The choice of roofing material is one of the most important stages in the construction of any private residential or summer house. In the last ten years, more and more people prefer to use different types of shingles for roofing. In this article we will briefly note the advantages and disadvantages of six different types of this material:
Ceramic tiles.
The most classic version of roof arrangement. This coating has been used in the construction of houses in particular in Europe for at least the last few hundred years.
Advantages. First, it should be noted that this is the most environmentally friendly version of the roof. After all, the ceramic tile – it is just burned clay. Second, it is a time-tested version of the roof. Manufacturers promise a minimum life of 100 years. But in European homes, we see that ceramic tiles can perform their functions for centuries. Subject, of course, to minor maintenance. And it is the repairability can be noted as the third advantage is ceramic roof. If necessary, it is sufficient to replace only the individual elements, without covering the entire surface of the roof or its large area. The material is resistant to temperature changes, has good sound insulation and excellent water resistance.
Disadvantages. The main disadvantage of ceramic tiles are its two features: cost and weight. The cost of this type of material is higher than the others described below. This is due to high production costs as well as the fragility of the material and, consequently, expensive transportation and installation work. Also the disadvantage can be attributed to the significant weight of ceramics, which requires the construction of truss roof structures of increased strength.
Cement-sand tiles.
Its properties do not differ from the ceramic tile described above. The main difference is the use of sand, colorants and cement in the production of the material.
Advantages. It has all the advantages of ceramic tiles. In addition, it has increased strength, which reduces the cost of transportation and installation. Production costs of cement and sand products are also lower.
Disadvantages. The main relative disadvantage is the high weight of this version of the roof. Which, in turn, imposes on the roof structure increased requirements for strength.
Polymerase tile.
Extruded at high temperatures of polymer materials, sand and dyes.
Advantages. Cost of both production and transportation is relatively low. Has almost all the advantages of ceramic tiles.
Disadvantages. In our opinion, the material does not have obvious disadvantages. However, it should be noted that manufacturers determine a minimum service life of 50 years unlike 100 years for the two previous types of tiles. And of course, the use of polymerases is not perfect from the point of view of the environmental friendliness of the material.
Asphalt shingle.
Despite the mention of the word «shingles» in the name of the material, in our opinion, such material is far from both in its form and composition from the classical shingles. The composition of this type of roof includes bitumen, glass, polymers.
Advantages. Light weight, sufficient strength. Good sound insulation and low thermal conductivity. Convenience of installation, especially manifested on the roofs of complex shape. Low material price and low transportation costs. Good repairability.
Disadvantages. Given its composition, it is obviously impossible to call bitumen shingles an environmentally friendly building material. Also disadvantages can be attributed to the relative fragility of this type of roof – up to 20 years.
Metal tile.
It’s simple. Steel sheet bent into a specific shape, plus zinc and polymer coating to protect the metal from corrosion.
Advantages. Low production and transportation cost. Low weight and easy installation. Durability about 50 years.
Disadvantages. The main disadvantages of metal tiles we would call almost complete absence of sound and heat insulation. To solve these problems, the metal roof in a residential building requires additional acoustic and thermal insulation of the roof interior surface.
Composite shingle.
Unlike metal tile, the outer surface of the sheet is additionally treated with a protective coating made of natural stone. This coating provides additional protection from external influences.
Advantages. Noise insulation is better than conventional metal tiles. Basalt spraying makes the roof look much «richer». Additional metal protection extends the potential useful life.
Disadvantages. The main disadvantage of this type of shingles can be called the high cost of material.
