Soft roofing (bituminous shingles) and metal shingles are roughly equivalent roofing materials that combine reliability, durability and aesthetic appearance. Therefore, when a layman developer faces the problem of choosing one of these materials, he is usually lost.

In the meantime, you just need to compare some of the features of these two materials and determine which of them are more preferable in a particular case of construction. We will do this now to answer which is better: a soft roof or metal tile.

Let's start with the most basic - understanding what the materials that we are going to compare are made of and look like.

Metal tiles are profiled sheets with longitudinal and transverse corrugation, imitating the shape and pattern of ceramic tiles. It turns out pretty similar. From a distance, you cannot tell that these are not piece tiles, but metal modules.

The structure of the metal tile is complex; in section it consists of several layers. At the base - a thin sheet of steel 0.4-0.7 mm, coated with zinc on both sides, with a thickness of at least 18-20 microns. Further, again, passivating layers and a primer are applied on both sides. As a completion, the lower side of the module is painted with a protective paint, and a polymer is applied to the upper side - polyester, pural, plastisol, etc.

Bituminous shingles are a different type of material, these are narrow ribbons (shingles) with cutouts in the form of rectangles, rhombuses, petals, etc. Placed on the roof, these details form the basis of the unique pattern inherent in a particular type of product.

Flexible shingles also have a multilayer structure, based on fiberglass, "wrapped" in a shell of modified or oxidized bitumen. On the front layer, stone chips-granulate is applied, on the bottom layer - a bitumen-polymer adhesive composition, which allows you to glue the shingles together without using mastics.

Thus, both of these materials claim to be similar to natural tiles, have a multi-layer complex structure that ensures durability and reliability.

It's time to start comparing, using the most significant characteristics as a guide.

Criterion # 1 - dimensions and weight

If you look at the metal tile, it immediately becomes clear that it is difficult to mount it alone. The sheets of material are quite large: length - 0.5-7.5 m (usually up to 4.5 m), width - 1.12-1.19 m. Accordingly, difficulties may arise with their lifting to a height and fastening to the rafters. Therefore, manufacturers usually do not produce modules longer than 4.5 m.

With bituminous shingles, such problems do not arise, since the material is produced in the form of small-sized shingles. Standard: length - 1000 mm, width - 337 mm. It is easy to lift the shingles to a height and carry out installation activities, even if the team consists of only one person.

As for the total weight on the roof, then here it is lighter, despite the size of the sheets, is the metal tile. The weight of 1 m2 of roofing made from it is about 5 kg, from soft tiles - about 8-12 kg.

Output: metal roofing modules are larger than bituminous shingles, but in the end, metal roofing weighs less and gives a small load on the rafters.

Criterion # 2 - scope

Both materials are used on pitched roofs with a minimum slope angle of about 12-14 °. Moreover, soft tiles are truly universal. It is suitable for roofs of any, even the most complex shapes - with domes and turrets. Bituminous shingles are very lightweight and lightweight, so they can easily cover surfaces with kinks and bends. In valleys and corners, it is enough to bend the shingle so that it takes the desired shape. With such an installation, very little waste is obtained, as a rule, no more than 3-4%.

There is a different approach to metal roofing, as a rule, it is laid only on the simplest roofs, with straight lines of slopes. If the shape of the roof has a lot of kinks and details, then it can be a real headache for the developer. Firstly, there is a lot of trimming ahead, in some cases up to 30% of the material may be in the remainder. Secondly, endless cutting will raise the cost of the roof, but will naturally reduce its quality due to the formation of open edges, which will need to be painted over to avoid corrosion.

Output: soft shingles are more versatile and allow you to cover the roof of any shape, complexity and configuration with a minimum amount of waste.

Criterion # 3 - type of base

Metal tiles are traditionally mounted on a lattice crate made of boards or beams. The pitch of the lathing is selected in accordance with the wavelength of the module - as a rule, it is 350-400 mm.

For the installation of bituminous tiles, you will need a more complex lathing - a solid one, consisting, as a rule, of two layers. The first layer is sparse, the same as in the case of metal tiles, the second layer is a continuous flooring made of plywood, OSB or boards.

Output: lathing for bituminous shingles is a more complex system, and, accordingly, more expensive, requiring more expensive materials. The choice of metal tiles, on the contrary, will help reduce the cost of the base.

Criterion # 4 - installation complexity

Installation of metal tiles is considered simpler, since the sheets are large and allow covering large roof areas in a short time. Moreover, the installation process is not associated with a large number of professional secrets, so self-taught masters often decide on this work on their own, showing excellent results.

The situation is more complicated. Any mistake during installation will immediately affect the quality, sometimes leading to a complete loss of performance. Therefore, for the installation of soft tiles, it is recommended to contact roofers with qualifications and experience.

If we talk about labor costs, then, on average, the process of roofing a roof with a soft roof lasts 3 times longer than installing a metal tile. Although there is a second side to the coin. For a roofer with experience, the installation of metal tiles can become more difficult, due to the "sluggishness", bulkiness of the sheets.

To transport them to a height to the installation site, special wooden supports are used, along which they are lifted in a vertical position. This process requires at least two workers. Bituminous shingles are more convenient in this regard, the small size of which makes it possible for one roofer to lift them onto the roof and mount them, without the use of transport devices.

Installation of metal tiles, performed only on simple pitched roofs, can be called unconditionally easy. Various kinks complicate this process due to multiple trimming. In this case, labor costs increase to maximum limits, often exceeding those for a soft roof.

Output: on simple one- or gable roofs, in the presence of a team of 2 or more people, installation of metal tiles is simpler. Conversely, on complex, corrugated or multi-pitched roofs or when installing with one roofer, to simplify the work, it is better to choose soft tiles.

Criterion # 5 - sound insulation properties

The metal tile has a significant drawback - "noise", which manifests itself during rain and hail. To eliminate this problem, a heat-insulating layer (at least 150-200 mm thick) is laid under the metal tile, which additionally plays the role of sound insulation. Such events are especially necessary when arranging a residential attic, of course, if the sounds of drumming from bouncing raindrops do not fit into your idea of ​​comfort.

Bituminous shingles are absolutely noiseless; there is no need to lay special sound-insulating layers for them. Therefore, it is perfect for arranging any roofs, including those where insulation is not constructively provided, for example, in summer attics, gazebos, garages, etc.

Output: if the noiselessness of the roof is important to you, but a thick layer of insulation (which undoubtedly increases the cost of the structure) does not fit into your plans, choose bituminous shingles. For a warm roof, the cake of which contains an insulating layer, you can choose any material - it will not play a significant role in terms of sound insulation.

Criterion # 6 - Design Capabilities

Both materials look great when placed on the roof.

The metal tile imitates the classic ceramic tile, therefore it looks very natural. Moreover, there are a large number of profiles with different wave sizes and their geometries. Some of the most popular profiles are Monterrey, Supermonterrey, Cascade, Joker.

In addition to the variety of profiles, the range of metal tiles is striking in the number of colors. There are about 100 of them! This means that a metal roof can have almost any shade that fits into the architectural ensemble or your personal preferences.

The soft roof is absolutely not inferior in terms of design possibilities, thanks to which almost any architectural ideas can be brought to life. The appearance of a soft roof, first of all, depends on the shape of the cutting of bituminous shingles. The most famous of them are diamond-shaped, hexagonal, rectangular, oval, "beaver's tail", "shingle", etc.

As for the colors, there is also a huge variety in this regard. There is both a monochrome material, the petals of which are painted in one color, and multi-color - using a variety of colors and shades (necessarily combined with each other).

A big advantage of the appearance of a soft roof is hidden fasteners. The shingles are fixed to the base with a self-adhesive bottom layer and small nails overlapped with the top row of shingles. The metal tile modules are fixed on the crate with special self-tapping screws, which, despite the caps painted to match the roofing, remain visible.

Output: the assortment of both materials is huge, both in shape and color. The choice of a particular product is a matter of personal taste.

Criterion # 8 - Durability

The service life of the roofing material depends on its durability. In metal tiles, this factor is associated with the type of polymer coating. The lower quality is the material made of polyester, the higher quality is the material made of pural. Wear resistance also directly depends on the zinc content, which should be at least 275 g / m2.

On average, the durability of metal tiles is estimated by manufacturers within 20-50 years.

A bituminous roof can serve for 30-50 years. The term depends on the quality of the used bitumen (oxidized better than modified), the type of base, the thickness of the protective layer.

Output: the service life of both materials is approximately the same and, with proper installation and selection of high-quality material, can reach 50 years.

Criterion # 9 - cost

Soft tiles are more expensive than metal tiles. On average, if you count only materials, the price differs by 1.5 times. But, besides this, under a soft roof, laying of a lining carpet is required, as well as a continuous crate (preferably from FSF or OSB-3 plywood). All this costs extra money.

In addition, the installation of bituminous shingles is also more expensive, taking into account the time required and the need for professional skills.

Output: metal roofing is a more budgetary option than a soft roof.

In conclusion, what is better?

According to some parameters, metal roofing is more suitable, and according to others - bituminous roofing. You need to choose after weighing and assessing the importance of each factor for a particular case. For example, low sound insulation of metal tiles may not play a role on the roof of a shed, utility block or other non-residential facility. And on the mansard roof, on the contrary, become a weighty argument in favor of shingles.

We offer you to watch a video plot, which tells about the main features and differences between metal tiles and soft roofs - this will help you make the final and correct choice.

How to choose a soft roof for your roof and not regret it? To do this, you need to learn more about what a flexible roof is, what are its main properties and parameters.

Types of soft roof

What types of flexible roofing are there? It is manufactured in two main types:

Roll

The soft roof is supplied in rolls 10-20 m long and 90-110 cm wide. It is designed to cover extended slopes, flat or with a minimum slope. The roll is rolled out on the roof into a sheet and glued to the prepared base using bitumen mastic.

Advantages:

• low price;
• high efficiency of installation.

Disadvantages:

• ineffective on roofs of small size and complex shape;
• unaesthetic appearance;
• low resistance to mechanical damage.

Roofing rolls are laid over a cement screed coated with a primer to improve adhesion. Before gluing, the cut strips must be straightened for at least 24 hours.

Such materials are used most often for industrial or warehouse buildings of medium and large sizes. It is also a good choice for a budget detached house with a gable roof.

Bituminous shingles

This material is also called segmented soft roof. In the production of their bitumen sheet, segments are cut. During installation, they are glued to the base using a factory-applied mastic and fixed with roofing nails.

The segments are overlapped in such a way that the nail locations of the bottom row are covered by the next row. At each point of the roof, there are 4 to 6 layers of roofing material.

Advantages:

• high reliability of the roof;
• excellent sound insulation;
• low percentage of waste when cutting on roofs of small area and complex shape;
• suitable for tapered roofs.

Disadvantages:

• high price;
• high complexity of laying;
• requires exceptional care during installation.

Bituminous shingles are used to cover the roofs of private houses and public buildings with a slope of at least 12 o. The variety of patterns allows you to choose the right model for any style and size of the building.

What is the best soft roof? Each has its own scope.

Soft roof structure

Modern flexible roofing sheet is a complex multi-layer system.

Bituminous base

The supporting structure is a sheet of dense cardboard impregnated with bitumen or a sheet of fiberglass. It provides the strength of the roofing material. Bitumen for impregnation is either acidic or alkaline.

Sprinkling

A layer of mineral chips with the addition of a coloring pigment protects the soft cardboard from mechanical damage. Coarse-grained dressing traps snow and makes it difficult for it to naturally fall off the slope.

The best manufacturers of soft tiles use basalt crumb without impurities; in budget lines, cheapening additives can be added to basalt.

Base: fiberglass or cardboard? What's better?

Initially, cardboard was used as the basis for soft tiles. It is affordable but has limited durability. In modern models of shingles, fiberglass is increasingly used.

This material is better in quality and several times more durable than cardboard. In addition, it has an almost significantly lower specific gravity with equal strength. This reduces the load on the rafter system.

Fiberglass is not subject to corrosion and age-related changes in the structure, the increased service life fully justifies the high price of the material.

Advantages of a soft roof

A soft roof has a number of obvious advantages over other types of roofing materials, such as metal tiles, seam roofing, ondulin or ceramics. These include:

1. A wide range of shapes and shades, aesthetic appearance.
2. Affordable price.
3. Long service life. The material is not subject to rust and decay.
4. High tightness.
5. Elasticity makes it possible to use on roofs of complex shapes, including curved, conical and domed. No other material will work for this.
6. Low percentage of waste when cutting;
7. Resistant to ultraviolet radiation, temperature and humidity changes.
8. Excellent sound and thermal insulation properties. For a private house, the roof becomes an additional layer of insulation. The noise of rain is practically inaudible even in gazebos and open verandas.
9. Installation is quite simple and can be done independently

There are a number of disadvantages inherent in the material:

1. Not applicable on slopes with a slope of less than 12 o.
2. Required solid lathing.
3. Necessarily ventilation device to protect the rafter system from high humidity.
4. High surface roughness... This leads to the accumulation of dust, small debris. Moss germination is possible in shady areas. In winter, the roughness prevents natural snow from melting.
5. High requirements for installation accuracy... Only correct and accurate installation will provide high quality coating and aesthetic appearance.

The advantages of a flexible roof noticeably outweigh its disadvantages. More and more homeowners are opting for an inexpensive and easy-to-use material.

Features of shingles

When choosing a roofing material, the following features of shingles should be taken into account:

1. Base material... Affects the strength and durability of the coating. If funds permit, it is better to stay on a fiberglass canvas.
2. Bituminous impregnation type... Modified SBS-bitumen is the best impregnating material today.
3. Spreading type... Basalt crumb creates the strongest and most durable sprinkling layer. It does not glare in the sun, creating a "cheap roof effect".
4. Bituminous mastic applied to the underside of the segments, loses its adhesive properties over time and worse joins the base. Therefore, it is better to install soft tiles no later than six months from the date of production.

Installation features

Installation of shingles does not require special qualifications of workers and the use of expensive equipment. It is better to choose a hot sunny day for installation. The high air temperature will additionally soften the mastic and improve adhesion to the substrate, especially on complex roofs.

For a soft roof, a continuous sheathing is required. If necessary, the surface is leveled with OSB or plywood sheets. Next, a lining carpet is laid, it is fixed with roofing nails, and the joints are glued with mastic.

Laying the segments begins with the eaves. The lower part is glued onto a layer of mastic applied to the back side, and the upper part is nailed. Each next layer of segments is shifted sideways by half of the element. Ridge elements, junctions to other slopes, walls, pipes, etc. coated with bituminous mastic.

Comparison of manufacturers

How to choose the right manufacturer?

Foreign brands are traditionally famous for their high quality and rich selection of shapes and colors. The price is also high. It is justified by the long service life of the coating and the absence of the need for work on its replacement.

Which companies are the most popular? Ranking leaders are often:

1. FinnishKatepal... Traditional Finnish quality and excellent sound insulation properties.
2. GermanicDoсke... The budget line is guaranteed for 20 years. The premium line comes with a 50-year warranty.
3. ItalianTegola... The widest selection of shapes, patterns and palettes. Production is localized in Russia.

Of the local manufacturers, the Shinglas trademark of the TechnoNIKOL company can be noted. It produces a wide range of fiberglass roofing materials. Single-layer models are quite affordable in price, and even top-end two-layer models continue to be affordable.

Comparison of manufacturers' pricing policy

What price should shingles have? Most manufacturers have flexible pricing policies. They produce budget lines with a cost per square meter of 250-350 rubles.

For consumers with higher needs for reliability and durability of the roof, premium product lines are offered in the range of 700-1300 rubles / m2. The most expensive models can reach 3500 rubles / m2.

Often, both lines have a similar set of shapes and shades. This allows you to cover the main building on the site with high-quality flexible tiles, and the auxiliary buildings and gazebos - with a simpler material, while maintaining a single stylistic solution.

Thus, manufacturers are trying to expand their market coverage.

Conclusions: which shingles to choose

How to choose flexible shingles? When choosing soft tiles for the roof of a house, one must proceed from the purpose of the building.

For a residential building, it is better not to save money and purchase high-quality and wear-resistant tiles from the best manufacturers with a long service life. This will ultimately save money on the dismantling of the unusable roof and the installation of a new one.

For sheds, gazebos and auxiliary unheated buildings, you can choose a flexible roof of the same manufacturer from the budget line of the same color and pattern.

The roofing market today is very diverse. It would seem that a wide range of material base should facilitate the selection of the best coverage, but the opposite is true. Due to the fact that many of the types of coatings are equally versatile and are practically not inferior to each other in quality, it is difficult to make a choice. For example, the choice between a metal tile or a soft roof: which is better, even the most experienced qualified builder will not tell you. The fact is that when choosing the optimal coating, you need to proceed from its intended purpose, the characteristics of the material and how it will fit exactly on your roof.

Metal tile: description and parameters of the material

The metal tile is a roofing material made of galvanized steel sheets 0.8-1 meters wide, 1 to 8 meters long, and 0.37 to 0.7 mm thick (the greater the thickness and length of the metal tile sheet, the harder the roofing structure will be ).

The metal tile consists of several layers:

• outer layer - polymer, made of plastisol or polyester (made in a variety of colors: from burgundy and red to green);
• primer layer (guarantees a high-quality base for the polymer layer);
• passivating layer;
• galvanized metal layer;
• steel sheet.

The appearance of metal tiles is identical to natural tiles.

The metal tile is easy to install, lightweight and inexpensive

The main advantages of metal tiles are lightness (the weight of a square meter of coverage is no more than 7 kg), ease and speed of installation, low cost and availability. The disadvantages of metal tiles are corrosiveness (it can be avoided if the coating is properly maintained) and noise (for example, rain drumming on metal makes a lot of noise).

Soft bitumen roofing: features of roofing material

Soft roofs are wavy or flat sheets of bitumen, with approximate dimensions: 35-40 centimeters in width and 1 meter in length (different manufacturers produce sheets of different sizes). The color gamut is as wide as that of metal tiles.

The basis of a soft bitumen roof is fiberglass, which plays the role of a connecting layer between two layers of oxidized bitumen.

The pluses of a bituminous roof include a variety of its forms: rectangular, two-layer form "for shingles", etc., as well as the noiselessness of the material and the ability to lay it on the roofs of even the most complex structures and shapes.

Cons of a soft roof: laying is done only on a solid base, which increases the overall cost of arranging the roof.

Metal roofing or soft roofing? Comparative analysis of materials

For the comparative analysis to be the most complete, it is necessary to highlight the main parameters for comparison:

• base for roofing material;
• cost and total material consumption;
• the complexity of the laying work;
• the presence and characteristics of additional layers of the roofing "pie";
• the endurance of the material in the cold period.

Base for roofing material

The first requirement for the base is the ability to withstand the weight of the roofing material. In this case, the requirements for the rafter system are almost identical: both metal and soft tiles are equally light material (metal tiles have a weight of 5-7 kg, and flexible tiles are 7-9 kg per square meter), exerting minimal pressure on the rafters. The optimal parameters of the rafter system for both types of roofing materials will be:

• the range of the installation step of the rafter logs is 65-80 cm;
• timber with a section of 150x50.

The only difference between the base for these materials is the lathing: an ordinary stepped lathing is suitable for metal tiles (the step should be equal to the step of the tiled wave, i.e. approximately 30 cm), and flexible tiles need a continuous lathing structure.

The base for a soft roof is usually an oriented strand board (OSB) or moisture-resistant plywood, which, moreover, serves as an additional heat and sound insulating layer.

The level of complexity of roofing and material consumption

Flexible roofing lends itself much better to cutting than metal tiles: since it is quite plastic, an ordinary knife serves as a cutting tool. Therefore, this material is best suited for roofs with ornate, complex geometry (roofs with many turrets, ribs, corners).

In addition, this material is extremely economically consumed: after building even the most complex roof, at best 10-15% of the scrap will remain.
Metal shingles can also be installed without problems, however, only on single or double-pitched roofs.

If there are complex elements, ribs and turrets on the roof, it is simply impossible to lay metal tiles on them without waste, and the waste is so great (sometimes reaching 40-60%) that it would be better and cheaper to lay flexible tiles.

Some types of roofs, for example: cone-shaped and domed, cannot be covered with metal tiles at all, only flexible roofing materials are suitable for them.

Calculation of the approximate cost of materials

The price for metal tiles is low, basically you will have to spend money on glue and fasteners

Metal tiles, as already noted, are quite low in price: a sheet of material 5 millimeters thick (the optimal thickness of a metal tile sheet) costs about $ 13-15. Nevertheless, it is worth remembering that buying material is half the battle, the main expenses will fall on the complete set: glue, fasteners, etc., constituting at least 40-60% of the total budget for roofing work.

The warranty period for metal tiles is 5-20 years. It all depends mainly on the thickness of the tiles and the protective layer. Typically, shingles last at least 7-10 years (maximum 40-50 years).
If the budget allows you to purchase a rather expensive roofing material, you should buy a composite tile, which is much better than metal in all respects, and is also more durable for almost half a century.

The price of a soft roof varies depending on the characteristics: type of bitumen, sheet thickness

One sheet of composite shingles will cost you $ 30-45. The guarantee for this material is at least 30 years, but in fact, such material serves faithfully for 50 to 70 years (of course, provided that it is handled and maintained correctly).

A square meter of flexible bituminous roofing costs $ 7-20. The price of different manufacturers varies depending on the quality of the product and its characteristics: granulate, type of bitumen, sheet thickness, etc.

The warranty period for such coverage is 10-40 years. The most expensive type of flexible roofing is copper coated flexible roofing tiles. Such a coating will last more than 100 years, but it is prohibitively expensive: more than $ 70-80 per square meter.

Construction of additional layers of roofing cake

In the case of soft tiles, you do not need any lining, noise-insulating material: due to its structure, it already dampens extraneous noises. That is why it is perfect for attic roofing.

In turn, metal tiles are a very noisy material, according to consumer reviews, raindrops knocking on the iron roof give off a continuous, annoying hum inside the room. That is why, when choosing this type of roof covering, you need to take care of high-quality sound insulation (the insulating material should be at least 15-20 centimeters thick)

Installation of roofing materials: conditions, fastening methods and main features

As already mentioned, the metal tile spreads easily, but only on condition that the roof is simple: without protrusions, valleys and corners. Installation can be done in almost any weather.

The main limitation for this material is the prohibition on cutting with a grinder, because this deforms its protective layer, which seriously reduces the service life of the coating.

In addition, metal tiles need extremely careful transportation and erection directly on the roof: at least 2, or even 3-4 people should do this. Fastening is done carefully and carefully, for which self-tapping screws with special rubber gaskets are used.

The soft roof is mounted by means of nails, as well as adhesive edging on the elements of the tiles, which are used to fasten adjacent tiles together. If the fastening of the soft roof was done correctly, then the nail heads will not be visible to anyone, because each subsequent layer of tiles will overlap, and the caps will be hidden by the following sheets.

Soft shingles are best installed dry in early autumn or spring, when the temperature is average: hot weather, as well as too cold, are not suitable for installation. In addition, if there is no choice, and installation has to be done in hot weather, it is strictly forbidden to walk on top of the material, because this deforms its sheets.

So, if your goal is to cover an ordinary small single or gable roof, then the question of which material to choose should not arise at all, metal tiles will fit perfectly. If the roofing material is chosen for a large house with observation windows, complex decorative elements on the roof, an attic and chimneys from fireplaces - the ideal, and sometimes the only option, is flexible shingles.

Thus, the question of which material is better: flexible roofing or metal shingles is relative, both materials have excellent characteristics, and the decision can only be made taking into account specific conditions: the construction budget, types of roof and its functional state, personal preferences.

When choosing reliable and durable materials with excellent aesthetic properties, the question often arises of which is better - a metal tile or a soft roof? At first glance, they have approximately the same performance characteristics, minimal price differences and relatively simple installation technologies. What is the real situation with a careful comparison?

The structure and dimensions of metal tiles

Metal tiles are profiled sheets made from cold-rolled sheet steel by stamping on special equipment. To protect it from corrosion, galvanized layers, a passivation layer, a decorative polymer-based coating and a protective mounting film are applied to its surface.

Important! The roof, sheathed with metal tiles, looks very aesthetically pleasing and attractive, since many manufacturers use classic and unique profiles and textures, as well as color shades that can be easily matched to any facade design. Available colors of coatings are not only monochromatic, but also textured. All shades are standardized and correspond to RR or RAL color charts.

The sheets have longitudinal and transverse stiffening ribs, which ensure their high strength and prevent irreversible deformations as a result of mechanical stress. Moreover, they are quite light (weight up to 6 kg / m2) and do not create a significant load on the roof.

The standard sizes of metal tiles are as follows:

• length can vary between 0.5-3.6 m;
• standard width is 0.5-1.12 m;
• sheet thickness - 0.4-0.5 mm.

The structure and dimensions of the soft roof

Soft roofing is a bitumen-based roofing material with the addition of dyes. These include:

1. Ondulin is a material obtained by pressing purified cellulose fibers impregnated with bitumen and ether resins. Externally, it is a rigid sheet with a wavy profile with dimensions of 2x0.95 m and a thickness of 3 mm. It is available with a minimal set of colors, does not contain toxic elements, and is resistant to high humidity.
2. Soft tiles are made on the basis of fiberglass or fiberglass with bitumen impregnation, impregnation with dyes and possible application of stone chips. The dimensions of the sheets are 100x33 cm with a thickness of 2-3 mm. Possesses high resistance to ultraviolet light, abrasion, mechanical stress and sudden temperature changes, available in a wide range of colors.

Important! The main advantage of using shingles is the minimum amount of waste when installing any type of roof. Due to the small size of the sheets, you can carry out accurate calculations of the material and save money.

1. Roofing material is an inexpensive roll roofing material made on the basis of cardboard, fiberglass or polyester, which is impregnated with bitumen on both sides, and a layer of stone chips can be applied to the front side. Its dimensions are 1x10 m with a thickness of 1-3 mm. Able to withstand temperature extremes, ultraviolet light and high humidity.

Comparison table of the conditions for installation, maintenance and operation of metal tiles and soft roofs

To determine what is better for roof sheathing - a metal tile or a soft roof, a comparative table of the conditions for their installation, maintenance and operation will help. It reflects the basic requirements and nuances of the installation, which make it possible to determine the possibility or necessity of using a particular material in certain conditions.

	Metal tile	Soft roof
Material processing methods	Cutting with scissors, a hacksaw or a grinder at minimum speed, followed by applying a protective coating to the steel.	Cutting can be done with any available hand-held cutting tool. No protective coating is required.
Base for laying	Lathing with a step equal to or less than the wavelength of the profile or a solid base.	Only a flat solid flat base.
Requirements for the flatness of the base	Deviations from flatness up to 10 mm are possible.	Deviations of more than 0.5 mm are not permissible.
Mounting method	On self-tapping screws.	On nails, self-tapping screws, by melting the material or an adhesive base, depending on the type of soft roof.
The minimum angle of inclination of the slopes		Depends on the type of material. For example, roofing felt can be laid on a flat roof with an angle of inclination of 5 °.
The ability to move on the roof	Acceptable, but only in special shoes in order to prevent damage to the protective layer.

It follows from the table that it is very difficult to say unequivocally which roof is better, since the requirements for their installation do not coincide perfectly, the materials have different requirements for the base and methods of fastening. However, when it is technically possible to install all types of materials, then the metal tile becomes the winner.

Advantages and disadvantages of installing a soft roof

The use of one of the types of soft roofing as a roofing material allows obtaining the following advantages:

• the material has a minimum coefficient of thermal expansion, so it can withstand sharp temperature fluctuations without deformation and damage to the butt joints;
• increased resistance to any precipitation;
• high level of sound insulation, which allows to reduce the noise of precipitation;
• relatively simple installation technology, since no special tools are required and the material is easy to process;
• minimum amount of waste from roof sheathing;

Important! If you need to cover the roof with a minimum slope of the slopes or complex geometry of the slopes, then the answer to the question of which is more profitable from a financial point of view - a soft roof or metal tile, then the choice is unambiguous in favor of the former. It is easy to process, has minimal sheet dimensions and provides tight contact with the base.

• lack of sail, due to which the roofing is not afraid of any wind loads;
• a high level of tightness of the joints created;
• long service life;
• industrial roofing materials do not exist cheaper than any types of soft roofing;
• no tendency to the appearance of corrosion, fungus, mold or pests;
• no renovation of the decorative coating is required.

The disadvantages of a soft roof include:

• long installation process due to the small size of the sheets (with the exception of roofing material) and the need to control the tightness of the joints;
• low resistance to ultraviolet light, which is fraught with loss of the original color shade;
• high requirements for the base for laying;
• minimum fire resistance;
• impossibility of installation at negative ambient temperatures.

Advantages and disadvantages of metal tiles

The main advantages of metal tiles include the following:

• excellent decorative properties provided by a wide selection of sheet profiles, types of coatings and the availability of not only plain, but also textured finishes;
• resistance to sudden temperature changes, all types of precipitation, chemically active substances and pests;
• increased fire resistance;
• absence of toxic substances and components in the composition;
• good mechanical and plastic properties, allowing to withstand significant mechanical loads;
• service life up to 50 years;
• the ability to choose the technical characteristics of the material for any operating conditions and budget;
• installation on an uneven surface is allowed, including for the purpose of leveling the plane of the slopes.

The disadvantages of metal tiles are as follows:

• the minimum level of sound insulation;
• high coefficient of thermal expansion, which can be fraught with the appearance of deformations or depressurization of the joints;
• the complexity of transportation due to the need to prevent bending of the sheets, which can threaten the damage of the protective layer and irreversible changes in the shape of the profile.

Comparison results

The question of which is better - metal or flexible shingles is multifaceted, since many factors and nuances must be taken into account in each case. With a formal approach, taking into account the disadvantages and advantages, the metal tile is more profitable, since its disadvantages are insignificant and can be easily eliminated.

If you do not take into account the pros and cons of materials, but take into account only the technical capabilities of their installation and operation without taking into account the decorative properties, then in this case a soft roof is the most justified choice.

When planning the construction of a house, you must immediately decide on the choice of basic building materials. These include roofing, since the load on the foundation and the total construction costs depend on its characteristics. There is a wide selection of pitched roof coatings on the market, but most often private developers are interested in which is better - metal or soft roof. To answer this question, you should compare the materials according to various criteria and determine which option is more suitable for use in specific conditions.

Metal and soft tiles

Manufacturing principles

First of all, it is worth understanding the design features of the materials in question. They are fundamentally different in structure, the only common thing is that both types of coating imitate shingles.

Metal tile

Metal tiles are a multilayer material based on rolled steel with a thickness of 0.4 mm to 0.7 mm. It is recommended to use steel roofing sheets with a thickness of at least 0.5 mm, since at lower parameters the material is prone to deformation under loads and has a lower durability.

To protect against corrosion, the rolled metal is coated on both sides with a zinc layer (the thicker it is, the longer the roof will last), as well as a passivating layer - an oxide film that also prevents steel from rusting.

A protective and decorative outer layer is applied to the front and back sides of the rolled metal. On the back side, it is painted with a special paint, and the front side is covered with a polymer material - polyester, plastisol, pural, etc. The durability of the roofing and its stability depend on the characteristics and thickness of the polymer layer.:

• to fading under the influence of ultraviolet radiation;
• to mechanical damage during maintenance and other works on the roof.

Fully finished roll material is profiled on special equipment and cut into sheets. The appearance of the finished roof depends on the characteristics of the profile, but in general, the imitation of the covering from piece clay tiles is successful.

Material structure overview

Soft tiles

Bituminous shingles are a relatively flexible material compared to metal ones. Its base is fiberglass or other similar material that is tear-resistant and resistant to decay.

Modified bitumen is applied on both sides of the base - special polymer additives allow it to remain elastic at low temperatures, so that the roofing does not crack even when used in cold climates.

The lower layer of flexible roofing material is covered with an adhesive and covered with a protective film, which is removed before installation. From the outside, bituminous shingles are supplied with a decorative and protective layer of mineral chips mixed with pigment and polymer resin. The outer coating protects the bitumen layer from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, increases the resistance of the roofing to mechanical damage.

Sheet material is produced in the form of shingles of a certain configuration. Due to the curly petals and a special color, the finished roof looks original and attractive, but such a tile is visually different from the classic one.

Dimensions and weight

These parameters largely determine the ease of installation, the ability to carry out work on laying the coating on the roof on our own. In addition, the load on the wall structures and the foundation depends on the weight of the roofing material. In some cases, this is critical.

Metal roof tiles are produced in the form of sheets, the width of which varies from 1.12 to 1.19 m, and the length can be from 0.5 to 7.5 m. The sheets of the minimum format can be laid alone, but in this case the roofing will have many joints, which will impair its functional parameters. In the standard version, the length of a sheet of metal tile is 4.5 m, but the installation of such material requires the involvement of assistants to lift the sheets to the roof. Longer sheets are usually made to order.

Sizes of sheets and shingles of shingles

Flexible roof shingles have a small format (1000 × 337 mm), one person is enough to install the cover.

Pay attention to the difference in the weight of the material: one flexible roofing element weighs less than a sheet of metal tile, while the total weight of a bituminous tile roof is about 8–12 kg per square meter, and a metal tile - about 5 kg.

Specificity of use

It makes sense to choose which material is more suitable for the application, flexible shingles or metal shingles, only if we are talking about a pitched roof, in which the slope of the slopes is from 12-14 °.

At the same time, due to its elasticity, bituminous material is suitable for laying on roofs of complex configuration, including cone-shaped, hemispherical or broken surfaces. The small size of the soft roof shingles and the fastening technology help to save material - on complex roofs, the amount of waste will be no more than 4%.

Specificity of use

The metal tile is used on roofs of a simple shape with even slopes, including multi-gable ones. An attempt to use metal shingles for laying on curved surfaces will lead to a large number of joints, the need for anti-corrosion treatment of edges on cuts, a high percentage of waste (up to 30%). This complicates the installation work and increases the financial costs of arranging the roof.

Base type (lathing)

Due to the stiffness of the sheets of metal, it is enough to use a sparse crate made of a bar or board for laying the covering. The greater the angle of inclination of the slopes, the wider the step of installing the elements of the crate, since the snow load on the roof decreases, and vice versa. The standard lathing pitch for this material is 350–400 mm.

Comparison of battens

Bituminous shingles are mounted on a flat surface, therefore, they require a continuous sheathing of sheet materials (planed boards, plywood, OSB, etc.) over a thinned one. Such a crate is noticeably more expensive and more difficult to install, since it is necessary to avoid height differences at the joints of the sheets.

Installation features

Let's compare the main aspects of work related to the installation of roofing:

1. Preparatory stage. Installation of waterproofing, counter-battens and lathing for metal tiles requires less labor and time compared to fastening a solid lathing and a special waterproofing lining underneath bituminous material.
2. Lifting the material to the place of laying. The advantages of shingles of soft tiles are that they are small in size and weight. Lifting sheets of steel tiles requires the involvement of assistants, and in some cases - the use of special devices (supports from a wooden bar). Care should be taken when lifting - damage to the protective layer on the metal tiles leads to the appearance of a center of corrosion.
3. Installation speed. The metal roofing is installed in a short time (on simple slopes), the work can be done independently. Laying shingles requires special skills - it is difficult to dismantle glued shingles, and errors in the technology of work lead to the fact that the roofing will not cope with its functions. The installation speed of shingles is approximately three times lower than that of installing a metal roof.

Nuances when installing metal tiles

Roofing functionality

• The decking made of metal tiles is characterized by increased windage, in areas with strong winds there is a risk of breaking the coating, especially if mistakes were made during installation. The soft shingle cover adheres firmly to the subfloor and is therefore preferable in climates with strong winds.
• Self-tapping screws are used for fastening metal tiles. Accordingly, fastening holes are made for them, each of which is potentially a hotbed of corrosion, since the integrity of the protective coatings is violated. If the special washer on the self-tapping screw does not adhere well to the hole and does not seal it, the sheet material will quickly fail. In areas with high humidity, heavy rainfall, it is worth giving preference to a bituminous roof, the flooring of which is a one-piece multi-layer sealed "cake" glued with a special mastic and successfully resists moisture.

Section of roofing cake for shingles

Soundproof parameters

Determining which roof is better in terms of sound insulation properties is not difficult. The metal tile belongs to "noisy" materials, which does not extinguish the sound of drumming rain and wind, transmits vibration to building structures. To compensate for this disadvantage, it is recommended to use vibration-insulating pads when installing the flooring, as well as to insulate the roof with a heater that can damp sound waves.

The advantages of a bituminous roof include high noise insulation performance... The sound of drops on the roof, gusts of wind will not disturb the acoustic comfort in the house, even if the roof is not insulated.

Architectural expressiveness

From the point of view of aesthetic characteristics, the materials are equal - the choice depends on the preferences of the developer. It is important that the roofing material matches the overall look of the building..

Manufacturers offer a wide selection of metal tiles, which differ in profile configuration and color. Materials with more than 100 shades are presented on the market, which allows you to choose the best option for a house of any architecture.

Possible types of metal tile profiles

Bituminous shingles also pleases with a variety of petal shapes and colors. In addition to monochrome coatings, there is a wide selection of shingles with complex colors, which combine several shades, on sale. This adds expressiveness and originality to the installed roofing.

Assortment of soft tiles

Please note: the fasteners of the metal profile decking remain in sight, they are closed with caps to match the metal tile. At the same time, the installation of the bituminous coating is carried out using hidden fasteners, which increases the aesthetics of the roof.

Service life and maintainability

One of the key criteria for choosing a roofing covering is durability - the longer the roof can serve, the more profitable it is to invest in this particular type of coverage. It is important to evaluate and maintainability, as external factors can affect the integrity of the deck.

Metal tile parameters

The service life of metal shingles depends on the technical characteristics of the specific material. Manufacturers define durability at 20-50 years, taking into account:

• steel sheet thickness (recommended at least 0.5 mm);
• galvanized thickness (zinc consumption must be at least 275 g / m²);
• characteristics of the polymer protective and decorative layer.

It is these parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing which metal tile is better... It is important to check the evenness of the sheets, the quality of the outer coating (no paint drips, blisters, etc.), and familiarize yourself with the product certificates.

Which manufacturer to choose

Damaged roof sheathing elements can be replaced with new ones, but only if the profile configuration matches exactly. Installation of patches is also allowed, but such repairs will worsen the appearance of the roof.

Shingles parameters

The service life of bituminous material is 30-50 years. The exact timing depends on the following parameters:

• type of bitumen (oxidized is more durable than modified);
• strength characteristics of the base;
• the thickness of the outer protective layer.

Damaged shingles can be repaired by applying a patch of the same material or replacing shingles. If the work is done carefully and the shade is perfectly matched, the renovated place on the roof of the house will not be conspicuous.

Cost of materials

Let's figure out which is cheaper - metal or flexible tiles. If we compare the prices for the materials themselves, then on average the purchase of bituminous shingles will cost one and a half times more than purchasing metal shingles.

Equally important is the difference in installation costs. If roofing films, bars and self-tapping screws are used to arrange a roofing cake with a flooring of profiled steel sheets, then for laying bituminous tiles you need:

• bars and sheet materials for lathing;
• lining carpet;
• mastic;
• fastening nails.

It should also be borne in mind that it is advisable to entrust the installation of a bituminous coating to professionals, while many fix metal tiles on their own.

Conclusion

Which choice will become a priority, metal or soft roof, which have their pros and cons, everyone decides independently.

The materials being compared have many differences. Comparison in terms of affordability wins metal tile - this is an inexpensive option that is ideal for the roof of a house and any auxiliary buildings. However, we must not forget that for a residential building, even a summer cottage, roof insulation will be required so that the noise of rain and wind does not interfere with rest, and this requires additional costs.

Bituminous shingles are good in terms of increased waterproofing, wind resistance and sound-absorbing properties. A summer cottage or a house with an insulated attic floor for acoustic comfort does not require thermal insulation of the roof. But these total costs for roofing material and installation are relatively high.

Metal shingles are chosen for pitched roofs of a simple configuration, and bituminous shingles are universal and suitable for installation on complex roofs.

Both materials are quite durable and maintainable, provided that you purchase products from a reliable manufacturer. There is no definite advice on what to choose. The decision is made taking into account the functional purpose of the building, climatic features of the area, personal aesthetic preferences and financial capabilities.