Metal tile coatings - why they are needed, varieties, subtleties of material selection. Which metal tile is better to buy - coated or uncoated? Metal tile glossy finish

The article was prepared with the participation of specialists from the company SPETSPROKAT

One of the most common roofing in our country is a metal tile in all its variety of colors and shapes. Such popularity is ensured by decent technical and operational characteristics, and a large selection of brands of domestic and foreign production, and relative affordability. Relatively recently, one of the main arguments of the opponents of this material was low decorativeness. Today on sale there are a lot of variations not only of all shades of the rainbow, but also interesting textures that allow imitation to visually approach the original. So what is the metal base covered with in order not only to protect against negative influences, but also to make it attractive to the consumer, we will figure it out with the help of specialists.

Coating functions

The basis for a characteristic profile that imitates natural ceramic tiles is most often a galvanized steel sheet, less often the steel is coated with aluminozinc - a mixture of aluminum, zinc and silicon. Zinc or aluminozinc protects the steel core from corrosion. For greater decorative effect and additional protective properties, zinc is coated with a polymer layer of a certain thickness.

In the “correct” metal tile, the polymer consists of two layers: a primer, which can be polyester, epoxy, polyurethane or acrylic and provides additional protection, and a layer of colored finishing enamel.

Together with protection, the polymer provides the material with an extensive range of colors, gloss or dullness, smoothness or relief. In addition to polymers, the “pie” of a metal tile coating includes an auxiliary conversion layer (chromates, silicon dioxide or titanium/zirconium fluoride compounds), which improves adhesion and prevents underfilm corrosion.

Varieties of coatings

How long a metal tile will last and how long it will retain its original attractiveness depends on the type of polymer coating, since they differ both visually and in the ability to withstand various influences. It is not only the type of coating that matters, but also the thickness of the layer.

Fedotova Alesya Technical Director of SPETSPROKAT, a manufacturer of steel building materials and LSTK

The polymer coating may be different. If it is polyester, then its thickness should not be less than 25 microns (this is the total value of the thickness of the primer coating and finishing / color enamel).

Polyester (polyester) - the most common and affordable type of coating, the "pioneer" of the industry, with a thickness of 25-35 microns, was originally presented only in a smooth, glossy version. With all the elegance of shades, previous generations of metal tiles with such a coating did not strike the imagination with decorativeness. Today, manufacturers have significantly expanded the range by adding matte, textural options, from which the roofs only benefited. Glossy, thin-layer (25 microns) polyester is characterized by resistance to high temperatures, but less resistant to fading and mechanical damage. Thickened (30-35 microns) matte polyester is more resistant to ultraviolet and temperature fluctuations, it is somewhat more difficult to damage it.

Polyurethane - coating up to 50 microns thick, often with modifying additives, a large selection of shades and textures. Due to the raw material base and thickness, it is more difficult to scratch during installation or operation than polyester. Such a coating does not fade, is equally resistant to both summer and frost, and is plastic. Various brands of polyurethane-coated metal tiles are presented on the domestic market: Finnish Pural, which gave the name to this whole class, domestic novelties: such as Pur 50, PurPur, Steel cashmere.

Plastisol - a derivative of polyvinyl chloride, characterized by a thick layer - up to 200 microns - and a textured surface. The resistance to corrosion, mechanical damage and aggressive environment of the coating is increased, but high temperatures affect it negatively.

PVDF - a complex composite coating based on polyvinylidene fluoride and acrylic resins with a thickness of 25-40 microns, with a glossy surface. Differs in high resistance to all types of influence: ultraviolet, temperatures, mechanical damages, deformations.

Naturally, the more durable and stable the polymer coating, the higher the cost of the metal tile, but given that today even high-quality polyester can last for a long time, it does not always make sense to overpay.

It is worth considering the region of residence: if nature does not suit regular strength tests, but indulges in a mild climate, you can not spend money on a particularly resistant coating.

As for the decorative component, here the flight of the manufacturers' imagination is practically unlimited: offset printing, ceramic dressing, texture characteristic of various natural materials. There are even coatings with a "fabric" texture, imitating steel velvet, silk or cashmere, which will please with a dignified appearance and durability.

The subtleties of choosing a metal tile

Although the type of coverage is of great importance, the base is also important. The strength and rigidity of the metal tile depends on the quality of the steel sheet. In many sources, the allowable thickness starts from 0.4 mm, but the quality of such rolled products leaves much to be desired, and experts advise against dealing with such material.

Fedotova Alesya

First of all, the thickness of the steel base is important - it should not be less than 0.5 mm. It is this thickness that guarantees the necessary rigidity of the profile. It should also be said about tolerances: state standards for cold-rolled and galvanized steel allow a run up to 0.08 mm in both directions, but these figures are only relevant for rolling equipment of metallurgical plants, so do not let the seller give out metal with a thickness of 0.45 mm for metal 0.5 mm thick. Reducing the thickness of the metal by a third reduces the rigidity of the structure by 65%.

The corrosion resistance of the metal tile depends on the zinc coating, and this is another important parameter that you need to pay attention to when choosing.

Fedotova Alesya

The mass of zinc should be at least 140 g / m², but now there is a trend towards thinning and cheapening of the metal. Previously, the state standard for galvanized steel did not even provide for a classification for a smaller amount of zinc.

Conscientious manufacturers who have nothing to hide mark their products with the name of the enterprise, metal thickness, zinc mass, type, name and thickness of the polymer coating, production date.

In addition to the type of polymer coating, the thickness of the steel base and the zinc layer, the manufacturer's warranty also matters, but not everyone understands what it means. In the case of metal tiles from responsible manufacturers, the warranty covers several characteristics: E5. The warranty covers the following territories: altitude above sea level - no more than 900 m, distance from the sea coast - no less than 3 km. Such restrictions are typical when providing a guarantee for products of this class. We have a warranty period for the safety of decorative properties is 10 years.

Undoubtedly, it is important how many years later the roofing will require reconstruction or complete replacement, but how the roof will look like for years is also of interest. It is necessary to approach the choice of metal tiles comprehensively, taking into account all aspects, and an attractive appearance is no less important than strength and durability.

Due to the low weight, the metal tile is most in demand in, it was also chosen by the craftsman who built it. In the video - about the production of metal tiles and its features.

The external type of polymer coating and the thickness of the steel are a key issue in the quality of the metal tile. The optimal standard for the thickness of a metal tile is 0.5 mm, sometimes a thickness of 0.45 mm is also enough, for this you need to roam the roof less often. Steel thickness of 0.45 mm has some advantages, it is much lighter and cheaper. The only requirement is to keep the smallest step of the crate during assembly. Here you need to carefully approach the sellers, who sometimes, under the guise of expensive 0.5 mm steel, can sell 0.45 mm.

Polymeric coatings of metal tiles, what are the differences between them?

There are several external types of protection of polymer coatings for metal tiles. Main differences: polyester (matte), pural, plastisol - PVC 200 P50, polyester.

The thickness of the coating is 22 - 27 microns depending on the manufacturer. Its main advantages - low price. Disadvantages are mechanical stability and relatively low color fastness. Depending on the manufacturer, the warranty period is 1-10 years. Such a polymer coating is present in the range of many manufacturing enterprises, including domestic ones.

Pural 50 microns thick. It has excellent anti-corrosion quality, is distinguished by good mechanical resistance and endurance to ultraviolet radiation, lends itself to installation and processing of profiled sheets. Sheets with this coating are easy to cover and do not give microcracks on the folds, taking into account low temperatures. Purals are more durable than polyester. The best quality of such a coating will cost a little more than polyester by 20-30%, has a 15-year warranty period.

Matte polyester has a thickness of 35 microns. More expensive than ordinary polyester, but has better color fastness. The main advantage of polymer coatings is that which does not give a reflection in the sun, a warranty period of 10 years. External appearance resembles a natural tile.

PVC 200 plastisol. Metal sheet thickness 200 microns. Outside covered with a polymer layer of 200 microns, then a primer layer. Inside there is a layer of zinc, a passivator and a special coating made on the basis of epoxy resin. This is the most durable polymer coating, a 10-year guarantee, but it contains polyvinyl chloride, which is considered environmentally harmful in some countries.

P50 Prelaq - has a thickness of 50 microns. The quality and price of metal tiles with prelaq coating is superior to pural. One of the manufacturers is Finnish Takotta.

All of the above polymer coatings can be made from steel of different thicknesses: 0.6 - 0.4 mm, this steel sheet will have a greater thickness. Take an example: PVC 200 and 0.5mm steel thickness will be 0.7mm. If you make a choice according to the criteria - guarantee / price, then there will be a polyester with a steel thickness of 0.45 mm imported. Such variations will be limited by the variety of colors. If you need a metal tile of an outstanding, exclusive color, then the price of the material will be quite high.

Choose the color of the metal tile

What color is better to give preference? When choosing a metal tile, its shape and color are individual factors. You have the right to leave your choice on any color you like, but which color is better? Some facts may be useful for a good choice. When choosing the color of the future roofing material, it is necessary to take into account the landscape design surrounding the house. Remember, darker colors are much more likely to fade in the sun, just as hot on a scorching sunny day. If the ventilation of the roof space is not done correctly, it will be hot and stuffy in the attic of a cottage with a dark-colored roof. Light colors of metal tiles are more prone to dirt, but less prone to molting and fading. On a hot summer day, the temperature on the roof surface can reach 110 degrees. A high-quality polymer coating evenly brightens, while a lower-quality one fades with bright spots.

Metal tile with polymeric coatings (polyester, plastisol) is a roofing material with ideal characteristics, which is an excellent alternative to expensive traditional tiles. For its production, polymeric materials with different performance characteristics are used, so that the finished product can be successfully used in various climatic zones of our state. The most popular types of metal tile coatings are polyester, matte polyester, plastisol and pural. 70% of homeowners have polyester-coated metal tiles installed, since such roofing building material is sold at an affordable cost, and outwardly it almost does not differ from ordinary ceramic tiles.

Advantages of metal tiles

In order for the metal tile to serve for a long time, not to rust or corrode due to the adverse effects of the environment, its manufacturers use plastisol and other polymer coatings. Modern metal tile is characterized by the following distinctive features:

• For roofing material, at the time of production of which a layer of zinc was applied, special primers and a polymer coating (plastisol), the highest performance properties are characteristic;
• Durable polyester metal tile is best suited for roofing, as it can be used for five years. This tile is highly flexible and perfectly shaped.
• Metal tile plastisol is maximally resistant to hail, rain, snow and ultraviolet radiation. Such a coating is able to withstand even strong mechanical loads.

A metal tile with any polymer coating remains as light as possible, so installation work is carried out without additional labor costs and without the use of special tools and equipment, and also does not require strengthening the building structure. Products where plastisol is used as a coating are also considered to be the most resistant to various types of mechanical damage. The metal tile is suitable for almost any pitched roof with an angle of inclination of more than 12 degrees. not only suitable for flat roofs, since this coating should be installed at a certain slope, however, when arranging pitched or hip roofs, it has no equal.

Characteristics of polymer coatings

Polyester - excellent quality characteristics and affordable price have made this type of coating the most popular. Appears smooth and glossy. It is presented with the widest possible color palette. It has good characteristics of color fastness, plasticity, resistance to atmospheric phenomena. Manufacturers give a guarantee of 15-20 years for metal tiles coated with polyester. The disadvantage is that the coating is easily damaged.

Matte polyester is a polyester with improved characteristics. In appearance, it is distinguished by the presence of texture and the absence of gloss. Compared to polyester, it is favorably distinguished by increased resistance to scratches.

Plastisol - as the name suggests, one of the most plastic materials. At the same time, this coating is the thickest (up to 200 µm). Appearance - textured, often embossed to resemble genuine leather. There is no equal in its softness, plasticity, but at the same time, amazing resistance to damage. The metal tile coated with plastisol is a premium product. The guarantee for this type of coating is 30-50 years.

Granite or pural is by far the most resistant to mechanical damage coating of metal tiles. It also has high levels of resistance to the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation. Granite is based on polyurethane. Due to this, it is most resistant to high temperature changes. Warranty - 30-35 years.

Look at the following table. It will help you choose the type of metal roofing

Comparison of polymer coatings for metal tiles:

Differences by manufacturer:

Metal tile from the manufacturer

Durable, serving as a reliable steel shield for the whole house, metal roofing looks quite impressive and aesthetically pleasing. The general appearance of the facade of the cottage surprisingly depends on the elegant beauty that the skillful hands of roofers create. Masterfully laying relief sheets, they easily achieve the effect of a sculptural appearance of the roof. In addition to the luxurious look, the price of a metal tile roof fully corresponds to the quality.

Resistant to sudden fluctuations in temperature, gusts of wind and precipitation, metal roofing seems to be specially designed for use in our harsh climate. It is also important that metal roofing, the manufacturing technology of which meets the highest European standards, tends not to accumulate dust pollution, which greatly simplifies the process of caring for it.

Structure of a metal tile.

Installation of a roof from a metal tile - exact calculation and simplicity of laying.

According to experts, metal roofing is the pinnacle of development of galvanized steel roofing. By paying a reasonable price, you can get products that compare favorably with a simple and rational way of laying.

However, it should be remembered that the use of metal tiles on the roof of a complex configuration may not be profitable due to the large number of sheet scraps.

A metal tile is a sheet building material used to cover the roofs of houses. To give an attractive appearance, it is painted with various paints and primers. The service life and cost depend on the thickness of each applied layer. Some increase its resistance to corrosion, others protect against mechanical shock and ultraviolet radiation.

• Steel sheet.
• Galvanized on both sides.
• Passivating layer on both sides.
• Primer.
• Decorative and protective layer on the front side.
• Protective layer on the back.

Types of coatings and their characteristics

There are many types of paints. They are made from the same components, but using different technologies.

Produced on the basis of the following substances:

• polyester;
• polyurethane;
• plastisol.

1. Polyurethane.

Sheets are painted with a layer of 50 microns. Galvanization is carried out in the range from 100 to 570 g/m2. Tiles with such a coating are produced by some of the most famous and best brands: Armacor, Granite, Prism and Pural. According to the characteristics, they are similar, differ only in the country of origin. When applying polyurethane, the surface acquires a silky-matte shade, it is resistant to ultraviolet rays, therefore, it retains its original color for a long time. Not afraid of chemicals that are produced in excess in large cities.

Such a metal tile is good even in harsh conditions, for example, near the seas, where salt fogs often occur. It is perfectly cut, and when bending, cracks do not form in the paint, as a result, the protective layer remains absolutely intact. The service life of Purala, Granite and Prism is from 20 to 40 years. The manufacturer gives a guarantee of up to 35 years, depending on the thickness of the steel and the galvanized layer.

Puretan is one of the varieties of polyurethane paints. It is applied with a layer of 35 microns, galvanized - 275 g/m2. Due to the smaller thickness, the cost is lower. It can be used in difficult climatic zones.

Prism - coating 50 microns thick, galvanized - 142-258 g/m2. But in this case, not 100% zinc is used to protect against rust, but its mixture with aluminum. Thanks to this, the tile lies well in places with high humidity, and is also resistant to salts, chemical acids and alkalis. It will last from 25 to 30 years, the warranty period is 20 years.

Quartzite Mat is applied in a layer of 50 microns. Galvanization is carried out with a minimum thickness of 275 g/m2. On the reverse side, they are painted with polyester to improve the appearance of the material and additionally protect against negative influences. The service life is 45-50 years, the factory guarantee, subject to the installation technology on the roof and the rules of use, is 35 years.

Polyurethane products also include the following brands: Granite, Purman, Steel Cashmere and Quartzite Light.

2. Plastisol.

It is applied with a layer of 200 microns, galvanization can be from 100 to 258 g / m2, the base is polyvinyl chloride. Looks good on any type of roof and perfectly tolerates precipitation. But in intense sunlight, it loses its original color, and the paint begins to slowly crumble. The service life is 25-35 years. The warranty can be up to 30 years, but it depends on the manufacturer, the thickness of the galvanized layer and steel.

3. Plain and brushed polyester.

It is one of the cheapest coatings, and it also has the widest color gamut. Its base is polyester paint. The painted tile has a glossy sheen, is resistant to atmospheric precipitation and ultraviolet radiation. Not recommended for covering roofs in polluted areas such as highways, large cities or industrial plants. The most famous brands are Satin, Steel Silk, Atlas, Polydexter, Purex and Agneta.

Satin - applied with a layer of no more than 25 microns. For the manufacture of tiles, steel with galvanization from 100 to 570 g/m2 is used. Service life - 10-30 years, the warranty is different, it all depends on the manufacturer.

Agnetha, unlike the previous options, is applied to the product from two sides, thereby protecting it better. The front layer reaches 30 microns, from the back - 25. Steel with galvanization of 275 g / m2 is used. Also added a special component that gives a copper tint. Resistant to ultraviolet rays, service life - 35-40 years.

Matte polyester is applied with a thickness of 25 to 35 microns. Polyester paint is also used as a base, but matte, so it does not have a glossy sheen. But unlike Pural or Plastisol, it weakly withstands mechanical loads and burns out rather quickly. The service life depends on the manufacturing technology and the manufacturer.

The most well-known brushed polyester coated brands are Steel Velvet, Safari, Viking, Drap and Velor. It is not recommended to use them in places with aggressive environment.

The thickness of the galvanizing should be checked, since the service life depends on it: the thinner, the less the metal will last. It is on this that manufacturers are trying to reduce the cost of products and increase the frequency of purchases of new building materials. It is better to choose tiles at a high price and with a long warranty. In this case, the roof will have to be repaired again in 20-25 years.

Material with a textured (matte) surface burns out much more slowly than glossy, even if it has only one layer of polymer.

Cost and what affects it

The price varies greatly from the thickness of the steel: the smaller it is, the lower the cost of building materials. The brand of metal and the level of its purification also affect. Prices also increase depending on the size of the galvanized layer. Well-galvanized roof tiles are more resistant to corrosion, and subsequent paint and protective coatings adhere better to them.

The following factors also affect the cost:

• Profiling technology (finishing steel, increasing rigidity and resistance to stress).
• The presence of a passivation layer.
• Type of coverage.
• Composition, degree of adhesion and thickness of the primer.
• Wave height (the higher, the more expensive).

Homeowners often have the question of what to buy - tiles or soft roofing. These building materials differ significantly in the way they are produced. The second should be chosen when the owner of the house is unlimited in the budget, as it costs more. For its installation, you will need to buy additional materials for arranging a continuous crate.

If you plan to purchase an expensive metal tile and there is no certainty that it will turn out well and correctly to install it with your own hands, then it is better to contact a construction company. You should choose the organization that has proven itself well and has a large number of positive reviews. You need to make sure that she conscientiously performs all the work. Regardless of which tile will be used, if the installation technology is violated, then in a year or two it will begin to rust. Be especially careful with its protective coating, as it is easily scratched.