How to choose a flexible tile

Among modern roofing materials, bitumen flexible shingles occupy a special place. With the optimal combination of technological characteristics, which has a flexible tile, the price corresponds to the quality. Its flexibility and plasticity makes it possible to implement the most daring architectural ideas.

The most unusual shapes and configurations for the roof frame are made by masters of soft roofing, as it is also called shingles or shingles. Dome or bulbous roofing configurations do not constitute a problem for soft tiles. In the standard parameters of 100x33 cm, three or four links of flexible bituminous shingles with a shaped profile along the edge are usually used. In shape, this shingle is very diverse, it can be in the form of hexagonal honeycombs, oval, triangle, fish scales, etc.

Economical benefit of flexible roofing tile

Roofing, for the arrangement of which was used with flexible tiles, reviews are in most cases positive. It is easy to mount, easy to cut and has a minimum of waste.

1. Due to its flexibility and plasticity, flexible tile during laying has very little waste, usually no more than 10%.Among the various roofing materials, the flexible tile price is one of the lowest. In complex architectural designs, it is often necessary to make a continuous crate plane from OSB slabs.
2. The foundation, walls and rafters are designed taking into account the weight of the roofing material. Given that 1 m2 weighs up to 8 kg, when erecting a house box, building materials are substantially saved. A small volume and weight make the loading and unloading work and transportation cheaper.
3. Guaranteed service life of flexible tiles from 10 to 50 years, in addition, during the operation it does not need additional painting, it is not susceptible to outgrowth of fungus, moss and mold. To replace the damaged section of the roof, it is enough to replace several individual tiles, without dismantling the entire roof.

Advantages of roofing from flexible roofing tiles

External aesthetic appearance of soft roof, its plastic possibilities and technological use in the construction of multi-level complex roofs, you can see on the photo on the Internet.

1. Due to the optimal combination of technological qualities and properties of the constituent components of bituminous shingles, the roof has high strength, reliable waterproofing and resistance to mechanical damage. Given the benefits and economic benefits, flexible tiles to buy for the roof will be the right solution.
2. The main function of the roof is the waterproofing of the housing. It does not rust and is not susceptible to rotting or corrosion. During rain or other precipitation, the flexible tile successfully extinguishes the sound. Under the influence of solar heat, bitumen tiles are fused into a homogeneous waterproof mass and due to this, it does not let or absorb moisture.
3. In its characteristics and practice, flexible tiles withstand sharp temperature changes. The range of its application from the polar regions to the tropics. It does not crack in the frost, does not deform and does not warm up in the sun.

Structure and technological properties of bituminous shingles

The main component of flexible tiles is fiberglass or cellulose fabric impregnated with oxidized bitumen.

1. The impregnation of the main bonding layer includes polymer additives and SBS modifiers. Natural or artificial bitumen used for the production of flexible roofing tiles are considered environmentally friendly materials. Natural bitumen includes asphalts, malts and kerites extracted in quarries. Artificial products are produced from waste products from oil, coal or shale processing. The technological properties of natural and artificial bitumen are practically equivalent.
2. The front side of the flexible shingles has a coating of colored mineral crumbs. This coating protects the roof from weathering, increases the strength of flexible tiles and does not change the color under the influence of sunlight. For convenience in work, a bituminous glue layer can be applied along the edge of the roofing soft tile.
3. The inner surface of the shingles is covered with a thin layer of quartz sand. This layer prevents the gluing of sheets during storage, transportation and installation of the roof. To create a monolithic waterproof layer of the roof, a bituminous adhesive layer protected by a film is applied along the edge of the tile sheet. Before installing the flexible shingles, the film must be removed.
4. Some manufacturers use copper tin as the face coating. This technology of flexible shingles significantly affects its cost and has a different structure. Roofing from such a tile, although more expensive, but opens up great opportunities for design. On the cut, you can see the structure of this shingles: a layer of transparent glue, a copper sheet, two layers of universal bitumen soaked in two layers of glass fiber and a lightweight coating with a protective film. Flexible tile with copper coating is produced in the form of scaly cells, in the form of hexagonal honeycombs, ovals, rectangles, etc.

Operation of roofing from flexible roofing tiles

The warranty period for flexible bituminous shingles is declared by producers between 10 and 50 years. The actual service life of the roofing from the shingles is much larger.

1. With prolonged use of the building, sometimes shrinkage occurs or, due to shrinkage of wooden roof structures, deformation of the roof. Due to its plasticity, bitumen shingles transfer such deformations absolutely painlessly and provides the necessary waterproofing.
2. Thanks to the use of natural crumbs to cover the front surface, soft tiles do not burn out in the sun. The bioagents present in its structure inhibit the growth of mosses and lichens. In case of mechanical damage, there is no need to dismantle the entire roof. It is enough to replace a small affected area.