What is better shingles or soft roofing. Metal tile or soft roof - which is better, comparison of characteristics, advantages of materials

When planning the construction of a house, you must immediately decide on the choice of basic 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 the design features of the materials under consideration. They fundamentally differ in structure, the only common thing is that both types of coating imitate tiles.

metal tile

Metal tile is a multi-layer material, the basis of which is 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 rolled material is 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 is 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. On 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

Choosing which material is more suitable for the application, flexible tiles or metal tiles, makes sense 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. An attempt to use metal tiles for laying on curved surfaces will lead to a large number of joints, the need for anti-corrosion treatment of edges on cuts, and 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 step of installing the elements of the crate, 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:

1. 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.
2. 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 beams). When lifting, care should be taken - damage to the protective layer on the metal tile leads to the appearance of a corrosion center.
3. 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 mistakes 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 areas 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. Metal tile refers to "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. The market offers materials with more than 100 shades, 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 caps 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, swelling, 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. A summer cottage or a house with an insulated attic floor will not require thermal insulation of the roof for acoustic comfort. But these total costs for roofing material and installation are relatively high.

Metal tiles are chosen for pitched roofs of a simple configuration, and bituminous tiles 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.

Soft roofing (bituminous tiles) and metal tiles are roughly equivalent roofing materials that combine reliability, durability and aesthetic appearance. Therefore, when an ordinary developer faces the problem of choosing one of these materials, he, as a rule, is lost.

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

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

The metal tile is profiled sheets with longitudinal and transverse corrugation, imitating the shape and pattern of ceramic tiles. It turns out pretty similar. From afar, you can’t determine that these are not piece tiles, but metal modules.

The structure of the metal tile is complex, in the context it consists of several layers. At the base is a thin sheet of steel 0.4-0.7 mm, coated with zinc on both sides, at least 18-20 microns thick. Further, again, passivating layers and primer are applied on both sides. As a finish, the lower side of the module is painted with a protective paint, and a polymer is applied to the upper side - polyester, pural, plastisol, etc.

Bituminous tiles are a different type of material, these are narrow ribbons (shingles) with cutouts in the form of rectangles, rhombuses, petals, etc. Laid on the roof, these details form the basis of a unique pattern inherent in a particular type of product.

The flexible tile also has a multi-layer structure based on fiberglass “wrapped” in a shell of modified or oxidized bitumen. On the front layer, stone chips-granulate are applied, on the bottom layer - a bituminous-polymer adhesive composition, which allows gluing the shingles together without the use of mastics.

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

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

Criterion #1 - Dimensions and Weight

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

There are no such problems with bituminous tiles, since the material is produced in the form of small shingles. Standard: length - 1000 mm, width - 337 mm. It is easy to lift shingles to a height and carry out installation activities, even if the team consists of only one person.

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

Conclusion: Metal tile modules are larger than bituminous shingles, however, in the end, metal roofing weighs less and puts little stress on the rafters.

Criterion #2 - Scope

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

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

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

Criterion #3 - type of foundation

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

For the installation of shingles, you will need a more complex crate - a solid one, usually consisting of two layers. The first layer is sparse, the same as in the case of metal tiles, the second layer is a solid flooring made of plywood, OSB or boards.

Conclusion: bituminous tile sheathing is a more complex system, and, accordingly, more expensive, requiring more expensive materials. The choice of metal tiles, on the contrary, will help reduce the cost of the foundation.

Criterion # 4 - the complexity of installation

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

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

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

To transport them to a height to the installation site, special wooden supports are used, along which they are lifted in a vertical position. This process requires at least two workers. Bituminous shingles are more convenient in this regard, the small size of which makes it possible for one roofer to lift them onto the roof and mount them without the use of transport devices.

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

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

Criterion #5 - soundproofing properties

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

The bituminous tile is absolutely silent, for it it is not necessary to lay special soundproofing layers. Therefore, it is perfect for arranging any roofs, including those where insulation is not structurally provided, for example, in summer attics, gazebos, garages, etc.

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

Criterion #6 - Design Possibilities

Both materials, when laid on the roof, look great.

The metal tile imitates classic ceramic tiles, so it looks very natural. Moreover, there are a large number of profiles with different wave sizes and their geometry. Some of the most popular profiles are Monterrey, Supermonterrey, Cascade, Joker.

In addition to the variety of profiles, the range of metal tiles impresses with the number of color schemes. There are about 100 of them! And this means that a metal roof can have almost any shade that fits into the architectural ensemble or your personal preferences.

The soft roof is not inferior in terms of design possibilities, thanks to which almost any architectural ideas can be realized. The appearance of a soft roof, first of all, depends on the shape of the bituminous shingles. The most famous of them are diamond-shaped, hexagonal, rectangular, oval, "beaver tail", "shingles", etc.

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

A big advantage of the appearance of a soft roof is hidden fasteners. The shingles are attached to the base with a self-adhesive bottom layer and small nails covered by the top row of shingles. The modules of the metal tile are fixed on the crate with special self-tapping screws, which, despite the caps, painted to match the roofing, remain visible.

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

Criterion #8 - Durability

The service life of roofing material depends on its wear resistance. In metal tiles, this factor is associated with the type of polymer coating. Polyester material is considered to be of less quality, pural material is considered to be of higher quality. Wear resistance is also directly dependent on the zinc content, which should be at least 275 g/m2.

On average, the durability of metal tiles is estimated by manufacturers in the range of 20-50 years.

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

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

Criterion #9 - Cost

Soft tiles are more expensive than metal tiles. On average, if we consider only materials, the price differs by 1.5 times. But, besides this, under a soft roof, laying a lining carpet is required, as well as a continuous crate (preferably from FSF or OSB-3 plywood). All this costs extra money.

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

Conclusion: metal roofing is a more budget option than soft roofing.

In conclusion - what is still better?

According to some parameters, a metal tile is more suitable, and according to others, a bituminous roof. You need to choose, weighing and evaluating the importance of each factor for a particular case. For example, low sound insulation of metal tiles may not play a role on the roof of a barn, utility block or other non-residential facility. And on the mansard roof, on the contrary, to become a weighty argument in favor of shingles.

We offer you to watch a video story in which they talk about the main features and differences between metal tiles and soft roofs - this will help you make the final and right choice.

It is difficult to keep track of modern materials, and only then, the demand for them is slightly reduced, one can consider their quality points. Today, despite the enormous number of varieties of roofing products, bituminous and metal coatings are especially popular. Many developers have been trying for quite a long time to understand which material is the favorite: soft tiles or metal tiles, and which is better for the roof structure?

metal tile

Before you compare the two materials, you need to know more about them. I started with metal tiles for a reason, because the demand for it is somewhat greater than for soft products. Many old-school private developers assume that the stronger and stiffer the material, the longer it will lie on the roof surface. This is an erroneous assumption, however, after reading the entire article, you will understand everything yourself.

The metal tile is made from sheet galvanized steel by a rolling method. A sheet of metal in width can vary from 0.8 to 1 meter, depending on the type of product. The length of the canvas with a maximum size reaches 12 meters, but manufacturers do not put such on sale, they can only be obtained on an individual request. In the construction market, you can purchase materials from 1 to 8 meters long.

A primer and polymeric substances are applied to the metal surface as a protective layer. The cheapest materials have weak protection, which can peel off at the slightest mechanical contact at the time of installation, transportation or operation, if a cone or a dry branch falls on it.

At the base, a discharged crate of lumber is constructed. It can be lightweight, since the weight of one square meter of the roof does not exceed 7 kilograms. The color range of metal tiles is quite impressive, because due to the addition of paint to polymers, absolutely any color can be obtained.

The strengths of this coverage are as follows:

• Cheapness
• High strength
• Durability
• Ease of delivery and installation
• The reliability of the roof is achieved by creating a discharged crate
• A small mass of material, due to which two workers are enough for the installation of the coating.

IMPORTANT: When working with metal sheets, you must wear thick gloves as part of your uniform. The fact is that the edges of the sheet are very sharp and with careless movements you can seriously injure yourself.

To serious shortcomings of a metal tile it is possible to attribute natural properties of metal, namely: corrosion. If the protective layer is removed for some reason, then you will have to take action quickly. In addition, this coating is distinguished by disgusting sound insulation, and to solve this problem, a thick layer of heat-insulating material will have to be laid.

bituminous tiles

As a raw material for the production of soft tiles, oxidized bitumen, some additives and fiberglass are taken. Such tiles can be of various shapes, for example, hexagonal, scales, diamond-shaped, rectangular, and so on. A sheet of such a tile is often called a shingle. Different manufacturers can produce materials of different sizes, so it is quite difficult to determine them. For example, the length and width of bituminous tiles of the Cologne brand are 1000x317 millimeters, while the parameters of the Jazz brand from Shinglas are 1000x335 millimeters. The length indicator can also vary, so these parameters will be purely individual.

As a protective layer on the surface of the material there is a mineral dressing, which does not allow the material to spread during prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, or be damaged by mechanical stress.

The advantages of bituminous tiles are as follows:

• Good sound insulation
• High waterproofing qualities
• Long term operation
• maintainability
• Relative ease of installation

The disadvantages of this coverage can be written down such items as:

• A rough surface that does not allow the snow to go off on its own.
• high cost
• Limited installation conditions. In extreme heat, the material "floats", and in the cold it loses its elasticity and cracks.

As you can see, both materials have strengths and some disadvantages; in no case can they be compared by them, because they can change during operation. In most cases, due to the building region and living conditions, roofing behaves differently.

Construction in most cases is quite individual and where the material performs well, there is a place where it will be frankly bad. One thing I can say for sure: do not look at foreign manufacturers, because they produce products for their region. Purchase materials from your area and then they will meet the requested requirements.

Roofing pie base

Surely, you have met with these roofing materials at least once and understand that bituminous tiles are elastic, and embossed metal sheet has a fairly strong rigidity and will not sag under its own weight. The base for metal tiles and bituminous products differ significantly. In the first case, it is most expedient to build a discharged crate from boards or beams, when a solid one is created when laying soft materials.

Identical products can be used as lumber for both purlins. The only differences between such bases will be sheets of plywood or OSB boards with a lining carpet. The lining levels the resulting base and acts as an additional waterproofing.

The cost of a continuous type of crate will be somewhat more, but you can’t do without it. When installing any roof, one should not forget about the ventilation ducts. Metal roofs are distinguished by their ability to accumulate condensate, so here, in addition to ventilation, additional layers of waterproofing may be needed. In residential construction and roof insulation, in this case it is better to use hydrophobic heat-insulating materials, for example, foam glass or polystyrene foam boards.

The considered materials are practically in the same weight category: the weight of one square meter of metal tiles is in the range from 5 to 7 kilograms, and bituminous tiles from 7 to 9 kilograms. It follows from this that the truss system can be made of wood of the same section, and the step of the elements of the crate will also be similar.

Conclusion: From an economic point of view, the cost of a base for a metal roof will be somewhat lower than for a soft one.

The complexity of the installation work

Flexible materials are easy to install. They are elastic, small in size and can be cut with a regular knife. These products work very well on complex roof systems such as domed or multi-gable roof systems.

There is no need to even talk about the economy of the material. Any piece that you cut off from the main sheet can be used later, when the rest of the metal sheet can simply be thrown away. Just think, the waste when laying metal tiles is 40-60%, when when laying bituminous material this figure rarely exceeds 10%. In connection with such losses, the metal sheet is used only on straight and primitive structures, where there is a minimum of structural elements in the form of valleys and height differences.

Conclusion: Sheets of metal have a much larger coverage area, so working with them is quite easy. Laying shingles is also quite simple, but it is quite a long and tedious process. In addition, before installation, it is very important to mark the plane so that the shingles fit in even rows.

Cost of materials

A little higher, I already said that the metal tile is in the low price segment. For example, a coating sheet 5 millimeters thick can be purchased for $12-14. In addition to buying the material itself, you will have to spend money on solutions, additional elements and fasteners, the price of which will be half of all purchased products.

Manufacturers of metal tiles give a guarantee for their products, it is different for each company and varies from 5 to 20 years. In many cases, the durability of the material depends on the thickness of the product itself, the protective layer, maintenance during operation and quality installation. The average durability of this coating varies from 30 to 50 years.

Now, let's look at shingles. Immediately it is worth noting its high cost. The price tag per square meter of composite roofing will be about 30-40 dollars. The manufacturer's warranty in this case is much longer and for some brands it reaches up to 30 years. If there was a high-quality installation during the flooring, and timely maintenance during operation, then the material can lie on the roof for up to 70 years. The price for a simple tile is much less, only 7-20 dollars per square.

Many developers ask me: “what is the best soft tile?” Today, it is a flexible tile with a copper covering. It can last up to 100 years on a roofing plane, but the price tag per square meter is quite high, it is 70-80 dollars.

Conclusion: The cost of a particular coverage is often decisive. If you want to create a durable and high-quality roof, then I advise you to consider bituminous materials with an above-average price tag. In case of tightness in the budget, you can purchase metal tiles, but make sure that only high-quality components are used as a protective layer, so you will get material with the longest possible operation and at an affordable price.

Installation nuances

In no case should metal tiles be cut with power tools, in particular a grinder. Sparks flying in all directions easily burn through the polymer film, therefore, there can be no question of any protective layer after operation. In addition, metal sheets are quite thin and can bend if not handled carefully. When transporting and loading and unloading, you can not work independently. The minimum number of people in this process should be 2, but it is best to invite a couple more workers.

As a fastener for metal roofs, it is advisable to use a self-tapping screw with a rubber lining, and when laying bituminous tiles, small nails or staples of a construction stapler are most often used. An indicator of high-quality fasteners on soft roofs will be the stealth of hardware.

Flexible shingles are now used to cover 90% of the roofs of private homes in the United States. This new generation is confidently gaining popularity in the domestic market. Outwardly, soft tiles resemble traditional ceramic tiles, but bypass it in numerous advantages. Durable, lightweight, practical and attractive material is presented in a huge variety. How to choose the right soft tile, its type, shape, color, and which manufacturer to give preference to?

No. 1. Composition of shingles

The material called shingles, popularly also called soft tiles, shingles, roofing tiles, shingles and even shingles named after the main domestic manufacturer of the material. It is sold in the form of small flat sheets of various shapes and colors. High performance due to production technology.

Soft tile consists of the following layers:

Worthy of special attention polymer additives that modify bitumen. The properties of soft tiles depend on them. As additives are usually used:

Is there some more oxidized bitumen, which is obtained by treating bitumen with oxygen, starting the process of artificial aging. Due to this treatment, the service life, resistance to low and high temperatures is increased. In terms of elasticity, such bitumen is inferior to SBS-modified bitumen, but it costs less and is fully applicable in domestic conditions.

You can determine the type of bitumen used during an external examination of soft tiles. It is enough to pull the corner of the upper layer, and if the bitumen stretches, we have a modified version of it, if it breaks, it is oxidized.

No. 2. Advantages and disadvantages of flexible tiles

Features of the production of soft tiles determine its excellent performance, which, in turn, creates a great demand. Among the main advantages of flexible tiles:

• ease of installation and transportation due to low weight and compact dimensions. It is not necessary to build a reinforced truss system, and this is a significant savings;
• possibility of use for organizing roofs of complex shapes, even domed, and waste will be minimal;
  
• resistance to all negative environmental factors, however, it is necessary to choose a soft tile of the appropriate composition. The material is not afraid of sunlight, moisture, ice, frost, corrosion, so it can boast high durability(about 50 years), and manufacturers give a multi-year warranty on their products;
• the material does not fade in the sun, does not change its color over time;
• excellent heat and sound insulation, which allows you to maintain an optimal microclimate in the house and not suffer from noise during rain;
  
• beautiful appearance, a huge selection of colors and shapes, the ability to imitate natural tiles;
• health safety;
• soft tiles - dielectric, so there is no need for a lightning rod;
• resistance to fire, since combustible bitumen is covered with stone particles on top.
  

Among the shortcomings note:

Soft tiles are a versatile material for roofing, public and commercial buildings, industrial facilities. Roof tiles are mounted on roofs with a slope of more than 12 degrees, and if the slope is more than 45 degrees, then each element will have to be reinforced with 2-4 nails.

No. 3. Why is flexible tile better than competitors?

Among the main competitors of flexible tiles are roofing materials such as slate, metal tiles and natural tiles. Soft tiles are more expensive than the first three analogues, but buyers often prefer it, because it surpasses slate and ondulin for aesthetic qualities, durability, amount of waste and ease of installation. metal tile can compete in appearance, but its minus is a lot of noise during rain and the possibility of corrosion when the protective layer is deformed. Flexible tiles are quiet and not afraid of rust.

Remains only natural tiles, which boasts record durability, neutrality and excellent appearance, which manufacturers of soft tiles are so eager to repeat in their collections. However, a natural analogue is much more expensive, requires reinforcement of the truss system, is difficult to install and needs periodic monitoring of the roof and replacement of damaged elements.

No. 4. Types of flexible tiles according to the method of cutting sheets and color

Roofing material is usually evaluated by the mass of parameters, and the appearance is taken into account in the first place. Aesthetics depends not only on the color, but also on the shape of the element. Today, manufacturers of soft tiles offer us such cutting options:

• shingles;
• rhombus;
• rectangle;
• oval;
• hexagon;
• "brick";
• "beaver tail";
• "dragon tooth"

Variety of colors much more. Tiles of red-brown, green and blue shades are popular, but the choice is not limited to this. Manufacturers have learned to create not only monochromatic products, but also with a transition from one color to another, and the capabilities of modern technology allow dyeing in almost any shade, and with a 3D effect. Changing the color of the topping and the base, the shape of the sheet and the pattern on it, as well as the parameter of glossiness and dullness, allows you to achieve original effects or a complete resemblance to clay or wooden tiles.

On sale you can find three-layer soft tile, which differs from the usual two-layer not only in price and even higher performance, but also in appearance. The third layer is applied with a slight offset, which allows you to achieve the effect of volume and relief, and this has a positive effect on the aesthetics of the coating.

No. 5. Types of soft tiles by modification

Installation of bituminous roof tiles requires the use of elements of different modifications:

No. 6. What to consider during an external examination?

Sometimes a visual inspection will tell much more about the quality of a soft tile, and not a description by the manufacturer of technical characteristics. To choose a quality flexible tile, when buying, pay attention to the following points:

Soft tiles are sold in packs of 22 elements, which approximately corresponds to 3 square meters. m of finished coverage. The package weight ranges from 5-8 kg for single-layer products and up to 20 kg for multi-layer products. Experts recommend using elements from different packages during installation - this is a guarantee that the roof will turn out to be aesthetic, even if the color of the material in different packs is slightly different. The quality and durability of a roof made of soft tiles depends on the preparation of the base - a violation of the technology can lead to a significant reduction in the service life.

No. 7. The best manufacturers of soft tiles

The trendsetter in the field of shingles is the United States, because it is there that the material is most popular, at least for now. Large companies such as Owens Corning, GAF and CertainTeed operate there, but their products are not well represented on the domestic market, since analogues from European companies are not inferior in quality and variety, but are cheaper. A couple of years ago, due to the crisis and the decline in European production, the market for soft tiles shrank by almost a third, which was answered by domestic manufacturers, who instantly increased their momentum and flooded hardware stores with their products. Which soft tile manufacturers can be trusted?

1. Tegola- Italian company, operating since 1973, is the leader among European countries in terms of production of bituminous tiles. The manufacturer's priority is not only performance, but also appearance, so you can find unique tiles in the company's collections, for example, with copper coating. In total, the manufacturer offers several collections, with a dozen shapes and about a hundred different colors. Factories and representative offices are located in 73 countries of the world, and thanks to the launch of a plant in the Ryazan region, high quality has become more affordable for the domestic buyer.
   
2. Katepal OY- the largest Finnish manufacturer of soft tiles, sells it under the brand name Ruflex. It has been operating since 1949, selling products to Europe, the Middle East and Asia. In the manufacture of improved bitumen of the highest quality, providing frost resistance products. The manufacturer takes into account Russian climatic features and supplies the domestic market with the most suitable products in terms of characteristics. The variety of species, of course, is not the same as that of the Italian competitor, but still very rich and allows you to choose the right option. The range includes two-layer tiles. Prices are above average.
3. Icopal- Another major Finnish manufacturer that offers high-quality roof tiles made on modern equipment and using the best materials. Only SBS-modified bitumen is used, the assortment is small, but includes all the most popular colors and shapes, prices are average.
4. IKO- a company whose production facilities are located in Canada, Belgium and Slovakia. The range of soft tiles is huge, there are own developed forms, the variety of shades is very wide. Tiles are produced mainly using oxidized bitumen, prices are average.
   
5. CertainTeed- one of the few American companies whose products can be found on the domestic market. The range is amazing, some products do not know analogues and are not found in other manufacturers. The price is high.
6. BRAI- Italian manufacturer offering soft tiles with copper coating.
7. Kerabit- Finnish company, characterized by a sufficient range and high quality products. Prices are average.
8. TechnoNIKOL group of companies produces the famous soft tiles Shinglas and Tilercat. Industrial capacities are constantly growing, customers are offered new colors and shapes of the material. All products comply with European quality standards, but at the same time they cost 1.5-2 times cheaper than foreign analogues. There are, of course, elite and expensive options, but, regardless of the price, all products are of good quality and durability. The company offers several collections of soft tiles: the material differs in shape and color, the number of layers (there are multilayer products), there are also products with record performance, and they are guaranteed for 50 years.
   
9. Döcke Extrusion Group has two factories in Russia, has been operating since 2005 and has representative offices in almost all regions of the country. The choice of tiles is sufficient, oxidized and SBS-modified bitumen is used, the guarantee for economy class products is 20 years, for more expensive products - 50 years.

Soft tile is an almost ideal roofing material that will last for decades, you just need to choose a quality product, which will help the name of the manufacturer, and carry out the installation correctly.

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 are one of those people who do not understand the construction business, then carefully read this paragraph, here you will find a lot of useful information that 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 strengths and weaknesses of a particular product.

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 truss 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 special attention to it. 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 a 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, the minimum slope of 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.

Bottom line: If your home has a complex 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 a small mistake can 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: It is much more profitable to lay metal tiles on simple roofing systems, but if they have complex elements in the form of valleys, elevation changes and similar nodes, then 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, good thermal insulation can be a solution to this problem, its minimum thickness should be 150-200 millimeters, this is 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, besides 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 a metal tile according to this parameter, then it is worth highlighting that the wear resistance is set by a polymer coating. 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. High-quality installation in combination 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 for the cost of installation work, the 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.