Types of metal tiles: coatings, profiles, materials

Metal roofing tiles are becoming more and more common because of their strength, beauty, and ease of upkeep. They provide a fashionable substitute for conventional roofing materials like clay or asphalt tiles. There are many different kinds of metal tiles, and each has special qualities regarding materials, coatings, and profiles.

One important consideration when thinking about metal tiles is the kind of coating that is put on the metal. Typical coatings include galvalume, a zinc and aluminum mixture for increased corrosion resistance, and galvanized steel, which is covered in a layer of zinc to stop rusting. Furthermore, some metal tiles have paint finishes that offer a broad palette of colors to complement various architectural styles in addition to providing weather resistance.

The form and appearance of metal tiles are referred to as their profile, and they have a big influence on the roof’s functionality as well as appearance. Certain profiles resemble classic wood shakes or clay tiles, while others have a sleeker, more contemporary appearance. The way the tiles interlock is another way that profiles impact the roof’s capacity to drain water and resist windlift.

Metal tiles can be made of a variety of materials, the most popular being copper, aluminum, and steel. Steel tiles are affordable, long-lasting, and appropriate for most climates. Because aluminum tiles are lightweight and have excellent corrosion resistance, they are perfect for coastal areas. Valued for their unique look and durability, copper tiles gradually acquire a natural patina that gives the roof character.

Selecting the ideal metal tile type requires taking into account a number of variables, including the desired look, budget, and climate. Every kind of material, profile, and coating has special advantages that let homeowners choose a roofing solution that improves the appearance of their house while simultaneously providing protection.

Coverage of metal tiles

Thin-leaf steel is used to make metal roofing tiles. Furthermore, the steel used to make it is incredibly thin—0.5 mm, and very infrequently, 0.6 mm. Additionally, low-cost options are entirely composed of 0.45 mm or even 0.4 mm steel. Unprotected metal will rust through in a few years with this thickness. As a result, a major factor influencing how long metal tiles last is the kind of decorative and protective coating applied to them.

Osinkovka

Every steel metal tile is zinc-coated. However, the zinc layer’s thickness and composition can vary, which has an immediate impact on the material’s lifespan. Furthermore, it has a significant impact: a metal tile coated with the same polyester material can last for 15 years with inexpensive galvanizing, and possibly for 25–30 years if the zinc layer is thick or contains unique additives. As a result, the qualities of the zinc coating on metal tiles require just as much consideration as the kind of polymer coating.

There are four classes of traditional zinc coatings, and they vary from one another by 1 m 2 in zinc consumption:

• Fourth grade – UltraBuzhevtnaya coating. Zinc expense – 142.5 g/m 2 or less. The metal tile with such galvanizing is cheap, but short -lived, therefore suitable for laying on the roof of temporary or insignificant buildings.
• Third class. Zinc expense during application-142.5-180 g/m 2, which is not enough for acceptable durability, if galvanizing is the only protective layer, but it is enough to ensure a metal tile of a couple of ten years of operation in combination with a polymer coating.
• Second class with the consumption of zinc 180-275 g/m 2-this is already of high-quality steel, which can be safely used in private construction. For the construction of warehouses, production workshops and other industrial and commercial facilities, such a metal tile is also suitable, but only if they are built in gentle conditions – far from salty ponds, chemical enterprises and other factors worsening the environment.
• First grade Gapling provides metal for the longest service life and the greatest resistance to negative conditions. The coating containing at least 275 g of zinc per 1 m 2 is persistent enough to provide the metal tile for a long service life, even if it does not apply a polymer coating on it. For European manufacturers of roofing materials, such a dense zinc protective layer is the standard.

Galled metal tiles made to order from an extremely rare material without a polymer protective layer. This is caused by the particular look of the roofing material in addition to its shorter lifespan. Nonetheless, in certain applications, this futuristic metal tile is ideal; however, in this instance, the metal is coated with lucinc rather than being made of ordinary galvanized steel.

Alucinki is an alloy of zinc and aluminum with a trace of silicon added. Alucino types of metal tiles can easily last 30 years or more thanks to the superior strength, stability against aggressive chemical compounds, and effectiveness of alucinc coating compared to classical galvanizing. Furthermore, aluzink has outstanding reflective qualities that let you lower the roof’s summertime heating multiple times.

Polymer coatings

All varieties of metal tiles, with very few exceptions, are multilayer "pies" that complete the polymer protective layer on the front. The qualities of this thin film, which is applied to the cleaned galvanizing, have a significant impact on the material’s longevity. particularly if the steel has a fourth or third class zinc coating.

Glossy polyester

Glossy polyester-coated metal tape is a true prevalence leader, consistently holding the top spots in sales. The affordable price coupled with excellent qualities is the obvious explanation.

Thus, a metal tile covered in a polyester layer of protection has a 15-year service life. This coating is elastic, resistant to heat, and impervious to a variety of chemicals. Furthermore, it has a far wider color range than other metal tile kinds—a polyester palette typically includes 30 to 40 shades.

The product’s shortcomings include its poor resistance to mechanical damage, noticeable fading over time, and a service life that, under ideal circumstances, is unlikely to surpass 25 years.

Matte polyester

Matte polyester coatings are typically up to 35 μm thick, in contrast to glossy polyester, which is typically applied with a layer that is only 25 μm thick. A coating of this kind also has additives added to its composition, giving it a noble, velvety appearance.

A matte polyester protective layer is more resistant to UV rays and mechanical damage thanks to additives and increased thickness. With this coating, the metal tile will last 25–30 years, or roughly ten more years. However, you have to pay more money and a smaller selection of colors for this.

Polyurethane (Pural)

The Finnish company Ruukki introduced a metal coating with a polyurethane coating under the brand Pural in the mid-1990s. Consequently, another name for this kind of coating on metal tiles is "purple." Every single polyurethane coating, without fail:

1. Very strong and resistant to mechanical damage – it is difficult to shut them up and scratch during transportation, they are not afraid of the claws of animals and birds, they are resistant to abrasion when snowy layers gather.
2. Chemically resistant to a wide range of compounds, including alkalis, acids, salt. This allows you to use a metal -coating with a polyurethane coating on the roofs of industrial enterprises or buildings built near salty reservoirs.
3. Practically do not fade, preserving the original color for decades.
4. Resistant to temperature drops.
5. Provide the metal tile for a long service life – up to 50 years of guaranteed operation.

The novelty’s specifications were so outstanding that all of the major producers of metal tiles now provide premium polyurethane coatings. Specifically, Purman ®, VikingMP ® E, and Puretan ® coatings are available in Metal Profile, while Purpro Matt 180, Purlite Matt, Quarzit, and Greencoat Puraal series are available in GrandLine.

One common drawback of these coatings is their cost. There will be at least twice as much difference between the least expensive varieties of metal tiles from one manufacturer with polyester and polyurethane coatings.

PVDF

Acrylic and polyvilidenhentoride are combined to create PVDF coating. PVDF is unmatched in chemical resistance, so roofs at chemical companies and livestock farms should use metal tiles coated with this kind of material.

Surprisingly, though, the primary benefit of PVDF is not this but rather its color retention. As a result, PVDF is occasionally applied as the final coating for textured metal tiles. As an illustration, consider those that mimic the look of real tiles. Furthermore, certain manufacturers supplement the PVDF palette with unique shades.

Among the drawbacks of PVDF, two standout: its thinness (only up to 27 μm) and high cost, which are typical of all premium coatings.

Plastisol (plastisol)

Plastisol has a very thick coating that offers remarkable resistance to mechanical damage. A layer of about 200 microns is applied. Even though PVC coating is not as good as PVDF, it is still resistant to chemical influences since it has been made. A large thickness enables you to imitate the texture of real leather, for example, by creating a relief pattern on the coating.

However, they hardly ever use a metal tile with a plasticizer in spite of the aforementioned benefits. Initially, this kind of covering fades fast. Second, it is not very good at withstanding extreme heat. It is therefore unlikely that this kind of metal tile will survive in the southern states for more than 25 to 30 years. She will, however, present herself well in the northern areas with a heavy snowfall.

Composite metal tile

Composite-coated metal tape is a relatively new material. Its main characteristic is its remarkably accurate replication of the look of real tiles. The process involves dousing a metal sheet with granular or crushed basalt particles, which are stabilized on the surface with a unique binder. This is usually acrylic glue.

In addition to its attractive appearance, the composite metal tile is long-lasting because steel with an alucino coating rather than galvanized metal was used in its manufacture. A layer of basalt sprinkler is also resistant to mechanical harm, and the varnish that covers it is made of UV filters and has water-repellent qualities.

The cost of composite is significantly higher than that of other metal tile types; it is more reasonable to compare its cost to that of cement-sand or clay tiles. Additionally, she uses a very small color palette, consisting primarily of gray and brown tones, though some manufacturers do use brighter hues like mustard, green, and blue.

When it comes to roofing, metal tiles are unique because they are strong, aesthetically pleasing, and offer a variety of options that can be tailored to fit different climates and architectural styles. Investigating different metal tile types entails learning about their profiles, coatings, and materials, all of which affect the tiles’ longevity, performance, and upkeep requirements. Every option, from conventional zinc and copper finishes to contemporary alloys and coatings like galvanized steel or aluminum, affects the tile’s resistance to corrosion and environmental factors in addition to its aesthetic appeal. These factors are covered in this article to assist builders and homeowners in choosing the best metal roofing tiles for their projects."

Metal tile profiles

The third feature that sets various metal tile types apart from one another is the profile’s shape. In contrast to corrugated board, which is manufactured in accordance with GOST in most cases, the metal tile profile varies in shape amongst manufacturers. Think about the three major producers of metal tiles in the Russian market, along with the primary profile types they provide.

Ruukki

With a 60-year history and representative offices across 25 countries, the Finnish company Ruukki is a global leader in the production of metal tiles. One of the few producers who uses their own steel to make goods.

The Ruukki metal tiles are offered in five profiles for the Russian market.

1. Monterrey (Monterrey) – one of the most popular metal tile profiles, whose analogues have almost every manufacturer. This type of metal is a classic shape with smooth bends and a wide “bottom”, as well as a standard height of 39 mm.
2. Adamante (adamante) – expressive tiles of a large height (55 mm). High steps, sharp transitions between the “bottom” and “crest”, symmetry form a rhythmic, spectacular pattern on the roof, and also allow the metal tile to better remove moisture.
3. Elite (Elite) – metal tile with a profile of 60 mm and good bearing capacity, released specifically for regions with a high snow load. In the profile, Monterrera resembles – she has the same wide “bottom” and narrow “crest”, but the transitions are much more cool.
4. Armorium (Armorium) – Very embossed metal tile with a wave height of 80 mm. Great for houses in a modern style, has a high bearing capacity and excellently takes water.
5. Finner (finnera) – Modular metal tile adapted for installation alone. It is supplied not in the form of large sheets, but with compact panels 1-2 waves long. Therefore, assistants do not need it to fasten it on the roof. Finner"s profile is distinguished by a strict profile with an additional ditch along the “crest”, which makes it similar to the old German (Marseille) locking tile.

The height of the metal tile wave is not very important for the central and southern regions of Russia; instead, you can choose a roofing style based on appearance. However, people who live in mountainous or northern areas are better suited for high profiles that can withstand heavy snow loads.

"Profile of metal"

One of the biggest producers of metal tiles worldwide and a prominent player in Russia is "Metal Profile." There are seven different metal tile profiles in his catalog:

1. Monterrros®. Metal tile with the deepest profile – up to 77 mm. Despite the larger height, the transitions between the lower and upper wave are quite smooth, which softens the appearance of the roofing. The manufacturer recommends this profile for slopes of large area.

1. Montecrist®. Metal tile with symmetrical waves and sharp transitions between them. In addition to the graphic, voluminous appearance, it is distinguished by the possibility of choosing a profile depth – it can be 49, 54 and 59 mm.

1. Tramontana. Profile with narrow "crests" and a wide "bottom", as well as steep transitions between them. In its form, it looks like a Marseille natural tile. In addition, it differs in an increased working width, which allows you to cover a slope with a smaller number of sheets. Like Montecrist®, it can have different profile depth.

1. Lamonterra®. An analogue of the classic Monterrey profile with the same depth of the profile is 39 mm – and a similar shape.

1. Monkatt®. The original metal tile in a modern style with a laconic chopped design, a wide “crest” and a profile, which is close to a rectangle in shape.
2. Lamonterra® x. A variety of a classic profile with increased depth – 46 mm. Because of this, it looks more massive and is more suitable for medium-sized roofs.

1. Lamonterra®XL. Metal tile with an increased length of the step for large slopes. Profile depth – 46 mm.

Every choice for a metal-based "metal profile" has been tailored to Russian building codes and conditions.

Grandline

Grandline is a sizable thin-leaf product and metal tile manufacturer based in Russia. Among his collection are five profiles:

1. Classic. In the form of the profile, this metal tile is very similar to the famous Monterrey, it differs only a slightly less smooth transition between the "bottom" and "crest".
2. Kamea. Metal tile imitates Roman natural tile. Hence the flat "bottom" and rounded symmetrical "crests".
3. Kredo. Expressive symmetrical type of metal tile profile, which is great for large slopes. Differs in good bearing ability.
4. Quadro Profi. Strict geometric profile with a wide upper wave and a very narrow lower. Great for the roofs of modern houses.
5. Kvinta. Metal tile with increased bearing capacity, in the profile similar to the Old German tiles. An additional groove at the top of the “crest” also works as a capillary groove, which excludes leaks through joints.

The final profile is made in multiple versions simultaneously, one of which is a modular tile that is easy to install and transport independently (up to a passenger car’s trunk).

Steel, copper or aluminum: from which a metal tile is made?

There are distinct kinds of material for which other metals are used, even though thin-leaved steel makes up the great majority of metal tiles. These are copper and aluminum.

Aluminum metal tiles are incredibly lightweight, strong, and perfect for modern building roofs. Although it doesn’t require special coatings to prevent corrosion like steel does, the softness of the metal makes it vulnerable to mechanical damage.

The least expensive kind of copper roofing material is copper metal. Despite the odd combination of the terms "copper" and "cheap" in one sentence.

In actuality, finding skilled professionals to install a traditional copper folding roof is a three-star endeavor—even in the nation’s capital. Furthermore, it is nearly hard to locate any competent installers in the areas where they are needed. By using copper tile, which is fastened to the roof using the same methodology as steel, this issue is virtually eliminated.

Furthermore, installing a copper fold requires far less time than laying copper tiles—many times, if not an order of magnitude less. The use of copper tiles enables you to save a significant amount of money on the work of the masters, as skilled roofers who are also citizens of copper are highly charged for their services.

For homeowners who want to blend aesthetic appeal with functionality, metal tiles provide a robust and adaptable roofing option. They accommodate diverse tastes and climates and come in an assortment of coatings, profiles, and materials.

The type of coating is an important factor to take into account when selecting metal tiles. Typical choices include aluminum, which is renowned for its light weight, and galvanized steel, which offers outstanding resistance to corrosion. Polyester or PVC coatings provide additional protection against UV rays and harsh elements for areas that are subject to extreme weather.

Metal tiles’ profiles are essential to their appearance and usability. Traditional and contemporary designs, like interlocking profiles or standing seams, are among the options. Every profile has an impact on the roof’s water drainage system and adds to the building’s overall architectural design.

The cost and performance of metal tiles can be significantly impacted by the wide range of materials used. Steel is still a common option because of its affordability and strength, but zinc and copper tiles are valued for their durability and organic weathering effects. Knowing the advantages of each material enables homeowners to make well-informed choices depending on their spending limit and anticipated roof lifespan.

In conclusion, homeowners can customize their roofing choice to meet specific needs thanks to the variety of coatings, profiles, and materials available in metal tiles. For those looking for a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing roofing solution, metal tiles offer a compelling alternative, regardless of whether durability, aesthetic appeal, or environmental considerations are top priorities.

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