of working with metal tiles. They include rules for handling material, rules for installation, cutting, avoiding various obstacles and fixing components.

    Experts recommend adhering to the following features when installing tiles:

    • the base in the form of a crate is not universal for all types of material. For strong sheets, you can use a sparse frame, and for thin sheets, a solid crate is better;
    • waterproofing and insulation made of waterproof materials are necessary for any type of metal tile;
    • better than ordinary waterproofing can only be a special wind and moisture protection base. Roofers often use isospan and membranes;
    • vapor barrier is needed only if there is a living space under the roof, since the metal heats up a lot in hot weather;
    • a film is used as waterproofing; there should be a small gap between it and the material for air circulation. It is impossible to put on roofing material or lay it only on metal tiles, since the materials absorb moisture and heat up, emitting harmful substances;
    • for the same reason, when heated, bitumen or other substances are released, therefore, metal tiles cannot be laid on katepal (soft tiles) or mounted on ondulin without a wooden crate;
    • putting steel sheets on an old roof with a similar finish would also be a mistake - the house will turn into a drum buzzing from wind and rain;
    • atypical roof nodes are connected only with custom-made elements. The standard ones are not suitable for them;
    • connections in difficult areas, for example, between the parts of the apron around the chimney, must be additionally treated with a sealant to avoid leakage;
    • when laying metal tiles, lightning protection (lightning rod) is needed.

    These are just some of the nuances of working with metal tiles. If you have no idea what the correct step of the lathing is, why you need filing of eaves overhangs and how to mount gutters so that the water flows into them, you should entrust the work to professional roofers.

    Beautiful examples of houses

    Metal roofing should be beautiful not only in itself, but also in combination with facade finishing. Exterior design professionals know several win-win combinations based on color and texture.

    • The first technique is to use two shades of the same color or similar colors in the finish. According to this principle, for example, a light blue shade and Prussian blue, lilac and cherry are combined.
    • The opposite technique involves a combination of contrasting colors. The signal blue color of the tiles is in perfect harmony with the yellow facade made of sandwich panels or orange plaster. Black metal tiles will make the facade more bold and stylish in red, white, lemon and brown.
    • The difference in textures looks beautiful. The combination of glossy tiles in the classic Monterrey profile will bring the prefabricated half-timbered house to life. And copper-red metal tiles with a soft and wide wave will support the rustic style of the log home. The brick façade goes well with the profile, in which the wave width matches the brick width. A smooth-walled facade looks beautiful in combination with absolutely any type of profile. The main thing is that the substrate above the smooth facade has a ledge and demonstrates an unusual finish, then the house does not look boring and modern.

    See the next video for more details.