Which is better – soft roof or metal tile? Comparative review of roofing materials

For every homeowner, selecting the ideal roofing material is essential because it strikes a balance between affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Soft roofs, usually composed of materials like asphalt shingles, and metal tiles, which are made from sturdy metals like steel or aluminum, are two common options that are frequently taken into consideration.

Soft roofs are well known for being inexpensive and simple to install, like asphalt shingles. They are adaptable to various architectural designs because they are available in an array of styles and colors. Because asphalt shingles are lightweight, there can be less strain on the roof structure and installation is made easier.

Conversely, metal tiles provide remarkable robustness and longevity. They are resistant to weather conditions like wind, rain, and snow because they are made of materials like steel or aluminum. When properly maintained, metal roofs can outlive traditional asphalt shingles by up to 50 years, and they are well-known for their fire resistance.

In terms of upkeep, asphalt shingles might eventually need more frequent inspections and repairs because of their vulnerability to damage from extreme weather and UV radiation. However, after installation, metal tiles require little upkeep other than the occasional check for debris accumulation and loose fasteners.

Each roofing material has benefits when it comes to the environment. Because they can be recycled, asphalt shingles have a smaller environmental impact. Metal tiles are a sustainable option because, although they require more resources to produce initially, they can be fully recycled when their useful life comes to an end.

In conclusion, a variety of factors, including financial constraints, the need for longevity, and personal taste in style, influence the decision between a metal roof and a soft roof, such as asphalt shingles. Metal tiles are superior in longevity and environmental sustainability, while asphalt shingles are more reasonably priced and offer more variety. To choose the best choice for your house, take into account your unique requirements and speak with roofing experts.

Criterion #1 – Dimensions and Weight

It is evident from looking at the metal tile that mounting it by itself is challenging. The material comes in quite large sheets, measuring 0.5-7.5 m in length (usually up to 4.5 m) and 1.12-1.19 m in width. As a result, problems climbing to their height and fastening to the rafters may occur. As a result, producers seldom make modules longer than 4.5 m.

Since bituminous tiles are available in the form of tiny tape tones, there are no such issues. Measurements: length: 1000 mm, width: 337 mm. Even with a single person leading the brigade, raising the races to a height and taking installation steps is not difficult.

Regarding the overall weight on the roof, the lighter tile turns out to be a metal one despite the size of the sheets. It weighs about 5 kg per square meter, and soft tiles weigh between 8 and 12 kg.

In conclusion, although bitumen rains are larger than metal tile modules, the metal-based roof is ultimately lighter and places less stress on the rafters.

To assist homeowners in selecting the best roofing material for their needs, we have compared two common roofing materials in this article: metal tiles and soft roofs. We’ll look at important elements including toughness, affordability, upkeep needs, and visual appeal. Through a lucid and unambiguous analysis of these factors, readers will be better equipped to determine which roofing material best fits their individual tastes and financial constraints, enabling them to make an informed choice for the long-term preservation and aesthetic improvement of their home.

Criterion #2 – Scope

On pitched roofs with a minimum slope angle of 12 to 14 degrees, both materials are utilized. The soft tile is also genuinely universal. It can be used on roofs of any shape, including the trickiest ones with turrets and domes. Bitumen ralics can easily cover surfaces with bends and fragments because of their small weight and size. To get the desired shape, just bend the gunt in the appropriate values and corners. Very little waste results from such an installation—usually no more than 3-4%.

In contrast, metal tiles are typically only installed on the most basic roofs that have slopes that are straight. The developer may have a lot of trouble selecting metal tiles if the roof’s shape contains numerous details and fractures. First off, there is a lot of trimming—up to 30% of the material might be left untrimmed in some situations. Second, continuous cutting will increase the roof’s cost but inadvertently lower its quality because it will leave open edges that need to be painted to prevent corrosion.

In conclusion, soft tiles are more adaptable and require less waste to cover roofs of any shape, complexity, or configuration.

Criterion #3 – View of the base

Usually, the metal tile is fastened to boards or bars on the lattice crate. The crate’s step is chosen based on the module’s wavelength, which is typically between 350 and 400 mm.

Bitumen tile installation requires a more intricate crate that is continuous and typically consists of two layers. Similar to a metal tile, the first layer is sparse, and the second layer is a continuous flooring composed of boards, plywood, or OSP.

In conclusion, bitumen tile crates require more expensive materials because they are a more complex system. On the other hand, selecting metal tiles will help keep the base’s cost down.

Criterion #4 – complexity of installation

Metal tile installation is thought to be easier because the large sheets make it possible to quickly block large sections of the roof. Furthermore, since there aren’t many trade secrets related to the installation process, self-taught masters frequently make this decision on their own and produce excellent results.

This is a more difficult situation when the roof is soft. Any mistake made during installation will have an instant impact on quality and may result in the loss of all operational features. Thus, it is advised to work with qualified and experienced roofers when installing soft tiles.

In terms of labor expenses, coating a roof with a soft roof takes, on average, three times longer than installing metal tiles. But there’s more to a story than meets the eye. Because metal tiles are bulky and "slow," installing them can be more difficult even for experienced roofers.

Use specific wooden supports to raise them to a height at the installation site so they can be placed upright. Two workers are needed for this process at minimum. In this sense, bitumen ralics are more practical because of their small size, which allows one roofer to lift and install them on the roof without the need for transport devices.

Installing metal tiles, which are only done on basic rock roofs, can be referred to as unconditionally light. This process is complicated by multiple prunings that result in various fractures. In this instance, labor expenses rise to the absolute maximum, frequently surpassing comparable indicators for a soft roof.

In conclusion, installing metal tiles on a basic one- or gable roof with a brigade of two or more people is the easiest option. Conversely, it is preferable to select a soft tile in order to make the installation process simpler on intricate, wavy, or multi-sized roofs, or when a single roofer is doing the work.

Criterion #5 – soundproofing properties

One major issue with the metal tile is "noise," which is audible in the rain and hail. In order to solve this issue, a metal tile is placed beneath a heat-insulating layer (that must be at least 150–200 mm thick) that also serves as soundproofing. Organizing a residential attic necessitates these kinds of events particularly if you find the sounds of raindrops bouncing off each other to be unsettling.

Because bitumen tiles are completely silent, there is no need to install additional soundproofing layers. As such, it is ideal for roof arrangements on any type of structure, even those without useful insulation, such as summer attics, arbors, garages, etc.

Conclusion: If you value the roof’s silence but find that the thick layer of insulation—which surely strengthens the structure—does not mesh with your design, go with bitumen tiles. You can use any material for a warm roof, as long as it has a warming layer inside; sound insulation won’t be a major concern.

Criterion #6 – Design possibilities

When placed on the roof, both materials look fantastic.

The metal tile has a very natural appearance because it mimics traditional ceramic tiles. In addition, a great variety of profiles exist with varying wave sizes and geometric configurations. Supermontterray, Joker, Cascade, and Monterray are some of the most well-liked profiles.

Apart from the diverse range of profiles, the array of metal tiles is remarkable in terms of the quantity of color options available. About a hundred of them exist! This implies that the color of a metal tile roof can be practically any shade that complements the surrounding architecture or your personal taste.

The soft roof offers nearly infinite design possibilities, making practically any architectural concept a reality. First and foremost, the way the bitumen horses are cut determines how the soft roof will look. Rhomboids, hexagons, rectangles, ovals, "beaver tail," "sorcerer," and other shapes are the most well-known among them.

Regarding color, there is an enormous range to choose from. There are two types of materials: one that is monochrome, with painted petals in a single color, and the other that is multicolored, with various hues and tones used (usually in combination).

Hidden fasteners are a great benefit of the soft roof’s appearance. With the aid of a lower layer that adheres to itself and tiny nails that are overlapped by the upper row of tiles, the races are fastened to the base. Despite the hats painted in the same tone as the roofing, the metal tile modules are secured to the crate using unique self-tapping screws.

In conclusion, there is an enormous variety of both materials in terms of shapes and hues. Selecting a specific product is a question of preference.

Criterion #8 – Durability

The roofing material’s resistance to wear determines how long it will last. This factor is related to the kind of polymer coating used in metal tiles. Polyester materials are thought to be of lower quality than Pural materials. Zinc content is also directly related to wear resistance and should be at least 275 g/m2.

Manufacturers estimate that metal tiles will last 20 to 50 years on average.

A bituminous roof has a 30- to 50-year lifespan. The term is contingent upon the bitumen quality (oxidized is preferable to modified), base, and protective layer thickness.

In conclusion, the lifespan of both materials is roughly equal and can exceed 50 years with skillful installation and high-quality material selection.

Criterion #9 – cost

Costlier than metal tiles are soft tiles. If you only factor in materials, the price difference is 1.5 times on average. Beyond this, however, laying the lining carpet and a continuous crate (ideally made of plywood FSF or OSP-3) are needed beneath the soft roof. All of this requires extra money.

Furthermore, the estimated cost of installing bitumen tiles is higher due to the requirement for professional skills and time expenditures.

In summary, a metal tape roof is less expensive than a soft roof.

Soft Roof	Metal Tile
Cost-effective, generally cheaper to install and repair.	Higher initial cost but longer lifespan, less maintenance.
Suitable for complex roof shapes, more flexible.	Uniform appearance, modern aesthetic appeal.
Requires regular maintenance and replacement due to wear.	Durable, resistant to weather, fire, and pests.

It ultimately comes down to your individual requirements and tastes whether you go with metal tiles or a soft roof. Each roofing material has unique benefits and disadvantages. A soft roof is inexpensive and simple to install; it is usually composed of bitumen or asphalt shingles. Because of its adaptability to a variety of architectural styles, it is a popular choice for residential homes. Furthermore, compared to metal tiles, repairs are frequently easier and less expensive.

Conversely, metal tiles offer greater longevity and durability. They provide exceptional resistance to weather conditions like rain, snow, and UV rays because they are made of materials like steel, aluminum, or zinc. Because of its longevity, this usually means a higher initial cost, but over time, the savings from fewer maintenance and replacement expenses can be realized.

Both options provide a variety of styles and colors to match the exterior of your home when it comes to aesthetics. Soft roofs provide you flexibility in designing the desired aesthetic by imitating the appearance of traditional roofing materials like wood or slate. Additionally, metal tiles are available in a variety of profiles and finishes, giving them a sleek, contemporary appearance that complements modern architectural styles.

The climate and surrounding conditions are important considerations when choosing between these roofing materials. Areas that are vulnerable to extreme weather events, like intense snowfall or hurricanes, might gain more from metal tiles’ resilience. On the other hand, areas with milder climates might benefit more from a soft roof’s affordability and thermal insulation qualities.

In conclusion, weighing considerations like cost, durability, aesthetics, and climate suitability will determine whether you choose metal tiles or a soft roof. Knowing these distinctions will enable homeowners to choose the option that best suits their long-term functional and aesthetic requirements.

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