Composite tiles. Composite tiles pros and cons

Any owner always strives to ensure that his home is both comfortable to live in and attractive in appearance. And both of these factors directly depend on the quality of the roof, so special attention is always devoted to the selection of roofing covering. It is necessary to try to settle on an option that would combine high reliability, an elegant appearance (preferably “with a twist” that makes it stand out against a monotonous background), durability of the roof, guaranteed by the manufacturer and proven by the practice of using the material, and, finally, a relatively affordable price .

The task, as you can see, is not an easy one, but with the modern range of roofing coverings, it is still solvable. So, from the relative novelties of the Russian market building materials We advise you to take a closer look at composite tiles.

Combination of "classic" appearance with the versatility and durability of modern construction materials, combined with a convenient installation system (much simpler than that of piece tiles), is gradually bringing this type of roofing to the “top” of popularity. Interestingly, some potential homeowners do not even know exactly about the availability of such materials, or have insufficient information about them. First of all, this publication is dedicated to this category of users - composite tiles pros and cons, a review of the most popular brands and tips on selection.

Roofs have been covered with clay tiles since time immemorial. Agree that out of all the variety of coatings, this type of roofing looks the most advantageous. But such tiles are a very heavy material, that is, they require reinforced sheathing of the rafter system. In addition, laying individual natural tiles is a very difficult task to do on your own, and very expensive if you invite specialists for these purposes. And high-quality ceramic tiles themselves belong to the category expensive coatings, so in the end a very “round” sum accumulates.

What is the solution to give the roof an attractive appearance, to minimize the weight of the roof, and, if possible, to simplify installation work? Several solutions are proposed, including metal imitation tiles, which, by the way, are very popular.

However, it must be admitted that metal with a given tile profile and applied paint coating– still does not look so advantageous, and is closer in its characteristics to corrugated sheeting. In addition, such a roof gradually loses the freshness of its colors, fading in the sun, and during rain or hail it turns into a kind of “drum”, the noise from which penetrates into living quarters.

And now a significant step forward has been the development of composite tiles, which combine the strength and ductility of metal with the durability and natural beauty of natural mineral materials.

You can list about a dozen companies involved in the production of such roofing materials (of course, if we are talking about “cool” manufacturers, who are a kind of standard of product quality). Each of them, of course, uses its own technological secrets, but in general outline The structure of composite tiles can be represented as shown in the diagram:

• The basis of any composite tile is always a steel sheet (item 1). It is thanks to the plasticity and rigidity of the metal that the coating is given the same geometric shapes that allow it to successfully compete externally with natural tiles.

Sheet thickness can be from 0.4 mm (relatively inexpensive models coating) and up to 0.9 mm (for high-strength material). Leading manufacturers use steel from the best metallurgical companies, with precisely seasoned chemical composition metal and the “geometry” of the sheet - its thickness over the entire area should not deviate from the standard by more than 0.05 mm.

• Steel sheet in mandatory has a double-sided protective anti-corrosion coating (item 2). The durability of the roof itself, of course, directly depends on its quality, so close attention is always paid to this issue.

— Leading manufacturers “don’t dabble” in simple galvanizing – its corrosion resistance indicators are in this case clearly insufficient. And if in the documents for the material only the abbreviation HDG (Hot Dip Galvanized) appears, then this does not at all indicate the high quality of the material that will be used as a roof.

— Most often, an aluminum-zinc alloy is used for such a protective coating. Aluminum has always been famous for its anti-corrosion qualities, and zinc, in addition to this, also creates additional galvanic protection, which is especially important for places where metal is cut. But here, too, some variations are possible. Thus, there is a coating with a predominance of zinc (usually designated ZA). However, more “advanced” and reliable is the so-called aluzinc® - a patented alloy consisting of 55% aluminum, 43% zinc, and the remaining share is silicon, which acts as a catalyst.

Aluzinc is the most common anti-corrosion coating for steel sheets used for the production of composite tiles. Of course, the thinner this layer, the more reliable the protection and the more durable the product. And this parameter can vary among different manufacturers - from 120 to 190 g/m², and some especially protected roofing models have Aluzinc® coating, reaching even 275 g/m² (for example, in model range composite tiles of the Decra brand).

“But the most resistant to any, even the most aggressive environment, is the patented Magnelis® coating. It is a zinc-based alloy containing only 3.5% aluminum and 3% magnesium. The Magnelis® layer is applied to technological lines hot-dip galvanizing, in which metal sheets are completely immersed in the melt. The resulting coating as a result of such processing has no equal among its “brothers” - it surpasses them in durability many times over, and can compete almost equally with worthless stainless steel.

The illustration above shows for clarity the result of a comparative experiment - four samples of sheet steel with different coatings (all coatings 20 microns thick) were placed in the same aggressive salt environment. Result shown:

A– result obtained after just six weeks on a conventional hot-dip galvanized (HDG) sample.

b– coating with zinc-aluminum alloy ZA – the sample lasted almost 7 months (28 weeks).

V– Aluzinc® coating – red rust spots began to appear by the end of the 8th month of testing – after 34 weeks.

G– patented Magnelis® coating – by the end of the same 34 weeks, no signs of corrosion are visible on the sample at all.

So, it is obvious that the Magnelis® protective layer can be considered the best. Such products are, of course, more expensive, but the guarantees of quality and durability are more serious. Composite tiles with a similar anti-corrosion coating on the metal base are produced by one of the leaders in this segment of the roofing materials market - the Belgian company Metrotile.

• Let's move on. The above-mentioned anti-corrosion layer based on a metal alloy is only the first “line of defense”. A metal sheet with an already extruded profile of the future composite tile on both sides must be coated with a special acrylic primer (item 3), about 5 microns thick.

On the back side of the sheet, this SPT coating becomes another additional barrier against negative impact external environment and, to a certain extent, from mechanical damage (scratching) of the aluminum-zinc layer.

On the front side of the sheet, such an acrylic layer, in addition, becomes a means of increasing the adhesion of the metal base with the decorative coating of the future roof. This prevents possible delamination, damage, cracks, etc.

• The next layer (item 4) deserves special attention. This is an acrylic composition that sets the base color of the tile, provides protection from ultraviolet rays, and becomes a reliable basis for holding the mineral powder coating on the surface of the tile.

Previously, materials such as modified bitumen (as is done on flexible tiles) were often used as such a coating. But practice has shown that the performance qualities of an acrylic composition on a metal base are disproportionately higher. By the way, if there is a certain clarity with all the other layers of the “pie” of composite tiles, and manufacturers use similar materials, then it is this acrylic “substrate” that is usually the technological secret of the company - its role in the durability and decorative appeal of the roofing is so important.

• The special naturalness and unique “chic” of the composite tiles is given by the granular mineral coating (item 5), glued into the layer of acrylic “backing”. Most often, basalt chips are used in this role, although options are also possible - jade, granite, jasper, and other crushed rocks, characterized by high strength and original appearance.

A similar topping is also possible from coarse-grained quartz sand, sometimes with textured granular inclusions, but such sandy coatings are still inherent to a greater extent in not the highest quality models of composite tiles. By the way, the quality of the coating is one of the determining parameters for choosing a roofing material.

So, thanks to this mineral coating, composite tiles become practically indistinguishable in appearance from natural ones - the roof of the house takes on a “rich” appearance. And another significant benefit from such a coating is the soundproofing effect. Surprisingly, but true - even a thin layer of stone chips can very effectively dampen the characteristic noise of rain or hail, which is inherent in metal surfaces(corrugated sheeting or ordinary metal tiles).

• Finally, the topmost layer in the composite shingle structure is a transparent acrylic glaze (item 6). It is not afraid of temperature changes, aggressive chemical influences, and will reliably protect the mineral decorative layer from water penetration, from washing out or weathering. In addition, such a coating has self-cleaning properties during rain - streams of water wash away accumulated dust or dirt from the roof surface, and the roof should always have a clean, well-groomed appearance.

Video: Production and structural structure of composite tiles “Metortile”

Composite tiles usually produced in relatively small sheets: up to 1.5 meters in length and 350 - 400 mm in width - thus, the area of ​​​​one unit of roofing is about half a square meter. There are, however, exceptions here - models that allow you to cover a significant area at once, which is very convenient on roofs with large, even slopes.

What are the performance features of this roofing material?

The specific structure of high-quality composite tiles determines the variety of its obvious advantages and some disadvantages.

What are the advantages of the material?

• The beauty of the resulting roof. This is perhaps one of the main reasons that encourages consumers to purchase such roofing material. In principle, it is difficult to compare with tiles in terms of visual appeal to any other covering, and in the case of composite tiles, the developer is offered a lot of options to choose from: from the classics, transporting to the era of antiquity or early Middle Ages, to modern minimalist styles.

In a word, when it comes to the decorative quality of the resulting roof, tile roofing (including composite) usually has few competitors.

• Beauty is beauty, but you can choose natural tiles based on this criterion... And here one of the most important advantages of such a composite coating manifests itself - it is almost six times lighter than classic ceramic tiles. And this immediately entails a lot of other advantages - the construction of the rafter system and roof sheathing becomes easier, there is no unnecessary load on the walls and foundation of the building, the issues of transportation, loading and unloading of material are significantly simplified - and other aspects of a similar plan.

• Another important difference from natural tiles is the very convenient size for installation. Agree that laying piece coverings is much more difficult and time consuming than sheets, each of which immediately covers about 0.5 square meters.

At the same time, the sheet size cannot be called too large. But this is also important - it greatly simplifies the supply of material to the top, working with it on steep slopes, cutting operations are minimized, and a minimum amount of material is wasted.

• High-quality composite tiles are famous for their reliability. The metal has excellent protection against corrosion, and the decorative “finishing” of the roof is completely covered with an acrylic transparent layer that is not afraid of aggressive chemical influences and mechanical damage. It is not for nothing that leading manufacturers are not afraid to provide their products with a guarantee of impeccable service of 30–50 years.

Thoughtful protection against ultraviolet exposure will preserve the brightness of the decorative colors of the roofing - it will not fade or lose its “freshness,” as often happens with roofs made of ordinary corrugated sheets, roofing steel or metal tiles.

• The basis of composite tiles is still a steel sheet, which has high resistance to mechanical stress. Videos and pictures of comparative “crash tests” of piece tiles (ceramic or polymer-sand) and composite tiles are circulating on the Internet. The laid out roofing fragments are simply “shot” with stones, and the results of such a test are clearly not in favor of piece materials.

A strong impact may cause a dent on composite tiles, deep scratch, violation of the integrity of the decorative topping, but there will be no through hole from such an impact. Such defects are, of course, unpleasant in themselves, but in any case, the roof will not leak because of this.

It is clear that flying stones rarely hit the roof (although there are plenty of people with mental anomalies everywhere...) But, for example, large hail or falling broken branches of large trees can pose a serious threat. For composite tiles this does not pose any particular danger.

• Since we are talking about the advantages of the metal base of composite tiles, it is impossible not to mention its plasticity. This can be important when installing roofing coverings on roofs of complex configurations, for example, those with smooth wave or arc-shaped transitions.

If you have relevant experience roofing works, it is possible to cover such areas without additional cutting of material and without complicating truss structure. Look at the illustrations above - doesn’t it look very original? And at the same time, the roof is absolutely reliable, since in difficult areas solid sheets of composite tiles are used, that is, there are no unnecessary joints of the material.

• This material not only weighs a little, but is also very compact– as a rule, deliver all the required quantity of composite tiles (with all the required profiles) additional elements) to install the roof of a fairly large mansion, you can use one “walker” in a small truck.
• Unlike conventional metal sheet roofing materials, composite shingles is not a “noisy” coating. The multilayer structure, coupled with a mineral coating, makes this roof very effective at dampening noise from heavy rain or hail.

• Unlike purely metal roofing coverings and ceramic tiles, the composite roofing in question has low thermal conductivity, that is, behaves very well in different temperature conditions- both in cold and in strong summer heat. It does not heat up excessively in the sun, does not accumulate either excess heat or cold, that is, its presence does not affect the reduction in the comfort of the microclimate in the attic.
• Composite tiles are safe fire protection points of view. Moreover, some manufacturers of such high-quality roofing material directly position it as a fire-resistant coating.

Even when heated to high temperatures, the materials used in the manufacture of such tiles will not spread fire and will not emit toxic combustion products that are hazardous to human health. This advantage will be even more pronounced if high-quality thermal insulation mats (slabs) based on absolutely non-flammable and heat-resistant basalt wool are used to insulate the roof (attic).

• The material is perfect "clean" from an environmental point of view– it does not pose any danger either to those living in the house or to environment. Moreover, this quality does not depend in any way on the conditions and duration of operation of such a roof.
• One more advantage can be added. If you look at the slopes of roofs covered with composite tiles, you will find that many of them do not have snow barriers.

The thing is that there is practically no need for such devices. The “crossed” surface of the tiled roof, coupled with its roughness, does not allow snow drifts during heavy snowfall or thawing during a thaw to “sink” down on their own, tearing off the gutters or creating a danger for people. The snow will gradually settle until it completely melts.

Manufacturers of composite tiles provide it with the necessary fittings, strips and profiles, ridge and valley parts, special fasteners and much more - everything that is required for installing a high-quality and harmoniously looking roofing covering on a roof of any degree of complexity.

What do you need to know about the disadvantages?

• Essentially speaking, then serious drawback such a roof covering has only one, and that is very conditional. We are talking about the price of composite tiles, which, alas, cannot yet be called publicly available.

Moreover, even among different manufacturers of this material, very significant differences in the cost of products can be traced, with seemingly equal or similar parameters. The reason for this phenomenon is known - consumers often have to pay extra “for the brand,” that is, for the brand, which in itself often plays the role of a guarantee of quality and durability.

• Disadvantages sometimes include the likelihood of moss or lichen colonies appearing on composite shingle roofs. It is not clear, however, what causes these concerns - despite the roughness of the surface, the acrylic outer coating should not leave any chance for any type of vegetation.

By the way, if you look at the illustrations search query“moss on a tiled roof”, then a lot of pictures will be displayed where roofs made of natural ceramic tiles, as well as (which is very interesting) soft polymer-bitumen tiles, are affected by such vegetation. But the example with the composite one - something didn’t come across...

In any case, moss or lichen on the roof is a common problem for most roofing coverings, but it is probably the last thing to attribute it to composite shingles.

Who knows, maybe the user who left such a comment once purchased composite tiles that were not of the highest quality, with a “weak” or even absent external protective acrylic coating. Then, of course, nothing will prevent dirt from accumulating on the roof on the rough surface - and this is already a breeding ground for the development of introduced moss spores.

By the way, although composite tiles are considered self-cleaning by streams of rainwater, this matter should not be left to chance. A good owner will check the condition of the roof at least twice a year and, if necessary, carry out cleaning. Moreover, when the surface conditions are not neglected, for such cleaning, just a good pressure of water from a hose is enough.

• Another disadvantage is sometimes called fading and shedding of the mineral decorative layer. It seems that you don’t want to, but you still have to repeat it - the reason for such a “shortcoming” can only be the purchase of some low-quality or counterfeit product, perhaps because the price is too “attractive”.

Since we are talking about real, high-quality composite tiles, then such a “minus” as loss of color or crumbling of the coating does not threaten it in any way. On the contrary, manufacturers give factory guarantees for decades of “flawless” operation, but in reality they can be even longer.

• A very significant disadvantage is the relative complexity of installing composite tiles. Yes, it’s better, of course, to invite a specialist with a good reputation - the material itself is expensive, and it would be very disappointing to accidentally ruin it by doing the wrong thing. However, “it’s not the gods who burn the pots,” and if you have an ineradicable desire for independent creativity, then why not try... Moreover, manufacturing companies usually accompany their products very detailed instructions, printed and video, on the installation of roofing.

Video: Instructions for proper installation of composite tiles "Decra"

In order not to waste your money, you need to have an idea of ​​some of the features of choosing composite tiles.

• First of all, you need to remember that this product came on Russian market not so long ago, but a certain circle of manufacturing companies that you can trust has already formed. The range of branded collections presented is quite wide, and there is probably no point in purchasing goods that were not produced by anyone. well-known company, even if the cost of the products seems very attractive.

You can list a list of manufacturers who have gained a high reputation for the quality of their materials:

— "Metrotile" is a Belgian company with a very rich history in the production of roofing materials. In every sphere of production, there are probably manufacturing companies that are considered unique “trend setters.” In the field of composite tile production, this is, without a doubt, Metrotile. The quality of metal coatings has already been mentioned above, and in addition - this company has the widest selection of collections - for every “taste and color”.

Video: Several of the most popular collections of Metrotile composite tiles among buyers

— « DECRA– a brand of a European company with Danish “roots” ICOPAL, whose composite tiles are invariably at the top of popularity. Only the factory warranty is 30 years - but in practice, such a roof lasts 50 years or more. It is characteristic that such roofing coverings are ideal for the harsh northern climate, that is, for the conditions of Russia - this is an excellent option. The relatively low price of these composite tiles with their undeniably high quality is attractive.

— "Gerard" is a brand of composite tiles from the New Zealand company AHI Roofing. This coating is available in five collections and is classified as “elite”, which, in principle, affects the rather high price.

— "Luxard"- and under this seemingly foreign name the product is hidden Russian manufacturer– known to all builders of the TechnoNIKOL company. Two types of profiles, six color shades.

— « Grand Line"- another Russian brand produced on production lines equipped with advanced European equipment. Three series of composite tile profiles are produced, which, in turn, may still differ in type and, accordingly, quality outer covering, which also affects the wide range of prices.

— "Roser"- composite tiles from South Korea. A very good material, especially since it has passed practical tests in the very humid and warm subtropical climate of the Korean Peninsula. The manufacturer's assortment includes four series, and one of them, “Roserbond”, is made in original style high tech.

— "Feroof"- this is also South Korea, but already an elite material produced by perhaps the most respected manufacturer, the only one in this field of activity with the highest world quality certificate. Completely original designs and materials used. Seven collections, which can be produced in twelve single-color versions or six two-color ones.

— "Tilcor"- another enterprise whose history begins in New Zealand. Very high-quality composite tiles, including those designed for use in areas with high seismic activity, which makes them very popular in the markets of the Asia-Pacific region. In Russian stores, you most often find two popular collections: “Bond” and “Shingle”, and in total there are seven different series in the assortment.

There are also products from other manufacturers - of quite decent quality, but requiring special attention when choosing.

• When choosing a composite tile, you must immediately familiarize yourself with its accompanying documents, which confirm the originality of the batch and the provision of a factory guarantee for it. If a salesperson in a store cannot provide paperwork and begins to “get confused in the testimony”, you should not leave your money here, since there is a high probability of counterfeit products (believe me, there are a lot of them in this area of ​​the roofing materials market).
• A clear sign of low-grade products is the use of colored sand as a mineral topping. By the way, the documents for composite tiles must indicate the mineral - the material from which such a coating is made.

The topping itself should be uniform, without “bald spots” or “bumps” - these are also signs of a fake. As mentioned above, all self-respecting manufacturers and their consumers must cover the mineral topping with a layer of transparent acrylic glaze - then there will be no shedding or fading.

• Be sure to check the back side of the tile sheet. Sometimes a “surprise” awaits the buyer here in the form of the absence of a protective acrylic primer - this is an obvious defect. The layer of aluminum-zinc coating must be smooth, cover the entire surface of the metal, and be free from scratches.

And, finally, the purchase of such roofing material should be made exclusively in specialized stores. At the same time, store employees are required to make notes in the documentation about the date of sale of the batch of composite tiles so that the manufacturer’s warranty obligations come into legal force.

At the end of the publication, there is another video dedicated to this original roofing covering - composite tiles.

Video: Advantages of composite tiles (using the example of the brand “Gerard")

Composite tiles are an innovative roofing material that appeared on the domestic market in 1992, while many called it metal tiles with stone topping. Despite certain similarities with ordinary metal tiles, composite tiles are a more presentable, practical and durable coating. At the same time, some manufacturers provide a guarantee of 50 years or more for their products.

Compound

Structurally, composite metal tiles are a unique roofing material, which is made from a steel profile with a thickness of about 0.4 - 0.6 mm, coated on both sides with a special composition - aluminum zinc. Aluminum zinc has higher resistance to negative corrosion processes compared to galvanizing. Stone chips made of basalt, jade, quartz or granite, coated with a layer of acrylic glaze, are applied to the outer side of the composite metal tile. This gives the surface a noble appearance and maximum resemblance to natural tiles.

The presented roofing material has a low dead weight and is available in a wide variety of colors and shades. The small overall dimensions of individual modules significantly simplify the installation procedure and minimize coating consumption, which is especially important when arranging complex structures.

Manufacturers of composite tiles

Our company offers a wide range of composite tiles, the price of which is affordable for a wide range of customers. These are mainly products from leading foreign and domestic brands, such as: Metrotile, Decra (Belgium); Gerard, Tilcor (New Zealand); Luxard (Russia). You can also purchase material from South Korean production Lindab Roca, Feroof and Roser at an attractive price.

Calculation of the cost of composite metal tiles

One of the most important questions that buyers of composite tiles have is the price per m2 of equipped surface. It should be noted that the coating is laid with a certain overlap (about 20% of the area of ​​each module). Therefore, in the catalog you can find two prices: the first - per m2 of total area (0.55 m2 / sheet) and the second - per m2 of useful area (0.46 m2 / sheet). However, the most appropriate criterion when choosing cheap composite tiles will be to compare the cost per 1 sheet of covering.

To make an approximate calculation of the required amount of material to cover a roof with composite tiles, the total roof area should be divided by a factor of 0.46 and add about 10% (the approximate amount of waste, which depends on the roof design). Based on the calculation results, you can obtain the required number of modules and, subsequently, find out the total cost required material, multiplied by the price of one sheet. Next, 35% should be added to the resulting product (associated costs associated with the purchase of various components and mounting hardware). The result of the calculations will be the approximate amount of costs associated with the purchase and installation of composite tiles on your home. More detailed information regarding this issue can be obtained from our company employees. They will help you get everything right necessary calculations and buy composite tiles with minimal financial costs.

Advantages of composite tiles

• Aesthetically attractive appearance, providing architectural expressiveness to the building. The presented roofing material has an ideal visual resemblance to natural tiles, providing any building with incredible beauty and charm.
• Long service life and excellent practicality. Thanks to the use of aluzinc protective coating, the supporting metal sheet is practically not subject to the destructive effects of corrosion. This allows the coating to retain its original characteristics for more than 50 years.
• Excellent sound insulation. A roof made of composite tiles has excellent sound absorption and will prevent the penetration of various acoustic noises from heavy precipitation into the room.
• Low dead weight. Due to the lightness of this material, there is no need for additional reinforcement of the load-bearing elements of the roof when arranging the roof. The proposed composite tiles or metal tiles weigh only 6 kg per m2, which is significantly lower compared to a similar natural covering.
• Ease of installation. The material is quite easy to install and, thanks to its plastic base, can easily bend into various shapes. This is especially important when carrying out roofing work on undulating areas of the roof.
• There is no need to use snow barriers. The surface of the presented material has a pronounced roughness, which prevents the avalanche-like descent of snow from the roof. At the same time, for particularly demanding customers of composite tiles in Moscow, we offer various snow retainers in a wide range.
• Environmental Safety . Composite tiles, the cost of which is significantly lower than natural ones, are completely safe for the health of others.

Some disadvantages of composite metal tiles

Despite the many advantages, this material has certain disadvantages, the main ones being the following:

• Quite a high price. Compared to metal tiles, the cost of composite tiles will be significantly higher. Thus, the price of composite metal tiles is almost completely comparable to budget ceramics.
• Pronounced roughness created by mineral coating on the top layer of the coating. Such a surface retains particles of dust and dirt more strongly, which requires additional cleaning costs. However, such tiles are highly not recommended for use on houses located surrounded by coniferous trees.

Despite the popularity of flexible, or so-called soft roofing materials, classic dense compositions are considered the most reliable and practical. Composite tiles consist of a metal alloy and a special coating that ensures durability and high thermal insulation of the material.

Characteristics and types

The production of composite metal tiles is very similar to the production of classic corrugated sheets for roofing. It consists of thin sheet steel, which is processed by cold rolling. Using rollers of certain shapes and sizes, certain bends (waves) are extruded onto the surface of the steel. Depending on them, the coating is classified.

For the production of metal composite tiles, steel, aluminum, alloys of steel and zinc and other metals that have excellent resistance to moisture and other precipitation can be used. To provide additional protection, it is equipped with an additional coating. Depending on its type, it happens metal tiles:

1. Polymer (Evertile, Tilcor - Tilcor);
2. Composite (Cleo, Kami, Decra – Decra)

The main characteristic of polymer is its resistance to ultraviolet rays. Liquid acrylic is applied to the surface of a steel or aluminum sheet, which, by adhering to the metal, provides a thin but dense and hard layer. It protects the coating from damage and corrosion.

Composite metal shingles, like soft bitumen shingles, are made from a metal base and stone chips. The materials are pre-treated at high temperature. It is very important that the stones are small, otherwise they will damage the metal. Some of the crumb is applied to the steel sheet, after which it is applied with a roller under high pressure. The technology involves several stages of exposure: the remaining crumbs are shaken off on the surface of the sheet, a stone mound is applied to it again, after which the exposure is repeated.

There is also a third type, combined, these are thermoplastic composite tiles. Its manufacturing technology combines a mound of stone chips and the application of an acrylic layer. Its cost is slightly higher than the two options described, but it is considered the most reliable and resistant to external aggressive influences.

Main characteristics of composite tiles:

1. Light weight - this depends on its type, but there are manufacturers who guarantee the weight of 1 m2 within 6 kg. For comparison, ceramic weighs twice as much;
2. Durability. Flexible tiles No corrosion at all due to the fiberglass base. The first signs of corrosion in composite tiles will appear only after 5000 hours of operation. It is worth noting that if the coating is exposed to chemicals, rust may appear earlier - after 3000 hours;
3. High resistance to ultraviolet rays, hail, strong wind. Flexible has a low resistance to UV radiation. It does not fade;
4. This roof is resistant to open fire. It does not spread fire and protects rafter system from the flame. The average time is up to 3 hours; when exposed to up to 6 hours, the material may begin to melt.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages of composite tiles:

1. High strength. The material is resistant to environmental influences and does not undergo deformation from physical factors;
2. Universal sizes. If necessary, the material can be trimmed to the required parameters;
3. Practicality. Such tiles are used on any type of roof: attic, flat, chalet and others;
4. Easy to install. Installation can be done by hand.

But this coating also has certain disadvantages:

1. Despite the assurances of manufacturers, the material rusts over time;
2. High weight. This coating is not suitable for a house on a pile or columnar foundation;
3. High price. The coating is significantly more expensive than its corrugated or ceramic counterparts.

Installation

Step-by-step instructions with photos on how to lay composite tiles:

Video: stages of installation of a roof made of Gerard composite tiles

Comparison

There are a number of manufacturers providing high-quality material for covering the house and utility rooms. The material of each of them has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at the most popular of them:

Luxard TechnoNIKOL. Luxury metal tiles. For its production, high-quality alloy steel and natural stone are used. The material can be of any color, the texture is mosaic. Withstands up to -30 degrees, the manufacturer provides a guarantee for the coating - 35 years, average service life - 50 years;

Metrotile Aquapan (Metrotile Aquapan, Belgium) is one of the most famous manufacturers of composite polymer tiles. The material is characterized by high reliability and beautiful coatings. Steel is treated with zinc, aluminum and magnesium. The manufacturer offers steel, copper and aluminum tiles. Similar tiles – (Metrobond) Metrobond;

AHI Roofing Gerard Milano (Gerard Milano) – is resistant to fire, chemical influences and other aggressive external factors. It is produced by pressing crumbs into a steel sheet, acrylic is applied on top of the composite coating;

Roser is metal coating, treated with Galvalume alloy (aluminum + zinc + silicon) for greater strength. For composite use only natural stones, as in Luxard.

Price overview

You can buy composite tiles in any city in Russia; the price depends on the brand of material and its type. Branded materials are sold only in official dealer stores. Let's look at how much Roser CLEO tiles cost:

Composite tiles are a roofing material manufactured in Europe and Asia. This is a high quality material with a long service life.

It is an economical material because it does not require high maintenance and repair costs.

Manufacturers have combined in this coating best properties metal tiles, polymer-sand and ceramic tiles, bitumen and roll materials.

And at the same time, they eliminated the disadvantages of these materials, which negated all their advantages. The main disadvantage of this material is its high cost.

This coating is a multilayer material, the basis of which is a steel sheet. It has the following structure:

• The basis of the coating is a steel sheet with a thickness of 0.4 to 0.6 mm.

• Double-sided aluminum-zinc coating. This layer is applied using the galvanic method. It protects the base from corrosion.

• A passivating layer and an acrylic primer are applied to the material on both sides. They provide additional corrosion protection and adhesion to the next layer.

• On inner side a protective layer is applied. It is different for all manufacturers.

• A protective layer is first applied to the outside, followed by a polyester or acrylic primer, which serves as the basis for the next layer.

• A layer of sand or crushed stone on the outside of the material. It gives a rough surface and different shades. This layer also creates sound insulation and prevents mechanical damage.

• A layer of varnish or acrylic glaze applied to the exterior surface of a composite shingle. It protects the stone from dust and dirt, and the surface from most impacts.

An outer layer of polyester or acrylic primer, as well as a layer of varnish or glaze, protect the material from the negative effects of the environment. They are characterized by high thermal and chemical resistance.

The service life of composite tiles is 50 years. The weight of this material is 6.5 kg per sq.m. In terms of this indicator, it is second only to, which weighs 4.5 kg per square meter. m.

Thanks to the base made of steel sheet, roof covering has high strength and fire resistance. Resistance to corrosion and external influences is ensured by the applied coatings. Composite tiles are not afraid of moisture and sudden temperature changes. An attractive appearance, bright color, and UV resistance are ensured by an outer layer of acrylic glaze or varnish.

Composite tiles are produced in the form of panels (sheets). Panel sizes depend on the style and type of material. The panel width is 0.37-0.43 meters, and the length is 1.05-1.4 meters. Such panels are very convenient to install, since they weigh only 3-3.5 kg.

Advantages of composite tiles

Its advantages include:

• Lightness and strength. This property allows the use of invested .

• The material does not rot and is also resistant to mechanical stress and corrosion. It has high sound insulation, so you will not be disturbed by the noise of hail or rain.

• The material is resistant to strong gusts of wind and adverse weather conditions. It is also not affected by temperature changes. Therefore, it can be used in regions with different weather conditions.

• Waterproof material. This property is ensured by special fastenings that provide continuous coverage.

• Installation can be done on any roof shape. Due to the small size of the panels, there is virtually no material waste.

• The top layer protects the material from mechanical damage that occurs due to careless handling. The rough surface of composite tiles prevents sudden collapse of snow from the roof. It should be noted that the range of materials includes.

• The material is easy to use. There is no need for its frequent inspection and repair. The service life of composite tiles is guaranteed for 50 years, provided that their installation was carried out correctly.

• Many colors and types of coating.

The material has the following disadvantages:

• High price;

• Low vapor permeability. Since the basis of the design is steel sheets, the roof after their installation becomes airtight. Such a roof does not allow air flows to circulate freely, which is why the microclimate of the building becomes worse. This feature can be compensated by setting ventilation system high quality and completing the work in accordance with the instructions.

How to choose composite tiles

Today, composite tiles are one of the most popular modern roofing materials.

When purchasing composite tiles, you should pay attention to:

1. Quality of stone dressing. Carefully study the documents, the composition should be indicated there. High-quality composite tiles contain natural basalt topping. Dyed sand can be used instead. This material burns out quite quickly and crumbles under the influence of sun rays. You should also pay attention to the manufacturer and the warranty that the manufacturer issues for its products.
2. Clear acrylic shell. Its presence is considered a great advantage, since this shell will prevent the tiles from fading in the sun. Polyacrylic coating also prevents the appearance of moss on the roof covering.
3. The high quality composite coating contains a homogeneous layer of aluminum zinc. From the reverse side of the product you can clearly see how well the aluminum-zinc layer was applied. Unscrupulous manufacturers, as a rule, under-finish back material. Uneven application can cause corrosion, which will greatly shorten the life of the roof covering.
4. When purchasing composite tiles, you must check all accompanying documentation. If it is missing, then most likely you are looking at a counterfeit.

Preparatory work

Before installing the roofing, you must prepare the following tools:

• Square;

• Bending machine;

• Mounting gun;

• Guillotine;

• Air gun;

• Roulette;

• A circular saw;

• Pencil;

• Metal scissors;

• Hammer.

During installation of this roofing material, the following requirements must be observed:

1. The angle of inclination of the roof slope should be at least 15-18°. Otherwise, it will be difficult to ensure waterproofing, since during slanting rains water will fall under protective covering.
2. The rafter legs must be firmly attached to the walls of the building. In this case, it is necessary to provide wood products with two degrees of freedom. This is necessary to compensate for possible dimensional changes caused by climatic conditions (temperature and humidity).
3. The edge of the roof must be moved beyond external wall at a distance of at least 50-80 centimeters.

Making sheathing for composite tiles

If the angle of inclination of the roof slopes is small (from 15 to 25°), then before erecting the sheathing it is reasonable to install an additional waterproofing layer. This measure will increase the level of water resistance of the roof during slanting rains and strong winds.

To do this, a solid wood covering, on top of which waterproofing is then laid. In the role waterproofing material can be rolled bituminous materials, polyethylene greenhouse film or diffusion materials. It should be noted that the cost latest material higher, but it is more efficient than the others, since it has vapor transmission.

The sheathing for a composite roof is actually a counter-lattice and sheathing. A counter-lattice is necessary for organization ventilation ducts, preventing the accumulation of condensation. First of all, an intermediate structure is made that will fill the gaps. Then the main sheathing is installed.

The size depends on the base on which they are laid. If the bars are mounted directly on the rafter legs, then it is necessary to take highest value. If installation is carried out on a solid base, then you can take smaller bars. The sheathing is fixed using self-tapping screws with a large thread pitch.

Tips for installing composite shingles:

1. To create the correct temperature and humidity conditions inside attic space, it is necessary to install hydro- and vapor barriers before installing the sheathing and roofing material. It is also advisable to install wind protection and thermal insulation material.
2. You should purchase composite tiles only from one series, one manufacturer and one code.
3. To cut the roofing material, you need to use metal scissors or a hacksaw. You can also use manual circular saw or a jigsaw.
4. Keep this material It is necessary under a canopy or in a dry, ventilated area. When storing tiles under open air it must be covered with plastic wrap.
5. It is necessary to prevent contact of the roofing with copper-based substances.
6. The construction of a roof made of composite tiles should be carried out at an optimal level of humidity and a temperature not lower than +6 degrees Celsius.
7. To clean ceramic tiles from traces of dirt, use a mild soap solution. Do not clean roofing material with aggressive chemicals.
8. You need to walk on the roofing in rubber boots with soft soles.

Installation of composite tiles

Before you start installation work, it is necessary to secure the cornice board to the rafter legs above the eaves overhang. The thickness of the board must be at least 4 centimeters. Next, the cornice elements are attached with an overlap of 10 centimeters.

It should be noted that cornice strip must be covered with a vapor barrier. In this case, condensate will flow to gutter and will not accumulate on the roofing surface. If there is no drainage system, then it is necessary to make a device on the eaves like a drip.

It should be taken into account that air must enter the space under the roof through the eaves to create ventilation. Laying the material must begin from the top of the roof. It should be remembered that the bottom row of roofing material must be pushed under the top one.

Fastening the tiles is carried out in two ways:

• Manual. The roofing material is fixed using a regular hammer;
• Semi-automatic. Fastening is carried out using a pneumatic gun.

When using the second option, installation of the tiles can begin from the bottom of the roof. Painting the caps of the fasteners is carried out using the paint sold complete with roofing material. Or they are sprinkled with the same basalt chips. The bottom bar is closed using silicone and a plug.

Video on how to install composite tiles:

Shingles made from composite materials are a very practical roofing covering that is popular among consumers. This type of roofing has a number of advantages: resistance to fading, long term services, variety of forms. In our stores you can buy composite tiles from well-known manufacturers at an inexpensive price. Convenient delivery from a warehouse in Moscow. Wide range of products, big choice models and colors!

Manufacturers and prices

	The roof is of high quality and attractive appearance. Collections: MetroBond, MetroRoman, MetroShake, MetroShake II, MetroClassic. Up to 20% discount - call for details!	from 594 r./sheet
	is a versatile, lightweight coating designed to withstand any climatic conditions, the winter cold of the north, the burning heat of the southern regions, the stormy winds of the coastal area.	from 609 r./sheet
	- Belgian roofing with basalt crumb topping and polyester powder coating is produced by ICOPAL.	from 612 r./sheet
	- reliable and inexpensive material. By choosing a roof from Technonikol, you will invariably enjoy the aesthetics of your roof. Warranty up to 50 years.	from 520 r./sheet
	Composite tiles Roser has an international certificate UL 02218. South Korean specialists have invented a special protective coating - Galvalume aluminum zinc, which gives Roser unique technical characteristics.	from 495 r./sheet

Roofing using new technologies

Composite tiles are a relatively new roofing covering on the building materials market in Russia, but have long been produced in factories around the world.

It consists of modular sheets 30-40 cm wide and up to 1.5 m long. They are based on steel, with a thickness of 0.4 to 0.9 mm, coated on both sides with thick protective layer. The top of the protected steel is coated with a primer and sprinkled with large stone chips. Then it is laminated with a special epoxy compound and polyester. This multi-layer structure provides tiles made from composite materials with reliable protection from the environment and high strength. The panels are given a variety of profile shapes to suit any style of architecture.

It has an increased service life compared to metal tiles, thanks to protection from external damage and moisture by basalt granulate. During installation, a solid base or structural reinforcement is not required. Composite roofing is a lightweight material and can be installed without the use of special tools.

The Secret to Durability

The secret of the special strength and corrosion resistance of composite tiles is a special layer that covers the metal - aluminum zinc. It consists of a mixture of zinc, aluminum and silicon. The density of such a coating reaches 300 grams/m2, versus 180 grams per meter for an average metal tile. Aluminum zinc allows you to increase the service life several times, since it protects steel much more reliably from corrective factors.

Assortment of composite tiles

1) Metrotile. Made in Belgium since 1989. It has been on the market in Russia for more than 13 years. The assortment includes 8 collections and 24 colors.
2) Decra. ICOPAL. Produced in Belgium, in the Valonia region, in the city of Erstal. 30 year warranty. Universal - can be used on roofs with a slope from 12 to 90 degrees. 5 various forms and more than 30 colors.
3) Tilcor - composite tiles straight from New Zealand itself. Tilcor Roofing Systems was founded by the Ross family back in 1946. Manufacturer's warranty for 50 years. 6 profiles and 30 natural colors.
4) Roser. Produced at modern factory V South Korea. It contains a unique protective coating Galvalume from BIEC International. 50 year warranty.
5) Luxard TechnoNIKOL. Production has been taking place in the Moscow region since 2005 on the basis of the Scientific and Technical Center. Inexpensive and reliable material.

Advantages

• Durable. The actual service life reaches 70 years.
• Silent during rain and hail, thanks to stone granulate.
• Not afraid of scratches and mechanical damage.
• Environmentally friendly. All products are made from regenerated raw materials.
• Fireproof. Fire resistance class - A. Does not ignite, does not support combustion and does not emit harmful substances.
• Color retention and resistance to UV radiation. The granulate is painted in the mass and, moreover, is protected by an epoxy layer.
• A light weight. There is no need to strengthen the foundation or rafter system.
• Easy to install. Modular sheets are easy to lift and stack.
• Beauty. Huge variety unusual shapes, colors and shades.