Tiles - the perfect roof for every taste

Roof tiles - piece roofing material with a long history, some archaeologists believe that it was invented in China 5 thousand years ago. For production, a wide variety of raw materials are used, which has caused the diversity of these products. Recently, such modern types as metal tiles and flexible tiles are also classified as this roofing material. These product groups are distinguished by excellent practical characteristics and ease of installation, reasonable price.

Materials used for the manufacture of tiles

The classification of tiles is based on a comparison of the materials from which it is made. They affect the production technology, performance, weight of products. The following types of tiles are distinguished:

ceramic - made of clay, characterized by good ductility, in the process of firing, the material acquires high strength, has a high cost and is considered an elite roofing material;
cement-sand - has an affordable cost, but has a large weight, which forces builders to place high demands on the roof structure, load-bearing walls and foundations;
lime-sand - is made from a mixture similar in composition to that used in the production of silicate brick;
polymer sand - made from polymers and sand, is lightweight, has good moisture resistance and strength, durability, and has a low cost.

Sheet tile is made from other materials, the following types of products are distinguished:

metal - based on rolled steel with a thickness of 0.4 to 0.7 mm; galvanizing and polymer coating are used to protect against corrosion;
copper tile - is made of sheet copper by rolling on a special machine, has a service life of more than 100 years, but has a high cost;
shingles - made of bitumen, modified with polymer additives, sprinkled with basalt or stone chips on top to improve strength characteristics and decorative properties.

Sheet roofing materials are diverse and at an affordable price, but piece roof tiles allow you to implement the most complex projects and have excellent decorative characteristics.

Tile Shape

Roof tiles can be made in a variety of shapes, which has a strong effect on the installation features. All manufacturers catalogs divide products into two main groups:

grooved tile - has a relief shape, due to this it keeps on the rafter system under its own weight;
flat tile - differs in a simpler form, installation is carried out using the mandatory use of fasteners.

Flat tile options are no less attractive in appearance, and for a number of projects the use of this roofing material is the only competent choice.

Roof tile designation

Performing a review of products from leading manufacturers of roofing materials, it is not difficult to notice that the tiles vary greatly in appearance depending on the scope. Unlike the basic roof tiles used to form slopes, specialized roof tiles are available in small quantities. The following types of this product are distinguished:

end;
ventilation;
horseshoe;
ridge;
hip;
pediment;
X-shaped.

The use of these types of tiles allows you to give the roof a complete look, to ensure tightness of complex nodes.

Coating and color of ceramic tiles

Ceramic tile is the most popular roofing material in the world. Its decorative qualities largely depend on the type of clay used and the production technology. Different temperature conditions allow to give a certain shade to ceramics, which is actively used by manufacturers of products. In addition, use various types of decorative coatings, resulting in the following types of tiles:

glazed - covered with a layer of glaze, the glassy surface of which gives the material an original appearance and improves practical properties;
engobed - before firing, a layer of liquid clay with pigment is applied to the surface of this tile, the technology allows you to create a practical and durable coating;
painted - tiles covered with weather-resistant paints, mainly this decoration technology is used in the production of cement-sand tiles.

Decorative coatings affect the cost of tiles, which allows you to choose the option in full accordance with the budget for construction work.