Types Of Roofing Materials: Advantages And Disadvantages, Choosing The Right Owner

2023 Author: Philip Bishop | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 07:54

• Roof types
• Sheet roofing materials
• Metal tile
• Professional list
• Ondulin
• Metal roofing materials
• Slate
• Seamed metal roof
• Seam roof made of aluminum and copper
• Soft roof and its types
• Flexible roof tiles
• Roll roofing
• Membrane roof
• Piece materials
• Ceramic tiles
• Cement tiles
• Slate roof
• Self-leveling roof
• Conclusion

As you know, one of the main components of any house is the roof. But before equipping it, it is necessary to select the material from which it will be made. And to solve this problem, you need to know what types of roofing materials are, as well as their characteristics and areas of use and which of the proposed is better to choose for the house.

Roof types

First of all, it is worth noting the main types of roofing materials. In particular, two types are noted:

1. Sheet materials
2. Soft materials

For a better understanding, it is worth considering each of the groups and the main varieties.

Sheet roofing materials

This variety, as the name implies, is presented in the form of sheets of various shapes and made from various kinds of materials. Let's take a closer look at the varieties of this type of roof and the main features of each of them.

Metal tile

It is a profiled steel sheet measuring 1 × 0.5 m. Its surface is covered with mineral granulate in an acrylic binder. Externally, the metal tile is very similar to ceramic.

In our country, it is produced in the form of galvanized steel sheets, slightly profiled, without external finishing.

These types of roofing are very common in individual construction and successfully replace galvanized steel sheets.

A roof with such a coating serves for at least 50 years. The heights and sizes of the sheets are extremely variable.

The disadvantage of this material is a significant susceptibility to corrosion due to the specific properties of aluminum.

With the help of this material, you can make repairs to the roof of a house with your own hands, which has an unlimited service life. Its thickness reaches 0.6 or 0.8 mm, and its width is 670 mm. Installation of this type of roof is very laborious and impossible without special skills and abilities. At first, the finished roof has a shiny surface, which later darkens.

Advantages:

1. Easy and quick to attach.
2. High level of strength, thanks to which it withstands loads and shocks.
3. Relatively low cost
4. Low weight (up to 5 kg per square meter)
5. Transportation of the material does not require special conditions and respect.

Among the disadvantages of the material:

1. Large percentage of waste after work
2. Strongly transmits noise that occurs when the roof is hit, for example, when it rains or falling branches.

Professional list

The next type is the roofing profiled flooring. It is made of the same metal as the tile, the only difference is the smaller number of layers. In particular, the profiled sheets are treated with a zinc layer and aluminum.

Among the varieties, you can see various variations of the profile, namely wavy, triangular, rectangular, etc.

Most often, such a coating is used for industrial and utility buildings. Stores, gas stations and car washes are also covered.

Material advantages:

1. Service life up to 50 years.
2. Relatively low cost (about 600 rubles per square meter)
3. Easy to install
4. High level of flexural strength.

Among the disadvantages, one can only note the need for additional sound insulation, since this is a noisy material.

Ondulin

Covering from natural materials. In the composition, you can find cellulose fibers impregnated with bitumen. The surface is additionally painted with polymer paint, which gives the material a more elegant look.

In another way, these sheets are called euro slate.

Quite often, the material is used to cover sheds, gazebos and garages. Also used to cover old slate, giving it new life.

A good advantage is the flexibility of the material, which allows it to be used even when finishing a non-standard roof with a complex shape.

Benefits:

1. The operational period is up to 40 years.
2. High level of water resistance, along with hygiene and environmental friendliness.
3. The material is immune to chemical attack.
4. It can withstand loads up to a ton per square meter.
5. Easy to handle and install.
6. Silent
7. The cost of the material is about 300 rubles per square meter.

Disadvantages:

1. The temperature limit for the material is 110 degrees; at higher rates, it begins to collapse.
2. Paint will fade over time.
3. In dimly lit areas, moss grows rather quickly (within several years).
4. In the heat, the roof softens and begins to smell like bitumen, so you cannot climb on it.

Metal roofing materials

Metal roofing is used in construction for a number of reasons. First, it is distinguished by its durability (its service life is about 20 years); secondly, it does not require complex maintenance (maintenance is not needed at all for galvanized sheet steel); thirdly, it is the lightest (together with the lathing no more than 15 kg per 1 m ²), as a result of which it is possible to save lumber, due to a decrease in the size of the section of the wooden elements of the roof frame.

Roofing iron (sheet cold-rolled steel) can have a thickness of 0.35–5 mm, a width of 500–2300 mm, and the length in some cases allows the material to be rolled into rolls. Most often, roofing works use steel with a thickness of 0.35–0.8 mm. Sheet sizes can be 710 × 1420 mm, 1000 × 2000 mm and 750 × 1500 mm.

Coil steel is also convenient in work, since there are fewer seams on the roof that allow water to seep. However, in most cases, roofers use sheets with dimensions of 710 × 1420 mm. The material consumption is 5.1 kg of roofing steel per 1 m ^{2 of the} roof.

Together with black steel, galvanized steel is also produced, coated on both sides with a zinc layer having a thickness of 0.02 mm.

To prevent corrosion, black steel must be coated with grease. Roofing iron should only be stored in a dry room. For rather long storage, the sheets must be cleaned of grease and proliferated on both sides. The most reliable protection of the material is the varnish coating with oil paint.

These types of roofing are sheets of aluminum or galvanized steel, stamped into a tile covering.

Sheet sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The front covering of the metal tile can be made of colored polyester, polyvinyl chloride, plastisol and a number of other polymeric materials, the thickness of which is 20–70 microns. With an increase in the thickness of the polymer layer, the strength of the material increases and, accordingly, its service life increases.

Slate

Among all types of roofing materials, slate is considered the most affordable. In addition, it has been the most popular since Soviet times. The material contains 85% cement, the remaining 15 are asbestos. Standard sheets of such material weigh from 10 to 15 kilograms. All sheets have the same length, 1750 millimeters, while the width can range from 980 to 1130 millimeters. In turn, the width indicators determine the number of waves, and there can be from 6 to 8.

If earlier with slate in the wings of most buildings, starting from residential buildings and industrial sites, today it finds its application mainly in arranging the roof of sheds and outbuildings.

Benefits:

1. Quite a long operational period - 30-40 years.
2. High level of shock and bending strength.
3. Easy to handle. Cutting sheets to the required size is carried out with a simple grinder.
4. The material is non-flammable.
5. It has a low cost, on average 120-150 rubles per square meter.

Among the disadvantages:

1. Over time, harmful substances are released (which causes asbestos).
2. The material is rather fragile.
3. It has a high level of hygroscopicity, as a result of which it collects moisture, which causes the formation of moss.

Seamed metal roof

It is a flat steel sheet that helps to remove moisture from the roof. The material is used with the use of zinc processing, or in its pure form. Can be additionally treated with polymer protection.

The name of the material is due to the method of joining sheets, which is called a fold. It is presented as single or double, as well as vertical or horizontal. This is due to the type of fastening, in width or length.

This type of material is used when arranging the roof of cathedrals and manor-type houses. Production facilities are also sheltered.

Advantages:

1. Service life from 25 to 30 years.
2. Low cost - 300-400 rubles per square.
3. Refractoriness.
4. Attractive appearance.
5. High level of flexibility, which allows you to equip a roof with complex shapes.
6. Resistant to temperature extremes.
7. The sheets are quite light (4-5kg).

Disadvantages:

1. Shock loads can damage the coating.
2. It is necessary to use the material with additional thermal insulation.
3. A small number of specialists who are able to make a high-quality roof from such material.
4. Static electricity often builds up on the roof.
5. High level of noise, which requires additional sound insulation.

Seam roof made of aluminum and copper

By its principle and appearance, it is almost identical to the previous version. The only difference is that the roof does not corrode. More weight is also noted, in particular, the copper roof weighs up to 10 kilograms.

Pros:

1. Service life up to 80 years.
2. Virtually maintenance-free, occasional roof flushing is sufficient.
3. The material is non-flammable.
4. Completely environmentally friendly and safe.
5. Resistant to corrosion and chemical attack.
6. Possesses excellent decorative characteristics.

Among the shortcomings, only the high cost is noted, in particular about 2,000 rubles per square meter.

Soft roof and its types

We figured out the sheet coverings, now you should pay attention to the next type, namely the soft roof.

Flexible roof tiles

This is the first kind of soft materials. Another name for such a shingle or shiglas. The composition is based on fiberglass, which is impregnated with bitumen with additional modifiers using a special technology, while basalt or shale chips are applied on top for a decorative effect. In addition, the last layer performs not only decorative functions, but also plays the role of protection against ultraviolet radiation. A self-adhesive bitumen layer is applied on the reverse side. For laying, it is enough to warm it up and stick it to the base.

This type is used for arranging any type of roof, even the most complex shape. Also often found when decorating the attic.

Benefits:

1. Service life up to 70 years.
2. The cost is 400-500 rubles per square.
3. Retains snow on a rough surface.
4. Possesses good decorative qualities.
5. It does not corrode and does not form condensation.
6. The material is quite flexible, which allows for work of any complexity.

Disadvantages:

1. It becomes hard and brittle in cold weather.
2. At high temperatures, it melts and gives off an unpleasant odor.
3. Combustible.

Roll roofing

The next option is waterproofing. Such a coating is also made on the basis of fiberglass, in addition, variations of their polyester and fiberglass are presented.

Each of them has some specific features:

1. Polyester is strong enough, but expensive.
2. Fiberglass is a kind of middle ground between quality and price.
3. In turn, fiberglass is quite cheap, but not of high quality.

The base itself is filled with bitumen with modifiers. After that, sprinkling with sand, mica or slate is carried out on top.

Such a coating is used mainly in houses with a flat roof, or it is used as waterproofing.

Advantages:

1. Service life 50 years.
2. Maintenance-free.
3. Not dangerous and also completely environmentally friendly.
4. It has a low cost, on average 100 rubles.
5. It is lightweight.

Minuses:

It should be stored only in a standing position, without additional heating and away from heaters

Membrane roof

The next type is a membrane covering up to 2 millimeters thick. There are three types of these, depending on the basis:

1. PVC cover.
2. EPDM
3. TVET

The first type is not environmentally friendly, but at the same time provides protection from ultraviolet radiation and fire.

EPDM is made of synthetic rubber, which is additionally reinforced with polyester. Such coatings are quite durable and at the same time completely safe for human health.

TPO are made from olefins with additional reinforcement, they are also durable and environmentally friendly.

Such coatings are used on flat roofs, mainly in public and residential high-rise buildings.

Pros:

1. Low price (300-400r).
2. Durability (service life up to 50 years).
3. They are wide enough to cover any size roof.
4. Installation work can be carried out at any time of the year.
5. Does not require repair, and besides, they fit as quickly as possible.
6. High puncture resistance.

Among the cons:

1. The most thorough preparation of the base and its leveling is required.
2. Not resistant to chemical attack.

Piece materials

And the last category marks piece materials, which are also shared by several varieties.

Ceramic tiles

One of the oldest roof coverings, along with slate roofing and wooden shingles. Manufacturing is carried out by firing clay at a temperature of over 1000 degrees. Thanks to this treatment, the coating becomes as strong and hard as possible. The color is mostly standard, brown with reddish. But surface painting is also allowed.

Some more expensive types are additionally glazed, which increases the water repellency properties. The tiles are presented in the form of squares and are 30 centimeters wide. Weight of one unit from 2 kg.

There are several types of shingles, in particular:

1. Flat tape.
2. Stamped groove.
3. Tape groove.
4. One and two wavelength.
5. Private and grooved.

It is mainly used in private houses made of wood, brick or stone of any number of storeys.

Advantages:

1. It can last about 150 years without repair.
2. Does not require special maintenance (cleaning is required no more than once a year).
3. Provides good sound insulation.
4. Non-flammable.
5. Immune to temperature extremes, withstands up to 1000 freeze and thaw cycles.
6. Large assortment of profiles and tones.
7. Able to absorb and evaporate moisture.
8. Does not corrode.

Minuses:

1. Large weight of the material, which requires strengthening the roof.
2. Pretty fragile.
3. The complexity of installation, requiring additional insulation and arrangement of fasteners.
4. The high cost of the material is from 1000 to 3000 rubles per square, depending on the type.

Cement tiles

Such a coating is created from sand and cement without additional firing. Due to the use of dyes, it has a large assortment of shades. An additional glaze is applied on top, which provides good aesthetic qualities. Roof weight up to 40 kilograms per square meter.

It is used as well as ceramic in any home.

Advantages:

1. Manufacturer's warranty for service from 30 years (in most of its operational period 50-70 years).
2. Compared to ceramic, low cost (up to 1000 rubles per square meter).
3. It is immune to UV rays.
4. Transfer up to 1000 freeze cycles.
5. Does not deteriorate under chemical attack.

Minuses:

1. Compared to ceramic - large thickness.
2. Quite a lot of weight.
3. During transportation, approximately 10% breaks on average due to the fragility of the material.

Slate roof

Covering from natural slate, which is processed to give the desired shape. The material is considered elite, and you can see it in ancient castles and less and less in private houses.

Advantages:

1. The operational period is up to 200 years.
2. Wonderful appearance that has no analogues.
3. Sun protection.
4. Fire safety, environmental friendliness, water and frost resistance.

Among the minuses, only a too high cost can be noted, which ranges from 3,500 to 7,000 rubles per square meter.

Self-leveling roof

And the last type is the mastic roof, which is a special membrane. It is a liquid based on oligomers. After application under the influence of oxygen, the coating hardens, forming a kind of film.

There is a high level of adhesion to surfaces made of metal, concrete and bitumen. By themselves, such coatings can be presented in the form:

1. Unreinforced.
2. Reinforced.
3. Combined.

Often used in regions with severe winters along with very hot summers.

Advantages:

1. Provides a high level of moisture protection.
2. Installed quickly.
3. No seams.
4. The composition is completely free of solvents and harmful substances.
5. The coating is resistant to fire and low temperatures.
6. Relatively low cost from 300 rubles.

Disadvantages:

1. It is quite difficult to achieve uniform distribution of the substance and make the same layer everywhere.
2. High-quality compositions reach a cost of up to 2000 rubles per square meter.

Conclusion

Now, having considered all types of roofing, you can choose what you like best. The main thing is to consider not only the appearance, but also the performance characteristics of the materials. And in conclusion, we invite you to watch several videos on this topic:

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