What is better a metal tile or a flexible roof. Metal tile or soft roof: all the pros and cons for choosing a coating. Advantages of a flexible roof

Among the materials for arranging the roof, there are many options that have almost the same characteristics. For example, if we take metal tiles and bituminous roofs, then both options are quite reliable, durable and have an attractive appearance. In addition, the cost of materials is also almost the same. All this can lead developers to a dead end when they are faced with a choice - a metal tile or a soft roof. But to solve this problem, you need to compare and analyze the features of both types of roofing materials and draw conclusions.

Design features

The first step is to consider the design features of both materials. The fact is that there is a fundamental difference in the structure. And they only have in common that each type of coating imitates natural tiles.

metal tile

So, it is multilayer. This product is made from rolled steel. The thickness of the steel can vary from 0.4 to 0.7 mm. It is recommended to use roofing steel with a thickness of at least 0.5 mm for production - with a smaller thickness, the product may deform under loads. The durability of a thinner sheet is also reduced.

To be sufficiently protected from corrosion, the metal is coated on each side with a layer of zinc. The thicker this protective layer, the longer the metal tile will last. Also, the steel is covered with a passivating layer - this is an oxide film that prevents active rusting.

A decorative protective layer is applied on both sides of the material. From the back the product is painted with special paints. The front side is covered with various polymers - it can be polyester, plastisol, pural. From specifications and the thickness of the polymer layer depends on the future durability of the roofing and resistance to fading under direct sunlight, as well as resistance to various kinds of mechanical damage.

Finished steel coils are profiled on the equipment and then cut into sheets according to size. External will depend on the type of profile. But in general, the imitation is obtained at a high level.

To understand what is better - a metal tile or now it is necessary to consider in detail the shingles.

Features of a soft roof or shingles

The latter is more flexible than a metal product. The soft roof is based on fiberglass or any materials similar in characteristics. Raw materials for the production of bituminous tiles must be tear-resistant, as well as resistant to putrefactive processes.

Modified bitumen is applied to this base from each side. These are special additives made of polymeric materials. Due to these additives, soft roofing is able to maintain elasticity at low air temperatures. Thanks to this, the roof covering will not crack even in very cold climates.

The bottom layer of soft roofing materials is coated with adhesives. The adhesive layer is covered with a protective film. Before installation work, this film is removed. On the outside, a soft roof or shingles covered with a decorative and protective layer - it is a mixture of mineral chips with pigments and polymer resins. This coating is necessary to protect the bituminous layer from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. It also significantly increases the resistance to mechanical stress.

Sheet roofing is produced in the form of shingles of various configurations. Thanks to the figured petals and the special color, the finished roof made of soft materials can look original and attractive. But for those who choose - metal or soft roofing, you need to remember that bituminous tiles have visual differences from classical tiles.

Weight and overall dimensions of the material

These parameters determine the convenience in the process of installation work, the ability to do the work with your own hands. In addition, the loads exerted on the foundation and walls in the house depend on the mass. Sometimes this can be critical.

The metal tile is made in the form of profile sheets. The width of such a sheet can be in the range from 1.12 to 1.19 m. The length of the sheet is from 0.5 to 7.5 m. Laying small sheets can be done by hand. But in this case, a mass of joints will be visible on the coating - this worsens not only the appearance of the roof, but also the operational parameters. The standard length of one sheet is approximately 4.5 m. For the installation of such material, you will need to involve assistants. Sheets of the big sizes are made mainly under the individual order.

The soft roof is delivered in shingles. The format is relatively small - 100-337 mm. Installation is easily carried out by one person. If you choose which roof is better - soft or metal roofing based on installation, then soft roofing is definitely easier and more convenient to install.

Also pay attention to the difference in weight. One shingle of a soft roof is less in weight than a sheet of metal. Wherein total weight shingles about 8-12 kilograms per one square meter, while one square meter of metal tile weighs only 5 kilograms or a little more. What is better - a metal tile or a soft roof? For these reasons, the choice is obvious.

Application specifics

The choice between flexible or metal tiles makes sense only if the roof is built on a pitched roof with slopes of 12 to 14 degrees.

Bituminous materials, due to their greater elasticity, are suitable for installation on complex roofs with cone-shaped, hemispherical and even broken surfaces. The shingles are small in size, the fastening technology is simpler - all this helps to save material. If we compare a soft roof and a metal tile, then on complex roofs the amount of waste shingles will be only about 4 percent.

Metal tiles are often purchased on simple roofs with the most even slopes. Also, this material is suitable for If you try to apply a metal product on a curved surface, this will lead to the formation of a large number of joints, the need for additional treatment against corrosion of cut edges. Also waste will exceed 30 percent of materials. This greatly complicates the installation process and increases the cost of arrangement.

As you can see, the advantages of a soft roof over a metal tile for complex roofs make it necessary to opt for bituminous tiles.

Base

The metal tile has a certain rigidity. For installation, a fairly rare crate, which is made of timber or boards, is suitable. The greater the angle of inclination of the roof slopes, the wider should be the step of mounting the elements of the crate. Thus, the snow load on the roof surface is reduced. For a sheathing under a metal tile, 350-400 mm is considered a standard step.

When choosing which is better - a metal tile or a soft roof, you need to take into account that the bituminous tile is laid only on the most even surface. Here you need a continuous crate of predominantly sheet materials. The sheet crate is laid on top sparse. This is much more expensive and more difficult during the installation process, since it is necessary to exclude significant height differences at the joints.

Installation and its features

You also need to compare metal tiles and soft roofs in terms of installation.

Installation consists of several stages. The first of them is the installation of a waterproofing layer, counter-battens and battens. Under a metal tile, this process will require significantly less time and labor costs compared to a continuous crate and a special lining carpet for bituminous materials. If the question is what to choose - a metal tile or a soft roof, then the metal tile wins in terms of labor intensity.

Next, we compare the rise of the material to the place of laying. Here, bituminous roofing has a greater advantage. The weight of the shingle is small, the dimensions are also small. To lift a sheet of metal tiles, you will need helpers, and sometimes special devices. During the lifting process, you need to work as carefully as possible so as not to damage the protective layer on the polymer coating.

The next aspect that will help you decide which is better - a metal tile or a soft roof, is the speed of installation work. The installation of metal tiles can be performed as soon as possible on simple roofs. Work can be done independently. To work with shingles, you must have experience and special skills - the dismantling of glued shingles is quite difficult. Errors in operation can lead to the fact that the coating will not be able to cope with its functions. The installation speed of shingles is three times slower than that of metal roofing.

Functionality

Considering which roof is better - soft or metal, you need to pay attention to certain points. We will consider them in detail.

The metal tile is characterized by increased windage. In areas where strong winds blow, there is an increased risk of stall roofing. The risk increases if errors were made during installation. Roofing from bituminous tiles is more reliable. The coating is glued to the base crate, so this option is better in places with severe winds.

Fastening of sheets of metal tiles is carried out on self-tapping screws. Under them you need to make pre-holes. Each hole can subsequently become a hotbed of corrosion - the integrity of the protective coating is violated. There is a washer on the screw. It must seal the hole - if it does not fit well, then the sheet material will quickly become unusable. In areas where the climate is very humid, heavy rainfall prevails, the choice between a metal tile or a soft roof should not be. In this case, only shingles. Its flooring is a sealed cake of several layers. It is glued with special mastics. Such a roof successfully resists moisture.

Soundproofing

Finding out which roof is better - a metal tile or a soft roof according to these parameters will also not be difficult. Metal materials are noisier. The metal tile does not dampen the sound of rain and wind. Vibration is also transmitted to structures. To compensate for this shortcoming during installation, it is recommended to use special vibration-proof pads. You still need to perform thermal insulation with a heater.

Concerning bituminous roofing, then the sound insulation indicators are higher. Even if the installation did not take into account the layer of sound or thermal insulation materials, then the sound of rain and gusts of wind will not be heard.

architectural expressiveness

We will also consider the pros and cons of a soft roof or metal tiles in this aspect. Usually the choice is made by developers. But if the construction is private, then it is important that the roof is combined with the overall design of the house.

Modern manufacturers provide very wide selection various options metal tiles of different profiles and colors. The market is ready to offer more than 100 various shades. This allows you to choose the best option for houses of any type.

As for shingles, there is also a choice - manufacturers offer petals of various shapes and colors. In addition to monochrome options, there is a large selection of types with more complex colors, where several shades are used at once. This will add expressiveness and originality to the mounted roof.

Maintainability and service life

One of the key criteria when choosing a metal roof or a soft roof is durability. It is also important to evaluate the level of maintainability. External factors can affect the integrity of the flooring and destroy it.

How does the roof behave in the snow?

In winter, when snow avalanches come down, it is better not to get close to the house - it can be dangerous. This is exactly what will happen if a metal tile is laid on the roof. It has a smooth surface, and a fairly large amount of snow can accumulate on it. At one point, this snow can fall down so that the drains will vomit thoroughly. Therefore, it is recommended to build snow retention systems.

As for the soft roof, it has a rough surface. The snow that accumulates on the roof will not go down like an avalanche. Therefore, systems for snow retention can be dispensed with.

Metal tile and its resource

According to manufacturers, the service life of a metal tile depends on the characteristics of a particular option. Durability in general is determined by a period of 20 to 50 years. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the thickness of the steel sheet, the thickness of the protective zinc layer, the characteristics of the polymer protective coating.

It is on these parameters that you should pay attention when choosing a metal tile. When buying, it is important to check that the sheets are even, the outer coating is of high quality. Also, it will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with the certificates of manufacturers.

If the flooring elements are damaged, it is possible to replace them with new ones. The main thing is that the profile exactly matches. It is also possible to install patches.

Flexible tile and its durability

The service life of bituminous roofing materials is from 30 to 50 years, which is quite a lot. The exact period depends on the type of bitumen, the characteristics of the base, the thickness of the protective outer coating.

If the bituminous roof is damaged, then it is enough to install a patch of the same material or completely replace the shingle. If the work is done carefully, then the repair place will not be evident.

Cost of materials

Consider reviews. What is better - a metal tile or a soft roof in terms of cost? This is an important factor when choosing. If we compare the price of the materials themselves, then the bituminous tile costs one and a half times higher than the metal counterpart. The reviews say that a soft roof will be cheaper.

But installation costs are also important. If for the arrangement of a roof made of steel sheet, you need to additionally purchase bars, films and self-tapping screws. To lay bituminous tiles, you will need bars, plywood for sheathing, mastic, and nails for fasteners.

You also need to consider that it is better to entrust the installation of a soft roof to professionals, while the installation of metal tiles can be done independently.

Developers begin to choose roofing for the roof even at the stage of creating a house project. In search of the best option, most are guided by 3 requirements for the roof: durability, reasonable cost and attractive appearance. Many fit this description. modern materials, including metal and bituminous tiles. These coatings differ in the form of release, composition and method of installation, their practicality and long service life are related. In this article we will tell you which is better - a metal tile or a soft roof?

The roof is the most complex structural unit, the quality of the construction of which depends on the life of the entire house. The reliability of the roof is influenced by the truss frame, the composition of the roofing cake and the finish coating. Each of the materials has pros and cons that must be considered during installation and operation:

Important! Determining which roof is best soft tiles or from metal tiles, consider the pros and cons of coatings. The choice is made based on the climatic conditions in the region of construction, the type and nature of the use of the building, the financial capabilities and taste preferences of the developer.

Compound

The composition largely determines the service life, reliability and attitude to factors environment roofing material. It depends on him how long the roof will last, how reliable it will be, and how to maintain it. Comparable coatings have the following composition:

Note! When deciding which roof is best for your home, consider climate factors. Flexible roofing has a rough, rough surface that holds snow on the slope. The metal tile, on the contrary, is smooth, so the snow slides off it. If the slope of the roof with the same coating is 15 degrees, then it must be equipped with snow retainers.

roofing cake

The finish coating is just the visible part of the roofing pie, which consists of many layers that improve the performance of the material. All components of the structure work in an integrated manner to extend the life of the material. Depending on the type of roof, the roofing pie has the following features:

Many developers are tormented by the question of whether a metal tile or a flexible roof is better for constructing the roof of a private house, guided by the price of the finish coating. Flexible shingles cost only 15-20% more, but the extra cost of reinforced battens and underlayment will increase the cost of roofing even more.

Mounting Features

When deciding which roof is better, you need to take into account the features of the installation of materials, especially if you have to do the roofing yourself. The complexity of installation affects the cost and duration of the process. Installation of comparable roofing has the following features:

The flexible tiles are glued with a self-adhesive layer protected by a silicone film to the underlayment. The process of laying shingles takes a long time. In addition, it is recommended to work with this material at a temperature of + 5- + 15 degrees, since the cold makes it brittle, and at high temperatures the bitumen softens. Therefore, the installation of flexible tiles is performed only in the warm season.
The metal tile is laid under any weather conditions, as it does not respond to temperature changes. The sheets are overlapped to prevent moisture leakage. To fix the metal tile, roofing screws with a rubber press washer are used to cover the holes. Installation is carried out only by a cold method, without using welding or a grinder, so as not to damage the polymer coating.

Experienced craftsmen say that flexible tiles are more difficult to install, since laying tiles takes a lot of time. However, if the roof is of a complex shape, then work with soft material easier and cheaper, so each of the coatings has its own advantages.

Comparison

Every homeowner strives to choose a quality, beautiful, but inexpensive covering for the roof of the house. It doesn’t matter if it’s a soft roof or a metal tile, both of these materials have excellent performance characteristics and are not inferior to more expensive counterparts. To make a choice, you can rely on the following criteria:

Life time. The guaranteed service life of a metal tile is 20-25 years, in real conditions, with proper maintenance, it will last all 50 years. Flexible roofing lasts up to 70 years, as it does not corrode.
Flammability. The metal tile is a non-combustible material, so it is used in buildings with an increased risk of fire. Bituminous roofing is flammable, therefore it is not used for the construction of baths and houses equipped with fireplaces and solid fuel stoves.
Noise. Metallic coatings have a high resonant capacity, so during rain or hail they amplify the noise. A soft roof, on the contrary, perfectly dampens sounds, it is used without additional sound insulation, even if the attic of the house is residential.

Important! When purchasing roofing material, pay attention to certificates of quality conformity, to GOST, according to which products are manufactured. If the manufacturer does not provide such documentation, this is a reason to think about the quality of the coating.

Video instruction

Metal tiles, like soft roofing, cannot be attributed to new materials. They have been used for quite a long time, but many developers have not decided which material is the best in their field. In this article I will talk about all the advantages that these materials have, and you will be able to finally decide which is better: a metal tile or a soft roof?

Introduction to roofing

If you belong to people who are not versed in the construction business, then carefully read this paragraph, here you will find a lot useful information which will help you in the future.

Soft roofing is most often called shingles. Strange, because there are quite a few alternative coatings, namely: roofing material, polymer membranes, liquid rubber, bulk products. But to make it easier to assimilate information, let's do it like everyone else, i.e. consider shingles as the only representative of soft roofing.

This roofing material is sold in the form of small shingles, which may differ from each other in their shape, color and pattern. Any variety has a fairly high reliability, durability and almost always meets the aesthetic requirements of residents. Mineral crumb, located on top of the shingle, is a protection from direct sunlight and mechanical stress.

As for the metal tile, it is made of galvanized steel, which is equipped with a protective polymer film. It enhances its aesthetic performance and protects the metal base from the harmful effects of moisture and climatic threats. Imitation of a natural tile is given by processing a sheet of metal with a molding press. The thickness of the metal base ranges from 0.4 to 0.7 millimeters.

For fastening a soft roof, nails, staples of a construction stapler, special self-tapping screws and other hardware can be used. It is worth replacing that if you are not strong in the construction business or just do not want to deal with the tedious shingle fastening, then you can purchase a self-adhesive product. In appearance, it is no different from standard shingles, but if you look at the material from the back, here you can see an adhesive base, which will give high-quality adhesion to the base.

On the Internet, you can see many articles on the topic “which is better: a soft roof or a metal tile?” The reviews left on the sites are often fake and if you really want to find the right answer, then it's better to figure it out yourself. Let's compare metal roofing and soft roofing.

What is better: a soft roof or a metal tile? Advantages and disadvantages

Any developer before starting construction should study all the weak and strengths one product or another.

Metal tile has the following advantages:

Cheapness
Relative ease of flooring
Attractive appearance
A discharged crate can be used as a base
Good service life
Just serviced

The disadvantages of metal coatings include the following:

For large areas, you will have to use long sheets, and this is not very convenient
Metal is a hard material, so it is best to use it on simple roof systems
Low sound insulation and high thermal conductivity
Cheap types have a poor-quality protective coating, so the roof may need to be painted

Now, let's look at the pros and cons of shingles and start with the good.

The small size and weight of one shingle, in this regard, transportation and installation is easy
Can be used on truss systems of any complexity
Good sound insulation

Aesthetically attractive

The negative side is this:

Relative high cost
combustible
As a base, a solid crate is needed
Favorable weather conditions are required for installation

As for the last point, it is worth paying attention to it. Special attention. Since bitumen in the cold tends to crack and crumble, and in extreme heat it melts.

Sheet size and material weight

As mentioned earlier, the metal tile is created from rolled steel. The length of one sheet can reach up to 12 meters, but it is not profitable to produce such products, so the manufacturers decided to reduce the maximum size to 4-8 meters. It is worth noting that if necessary, you can make an application for larger sizes and they will be provided to you as soon as possible. As for the minimum length, it is 0.5 meters. The width of the metal sheet does not depend on the dimensions and remains unchanged: 119 centimeters.

As mentioned earlier, the dimensions of the soft roof will be much smaller, since the material is produced in small shingles with dimensions of 100x33.7 centimeters. The thickness of this coating does not play any role, so it is not taken into account anywhere.

Now, let's look at the load that both coatings give on one square meter of base. A metal tile, despite its rather large dimensions, gives a load of only 5 kilograms, but a bituminous tile is 8-12 kilograms.

Bottom line: Despite its large size, sheet metal gives less load on the base, but the large size of the material can be a serious inconvenience when laying in a confined space. In addition, such a product will be somewhat more difficult to transport than small shingles, but installation will also be easier. If you have frame house and you plan to make a roof as soon as possible, then a metal tile will be an ideal choice.

Application area

Both materials are used exclusively on pitched roof systems, minimum slope which should be between 12 and 14 degrees. But it is worth noting the advantage of soft tiles. Thanks to its elasticity, you can even send domed roofs, when only straight slopes can be done with metal. If the bend of the roofing plane falls on the central part of the shingle, then it is enough to give it the same shape and this will satisfy building codes and requirements.

The metal tile is a rigid material and it will not work to give it a bend. It can be laid exclusively on straight planes, so most often it can be found on simple structures. It can be quite difficult to choose a suitable metal tile, because there are quite a lot of its varieties. When installing a metal roof, there is always quite a lot of waste, the amount of which can reach up to 30% of the purchased product. In addition, the more sheets that are cut, the faster the entire roofing sheet will fail, as corrosion will begin to form on it.

Outcome: If your home has a difficult roof structure, then it is better to give preference to a soft roof. Despite its cost, you will benefit from less waste.

Foundation Requirements

As you already know, metal tiles are hard materials, so you can use a discharged crate created from boards or beams as a base. The step of the crate elements is selected based on temporary and permanent loads, as a rule, this value is in the range from 30 to 40 centimeters.

Since bituminous tiles are soft coatings, then for its flooring it will be necessary to create a continuous crate. It's a more complex system, but it's just as easy to create. To do this, it will be necessary to lay moisture-resistant plywood or OSB boards on the discharged crate and securely fasten them to the base. By the way, a solid crate can also be created from boards, but this process is associated with serious difficulties, so it is better to use familiar materials.

Bottom line: The price tag for the crate for shingles will be slightly higher, since it contains additional components. If the main thing for you is saving, then choose a metal tile.

Flooring difficulties

Since the dimensions of the metal sheets are larger, it is faster and easier to fill the roofing plane with them. There is nothing difficult in this work, it is enough to know where and with what frequency to screw the hardware. Even a novice roofer can cope with this procedure and at the same time show excellent results.

As for the bituminous roof, everything is much more complicated here. Even small mistake may reduce the quality of the entire surface. If, as a result of poor-quality installation, many places have accumulated where the installation technology has been violated, this can cost a complete loss of the operational properties of the roof as a whole. If you have never worked with this material, then it is better to contact specialists.

When laying a soft roof, it will take you much more labor than with a metal tile. But despite this, large-sized sheets of metal can be a problem, because their laying requires calm weather and special tools. To supply this roofing material to the roof, you will have to install supports made of wood, and the sheets will rise along them. You will not be able to cope with this task on your own, so you need to invite a partner.

We can say that the installation of metal tiles is a fairly simple process, especially if it is carried out on simple pitched roof systems, for example, a gable roof. A complicated frame leads to an increase in fractures, which significantly affects the waste.

Bottom line: On simple roofing systems, it is much more profitable to lay metal tiles, but if they have complex elements in the form of valleys, elevation changes and similar nodes, it is better to give preference to a bituminous product.

Soundproof qualities

Any person has ever wanted to be in silence, away from the bustling everyday life. If you choose a metal tile, then you can forget about silence. Of course, the solution to this problem can be good thermal insulation, her minimum thickness should be 150-200 millimeters, the only way to get rid of extraneous sounds.

Bituminous tiles look much better in this regard. Due to its multi-layer structure, it easily blocks almost all sounds. Due to this quality, many developers use this coating on attic floors, gazebos and garages.

Bottom line: If you can be classified as a nervous person who turns on because of extraneous noise, then you should definitely get shingles. But in the case when the sound of rain, on the contrary, calms you down, then the metal tile will be most welcome. As for insulated roofs, here, all materials are good.

Metal tile or soft roof. Which is better in terms of aesthetics

Upon completion of the flooring, both materials look pretty good, so you can talk about this topic for a long time.

The metal tile has a classic appearance that mimics the ceramic coating, and I must say, it works. But today, everyone has already begun to slowly forget what a noble tile is and use completely different sheets for flooring. Among the most popular are: monterrey, cascade and joker.

In addition to its shape, the metal sheet has a colored polymer layer, which also has a lot of options. You may not believe that the color palette is about 100 shades. Thanks to this, you can create a unique look for your home.

It is worth noting that the soft roof also has interesting shapes and colors. The most popular shingle shapes are: rectangular, hexagonal, shingles, in addition to them, you can find diamond-shaped, oval and "beaver tail". As for the color palette, here it is worth highlighting the multi-color coloring, thanks to which the finished surface is endowed with attractiveness.

The strongest advantage of a soft roof is a hidden fastening. It is obtained due to the peculiar arrangement of shingles, which are laid with vertical and horizontal overlap. And when using products with a self-adhesive base, they will not be at all. As hardware for fixing bituminous tiles to the base, it is best to use tackle nails or self-tapping screws, but some developers use tackle buttons, staples and other elements.

Bottom line: There are a lot of varieties of both materials on the construction market. There is no clear answer to the question of which roof is better: soft or metal, because everything will depend on the personal preferences of the tenant.

Operational terms

All developers strive to purchase durable material for a smaller amount, and in order for such a dream to come true, you should pay attention to wear resistance when buying. If we consider the metal tile according to given parameter, it is worth highlighting that the wear resistance is given by polymer coated. Polyester is considered the poorest quality protective coating, as it quickly peels off and is easily damaged, but the pural layer already meets all the requirements of construction.

The durability of a metal tile averages 20-50 years. Surely many immediately have a question, why such a large range of values? The fact is that only half of the service life depends on the quality of the material, and the rest falls on the share of high-quality installation.

Bituminous shingles perform a little better and their service life is 30-50 years. Here it is very important to choose high-quality bitumen, which has not been in the warehouse for many years.

Bottom line: The performance of both products is at an acceptable level. Quality installation together with materials will give a service life of 50 years.

price tags

As I said, many developers seek to purchase high-quality material at a low cost. Surely you are also concerned about the question of what is cheaper: metal roofing or soft roofing?

Having studied the construction market, we can say with confidence that the price of bituminous tiles is approximately one and a half times higher than metal tiles. But at the same time, it should be understood that there are different manufacturers and types of products, so here you need to approach the issue individually. As regards the costs of installation work, then a soft roof will be significantly more expensive.

Bottom line: If you are looking to create a budget roofing system, then get a metal tile.

I hope the information you read helped you decide which roof is better: soft or metal tiles, and now you can answer this question with confidence.

When planning the construction of a house, you must immediately decide on the choice of the main building materials. These include roofing, since the loads on the foundation base and the overall construction costs depend on its characteristics. There is a wide selection of pitched roof coatings on the market, but most often private developers are interested in what is better - a metal tile or a soft roof. To answer this question, you should compare materials according to various criteria and determine which option is more suitable for use in specific conditions.

Metal and soft tiles

Manufacturing principles

First of all, it is worth understanding design features considered materials. They fundamentally differ in structure, the only common thing is that both types of coating imitate tiles.

metal tile

Metal tile is a multilayer material based on rolled steel with a thickness of 0.4 mm to 0.7 mm. It is recommended to use roofing sheets made of steel with a thickness of at least 0.5 mm, since at smaller parameters the material is prone to deformation under loads and has a lower durability.

To protect against corrosion, rolled metal is coated on both sides with a layer of zinc (the thicker it is, the longer the roof will last), as well as a passivating layer - an oxide film, which also prevents steel from rusting.

A protective and decorative outer layer is applied to the front and back sides of the rolled metal. From the back side, it is painted with a special paint, and the front side is covered with a polymeric material - polyester, plastisol, pural, etc. The durability of the roofing and its stability depend on the characteristics and thickness of the polymer layer.:

to fading under the influence of ultraviolet radiation;
to mechanical damage during maintenance and other work on the roof.

Completely finished roll material subjected to profiling on special equipment and cut into sheets. The appearance of the finished roof depends on the characteristics of the profile, but in general, the imitation of the coating from piece clay tiles turns out to be successful.

Material structure overview

Soft tiles

Bitumen shingles are a relatively flexible material compared to metal shingles. Its base is fiberglass or other similar material that is tear-resistant and resistant to decay.

Modified bitumen is applied over the base on both sides - special polymer additives allow it to remain elastic at low temperatures, so that the roofing does not crack even when used in cold climates.

The lower layer of the flexible roofing material is covered with an adhesive and covered with a protective film, which is removed before installation. From the outside, bituminous tiles are supplied with a decorative and protective layer of mineral chips mixed with pigment and polymer resin. The outer coating protects the bituminous layer from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, increases the resistance of the roofing to mechanical damage.

Sheet material is produced in the form of shingles of a certain configuration. Due to the figured petals and special coloring, the finished roof looks original and attractive, but such a tile visually differs from the classical one.

Dimensions and weight

These parameters largely determine the ease of installation, the ability to carry out work on laying the coating on the roof on your own. In addition, the load on the wall structures and the foundation depends on the weight of the roofing material. In some cases, this is critical.

Metal roof tiles are produced in the form of sheets, the width of which varies between 1.12–1.19 m, and the length can be from 0.5 to 7.5 m. the roofing will have many joints, which worsens its functional parameters. In the standard version, the length of a metal tile sheet is 4.5 m, but the installation of such material requires the involvement of assistants to lift the sheets onto the roof. Sheets of greater length are most often made to order.

Sizes of sheets and shingles

Flexible roofing shingles have a small format (1000×337 mm), one person is enough to install the roofing.

Pay attention to the difference in the weight of the material: one element of a flexible roof weighs less than a sheet of metal, while the total weight of a bituminous tile roof is about 8–12 kg per square meter, and a metal tile roof is about 5 kg.

Specifics of use

It makes sense to choose which material is more suitable for use, flexible tiles or metal tiles, only if we are talking about a pitched roof, in which the angle of inclination of the slopes is from 12–14 °.

At the same time, due to its elasticity, bituminous material is suitable for laying on roofs of complex configuration, including cone-shaped, hemispherical or broken surfaces. The small size of soft roof shingles and fastening technology contributes to material savings - on complex roofs, the amount of waste will be no more than 4%.

Specifics of use

Metal tiles are used on roofs of a simple shape with even slopes, including multi-gable roofs. Attempting to use metal shingles on curved surfaces will result in a large number joints, the need for anti-corrosion treatment of edges on sections, a high percentage of waste (up to 30%). This complicates the installation work and increases the financial cost of arranging the roof.

Type of base (battens)

Due to the rigidity of the sheets of metal tiles, it is enough to use a sparse crate made of a bar or board for laying the coating. The greater the angle of inclination of the slopes, the wider the installation step of the crate elements, since the snow load on the roof is reduced, and vice versa. The standard batten pitch for this material is 350–400 mm.

Comparison of battens

Bituminous tiles are mounted on a flat surface, therefore, it requires a continuous crate of sheet materials (planed boards, plywood, OSB, etc.) over a sparse one. Such a crate is noticeably more expensive and more difficult to install, since it is necessary to avoid height differences at the joints of the sheets.

Mounting Features

Let's compare the main aspects of work related to the installation of roofing:

Preparatory stage. Installation of waterproofing, counter-lattices and battens for metal tiles requires less labor and time compared to fixing a solid batten and a special waterproofing underlay for bituminous material.
Lifting material to the place of laying. Advantages of soft tile shingles as they are small and light. Lifting sheets of steel tiles requires the involvement of assistants, and in some cases the use of special devices (supports made of wooden beam). When lifting, care should be taken - damage to the protective layer on the metal tile leads to the appearance of a corrosion center.
Mounting speed. The metal-tiled coating is mounted in a short time (on simple slopes), the work can be done independently. Laying flexible tiles requires special skills - it is difficult to dismantle glued shingles, and errors in the work technology lead to the fact that the roofing will not cope with its functions. The speed of installation of flexible tiles is approximately three times lower compared to the arrangement of a metal coating.

Nuances in the installation of metal tiles

Functionality of roofing

Metal tile flooring is characterized by increased windage, in areas with strong winds there is a risk of breaking the coating, especially if errors were made during installation. Soft tile flooring adheres securely to the subfloor, so this option is preferable in climates with strong winds.
Self-tapping screws are used to fasten the metal tile. Accordingly, mounting holes are made under them, each of which is potentially a source of corrosion, since the integrity of the protective coatings is violated. If the special washer on the self-tapping screw does not adhere well to the hole and does not seal it, the sheet material will quickly fail. In the area with high humidity, heavy rainfall, it is worth giving preference to bituminous roofing, the flooring of which is a one-piece multi-layer sealed “pie”, glued with special mastic and successfully resisting moisture.

Section of a roofing pie under a flexible tile

Soundproof parameters

It is not difficult to determine which roof is better in terms of soundproofing properties. The metal tile belongs to the "noisy" materials, which does not dampen the sound of drumming rain and wind, transmits vibration to building structures. To compensate for this shortcoming, it is recommended to use vibration-proof pads when installing the flooring, as well as heat-insulate the roof with a heater that can dampen sound waves.

The advantages of bituminous roofing include high noise insulation performance. The sound of drops on the roof, gusts of wind will not disturb the acoustic comfort in the house, even if the roof is not insulated.

architectural expressiveness

From the point of view of aesthetic characteristics, the materials are equal - the choice depends on the preferences of the developer. It is important that the roofing material is combined with the overall appearance of the building..

Manufacturers offer a wide selection of metal tiles, which differ in profile configuration and color. There are more than 100 shades on the market, which allows you to choose the best option for a home of any architecture.

Possible types of metal tile profiles

Bituminous tiles also please with a variety of petal shapes and color schemes. In addition to monochrome finishes, there is a rich selection of shingles available in complex colors that combine multiple shades. This adds expressiveness and originality to the mounted roofing.

Assortment of soft tiles

Please note: the fasteners of the metal profile flooring remain in sight, they are closed with hats to match the metal tile. At the same time, the installation of the bituminous coating is carried out using hidden fasteners, which increases the aesthetic appearance of the roof.

Service life and maintainability

One of the key criteria for choosing roofing is durability - the longer the roof is able to last, the more profitable it is to invest in this particular coating option. It is also important to evaluate maintainability, as external factors can affect the integrity of the deck.

Metal tile parameters

The service life of a metal tile depends on the technical characteristics of a particular material. Manufacturers define durability as 20–50 years, taking into account:

steel sheet thickness (recommended at least 0.5 mm);
galvanizing thickness (zinc consumption should be at least 275 g/m²);
characteristics of the polymeric protective and decorative layer.

It is these parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing which metal tile is better.. It is important to check the evenness of the sheets, the quality of the outer coating (the absence of paint streaks, blisters, etc.), familiarize yourself with the product certificates.

Which manufacturer to choose

Damaged roof decking elements can be replaced with new ones, but only if the profile configuration exactly matches. It is also possible to install patches, but such repairs will worsen the appearance of the roof.

Shingles parameters

Service life of bituminous material is 30–50 years. The exact timing depends on the following parameters:

type of bitumen (oxidized is more durable than modified);
strength characteristics of the base;
thickness of the outer protective layer.

Damaged shingle roofing can be repaired by applying a patch of the same material or by replacing the shingles. If you carefully do the work and choose the perfect shade, the repaired place on the roof of the house will not catch your eye.

Cost of materials

Let's figure out what is cheaper - a metal tile or a flexible tile. If we compare the prices for the materials themselves, then on average the purchase of shingles will cost one and a half times more than the purchase of metal tiles.

Equally important is the difference in installation costs. If roofing films, bars and self-tapping screws are used to equip a roofing pie with a decking of profiled steel sheets, then for laying bituminous tiles, you need:

bars and sheet materials for lathing;
lining carpet;
mastic;
fixing nails.

It should also be noted that it is advisable to entrust the installation of a bituminous coating to professionals, while many fasten metal tiles on their own.

Conclusion

Which choice will become a priority, metal tile or soft roof, which have their pros and cons, everyone decides on their own.

The compared materials have many differences. Comparison in terms of affordability is won by metal tiles - this is an inexpensive option that is ideal for the roof of a house and any ancillary buildings. However, we must not forget that for a residential building, even a summer cottage, roof insulation will definitely be required so that the noise of rain and wind does not interfere with rest, and this requires additional costs.

Bituminous shingles are good in terms of increased waterproofing, wind resistance and noise-absorbing properties. Summer cottage or a house with an insulated attic floor will not require roof insulation for acoustic comfort. But these total costs for roofing material and installation are relatively high.

Metal tiles are chosen for pitched roofs simple configuration, and shingles are versatile and suitable for installation on complex roofs.

Both materials are quite durable and maintainable, subject to the purchase of products from a reliable manufacturer. It is impossible to advise unambiguously what to choose. The decision is made taking into account the functional purpose of the building, the climatic features of the area, personal aesthetic preferences and financial capabilities.