Choosing the right metal roofing tiles for your home depends on several factors. Among the most important are:
- types of metal tiles
- thickness of the metal base
- metal tile covering.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these characteristics, and don’t let the complex terminology intimidate you. The key is to have a general understanding, and you can obtain any additional information from our company’s specialists.
Metal roofing tiles – materials and structure
Before deciding which metal roofing tile to choose, let’s understand the structure of this popular roofing material. Why metal and why tiles? The answer is simple: it’s made from thin sheet metal (steel, aluminum, copper). The appearance mimics the configuration of traditional ceramic tiles. All together, they’re called metal roofing tiles.
Don’t think of it as simply a painted sheet of metal with a different, but similar, appearance (profile). The roof protects the walls, foundation, and internal utilities. The roof covering is the last barrier against structural and biological deformation of wooden and other roof components.
For this, a simple metal coating is not enough. Metal roofing consists of several layers. Cold-rolled steel or another metal base is coated on both sides with zinc, which protects it from rain, hail, and solar heat. A protective film is then applied to the entire metal base. This is then primed and then coated with a polymer coating of various colors and textures.
Metal roofing technology was developed in Sweden. Currently, domestic companies have successfully mastered the production of this roofing material.
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Types of metal roofing tiles
Types of metal tiles by cutting shape.
1. Sheet.
The most common and in-demand type in terms of cutting shape. It is cut into sheets ranging from 2 to 5 meters or more in length. They are used to cover most private buildings, summer houses and cottages, offices, and outbuildings. They are used for pitched roofs with simple geometry.
2. Modular.
While not as popular as a roofing material, it is expanding its production and application range each year. This is due to the growing architectural diversity in private and public construction. A trend toward custom design is noticeable in various regions. Both individual homes and entire cottage communities with complex architecture are emerging.
Roofs are taking on a multi-pitched, combined geometry with protruding and integrated elements: dormers, balconies, multi-story towers, etc. Sheet metal roofing is not suitable for such structures. Modular roofing is a better choice. It is smaller in size and has a more convenient fastening system. It is more expensive than sheet metal roofing, but easier to transport, store, and install.
3. Individual metal roofing tiles.
These are custom-made to specific dimensions. They are used in restoration and renovation work.
Types of metal roofing tiles by external parameters
The roof is always the most visible, the most distinctive architectural element, especially in low-rise, everyday construction. The façade and walls may be hidden by the surrounding vegetation, but the roof is difficult to disguise from view.
Recognizing this nuance, manufacturers of the best sheet metal roofing products annually diversify their product lines, both in terms of design and technology. The construction market offers a wide range of options, but it’s precisely this vast selection that can be overwhelming for buyers. The multitude of names, textures, and colors can be overwhelming. Let’s take a slower approach and approach the selection from a pragmatic perspective.
The basic requirements for a roof are reliability, durability, harmonious design, and a color scheme that matches the architectural design. By default, any roofing material should meet these basic requirements. No one wants annual leaks, peeling paint, and other roofing problems.
To make the right choice, we recommend choosing roofing products with a long track record from a reliable manufacturer. These products, rather than the numerous new products, have successfully passed rigorous all-season testing and emerged victorious in the battle against rain, snow, and ultraviolet radiation. They proudly bear the title of the best metal roofing.
Manufacturers, suppliers, and roofers have accumulated extensive experience working closely with these types of roofing materials. They have developed the appropriate fastening materials, specialized construction equipment, and fixtures, and have perfected all the nuances of manufacturing, planning, area calculations, and cladding.
Don’t dismiss interesting new products either. Take a closer look, but they often end up using almost identical profiles and technologies to familiar models, and they’re more expensive.
Which profile types have served Russian homes faithfully for decades and have the best performance characteristics?
A quick clarification: the profile of a metal tile refers to the external pattern and alternation of flat (or concave) and protruding parts of the roof. The protruding part is called the wave or crest. The distance between the highest points of the crest is the wave pitch. Each type has a specific set of colors and textures. All together, this is the profile of the metal tile.
1. Monterrey metal roofing tiles.
A popular Russian type, produced by almost all domestic manufacturers. They are used for cladding residential and public buildings. This is a classic option, with a profile that closely resembles ceramic roofing tiles.
Monterrey comes in a variety of finishes, colors, and shades. Both expensive and budget-friendly options are available. Sheet lengths up to 8 meters are available. The standard and most user-friendly sheet is 4 meters long. Profile heights start at 15 mm. The roof does not appear bulky.
The kit includes seals and special roofing screws.
Available in several versions: Supermonterrey and Maxi with increased pitch and height.
2. Lamonterra.
The first and most proven profile, adopted by most Russian manufacturers. It’s possible that half of all Russian roofs are covered with Lamonterra.
The precise and smooth profile geometry ensures reliability, tightness, and easy installation. The wave pitch is 350 mm and the height is 14 mm.
It has several varieties with increased profile characteristics.
3. Grand Line metal roofing.
A wide and varied range of sheet roofing. The most popular types:
Grand Line Classic. An excellent choice for residential construction. Its profile is smooth, reminiscent of clay tiles. It blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape and the overall architectural design. Maximum sheet length: 6.5m.
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Classic is easy to install, lightweight, and affordable. A wide range of colors is available. The roofing has excellent performance characteristics, is corrosion-resistant, and withstands mechanical stress well. It does not fade or discolor over time. The coating comes in a variety of textures.
Quinta. A popular type of ruler. Distinguished from classic profiles by a recognizable groove along the top of the comb. Technical specifications:
- profile height 20 mm
- wave pitch 350 mm
- overall width 1210 mm
- minimum length 0.5 mm
- maximum length 6.5 m
It adds individuality and appeal to any home. It is resistant to external mechanical and seasonal influences. Quinta is corrosion-resistant and easy to install. It comes in a variety of colors and textures. Quinta Plus comes with a warranty of up to 50 years.
Credo. A profile with a large wave pattern and a rounded ridge. The total sheet width is 1190 mm, the maximum length is 6.5 m, and the wave height is 28.5 mm. The large profile makes Credo extremely reliable. It has a glossy surface with varying degrees of gloss.
Available with a full range of additional and fastening elements.
What thickness of metal roofing should I choose?
The optimal metal roofing thickness depends on the building’s intended use (residential, commercial, or utility) and your preferences. It’s important to determine the correct metal roofing thickness in advance. Choosing the right thickness is crucial. It’s the metal roofing thickness that ensures the roof’s reliability and longevity. The thinner the roofing thickness, the more susceptible the material is to deformation and damage.
Metal roofing tiles with a thickness of 0.37–0.40 mm are attractive only due to their low cost. They are not used in major construction projects. They have poor performance characteristics and are easily damaged during transportation and installation. Their service life is 2–3 years.
It is used as a roof for temporary sheds, sheds, or for awnings and canopies.
Metal roofing tiles with a thickness of 0.45 mm are slightly more expensive and are used for residential buildings in regions with mild climates without snowfall, hail, or strong winds. They are used on roofs with simple geometry. During installation, they require continuous sheathing and careful handling during transportation and storage.
The optimal steel thickness for capital housing construction of houses, cottages, and summer houses is 0.5 mm. This thickness ensures ductility during installation and resistance to deformation.
Metal roofing tiles are available with greater thicknesses. Their installation requires a solid foundation, robust walls, and reinforcement of the entire rafter system. Special equipment and budgetary expenses are essential.
Types of metal roofing
The metal roofing coating is the final protective and only visible layer of the roofing material. It protects the metal base from corrosion and deformation and adds an overall aesthetic finish. It is the face of the roof and the entire house.
Each type of polymer coating has its own physical and chemical properties, thickness, color and texture.
Let’s focus on the most common polymers that have proven themselves across all parameters. They vary, but a rough classification can be summarized as follows:
Polyester is the most common budget-friendly option in the economy segment. It is highly elastic and does not crack or deform when folded. It is made with a polyester paint and is suitable for roofs of any geometry. The coating thickness is 25 microns. It has a glossy texture and a wide range of colors. It does not withstand sudden mechanical impacts and temperature fluctuations well. With proper installation and a mild climate, it will last 15-20 years.
A matte polyester subtype. The coating contains Teflon, which increases thickness and durability. The texture is rough and lacks shine. It has a service life of 20-30 years.
Pural (polyurethane) is a high-quality, durable coating originating from Sweden. Its 50-micron thickness allows it to withstand significant physical loads and all-weather conditions. Its high performance properties are achieved through the use of special granules. It does not fade or discolor, and will last 30-50 years. The surface is glossy, but matte finishes are also available.
Norman is a remarkable, improved coating in the mid-price range. Norman is applied to metal roofing sheets only 0.5 mm thick. It’s a clear indicator of quality and guarantees:
- high mechanical strength
- no corrosion
- resistant to ultraviolet radiation at high temperatures
- 10-year factory warranty
Viking is a high-quality, elegant matte finish available in neutral tones from asphalt gray to black. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, it offers excellent performance characteristics and an optimal price-quality ratio.
If your design preferences are broad and unconventional, consider Ecostyle flooring . It can imitate brick, wood, or stonework.
Difficulties in choosing metal roofing tiles
How to choose metal roofing tiles so you don’t feel the pain of wasted material and emotional resources.
We recommend not being fooled by low prices and high warranties. The construction materials market is full of newcomers, especially from Asian regions, whose understanding of professional ethics is highly unclear. Don’t hesitate to inquire with sellers about the accuracy of the metal roofing specifications they offer. Have them measure the metal thickness in your presence and provide technical documentation.
Work with reputable manufacturers and suppliers. They are not shy about marking each sheet with the company name and technical specifications. Consultants from such manufacturers will calmly and professionally answer all questions about quality and installation, provide technical data sheets and written warranties, and will be happy to share contact information.
No one expects the average buyer to have professional knowledge of roofing material production and installation. However, try to determine at least the color, design, and acceptable financial investment.
It’s great if you’re confident in your ability to calculate roofing material areas and install them yourself. It’s easy to make mistakes in any new project. Our company has many years of experience in roofing. We’ll handle the selection and installation of metal roofing quickly and efficiently.
