STEEL TILES – IS IT WORTH BUYING?

STEEL TILE AS A COST-EFFICIENT ROOFING SOLUTION

In recent years, metal roof tiles have gained significant traction among homeowners and builders. Nowadays, they represent around 30% of the total roofing materials in use. A notable example of this is Pruszyński metal tile.

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When considering metal roof tiles, one has to analyze the various types available, each differing in durability, properties, and most importantly, price.

ESSENTIAL DETAILS ABOUT STEEL TILES

Metal roof tiles are generally manufactured from galvanized, powder-coated steel sheets ranging in thickness from 0.4mm to 1.23mm. These roofing sheets come with one of four types of coatings:

• Standard and Matt Polyester – This is the oldest and most widely used coating, offering a broad palette of colors. The matt variation has fewer colors available and is priced higher than standard polyester;
• Plastisol – Known for its robust strength, this coating is thicker, which could complicate installation;
• Pural – This coating provides excellent resistance to mechanical damage and diverse weather conditions, but it is more costly and available in limited colors;
• PVDF – Thick (approximately 25 microns) and extremely durable, this costly option offers high resistance, even against air pollutants.

Metal tiles are recommended for roofs with a pitch of at least 9°. Supporting battens are required that correspond with the metal roofing module selected by the developer.

The types of metal roof tiles include:

• Modular;
• Sheet;
• Self-supporting.

Modular tiles are usually sold in dimensions of 700mm x mm. Their lightweight and standard size facilitate easy transport and installation on any roof type.

Sheet metal tiles are larger, stretching several meters in length and width, and are often custom-made to fit the specific size and shape of a roof, ideally used for single and gable roofs.

Self-supporting tiles come with integrated battens for easier installation, negating the need for wooden supports.

THE STANDING SEAM SOLUTION

Standing seam metal has a long-standing history in construction, primarily used for public or religious structures. Unlike regular metal tiles, it is smooth with vertical seams to ensure roofing tightness, popular especially in Scandinavian countries.

THE CORE OF METAL SHEETING

The core is a crucial element of metal roofing, typically made of steel, adhering to regulations that require a minimum thickness of 0.4mm, with 0.5mm being common. Many cores are zinc-coated on both sides, while aluminum cores are gaining popularity, produced by several manufacturers including blachprofil 2.

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ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF STEEL TILES

Metal tiles offer a wide range of benefits alongside a few drawbacks. The key advantages include:

• A vast array of colors, making it easy to match with architectural styles;
• Exceptional durability, with high-quality metal tiles lasting up to 50 years;
• Effective protection from external elements, with pural and PVDF coatings providing strong resistance;
• Simplified installation process, especially with self-supporting and modular tiles;
• Cost efficiency, positioning them as cheaper alternatives to ceramic tiles.

However, these tiles are not without their downsides, namely, they offer minimal soundproofing against rain noise and have lesser durability compared to ceramic or concrete tiles.

INSTALLATION PROCESS FOR STEEL TILES

The installation process for metal tiles varies according to the format and roof shape. While most of the methods remain uniform, stages might differ slightly:

1. Create a grid with battens and counter-battens, which can be made from treated wood or galvanized steel. An insulating layer should sit beneath the rafters.
2. Sheets must be secured using specially designed screws equipped with sealing washers.
3. Start installation from the eaves, ensuring accurate laying for roof tightness.
4. Incorporate side flashing by installing the drop gutter.

COST CONSIDERATIONS FOR STEEL ROOFS

The price of metal tiles can vary significantly based on several factors:

• The complexity of the roof's shape - simpler shapes reduce costs;
• Thickness and grade of the sheet;
• Coating type utilized;
• Accessory costs, which can contribute up to 20% of the overall roofing cost;
• Labor fees, which vary depending on the region and sheet sizes.

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