What are the advantages and disadvantages of metal roof tiles?

This photo shows a labor is installing PPGL roofing sheet with marron color.

 Metal roof tiles are roof sheets made of zinc-aluminum, low-carbon steel, galvanized and other metal materials. The shape of such roof tiles is in the form of sheets with a certain length, width and thickness. There are two types of metal roof tiles commonly used in construction shops, namely metal roof tiles and stone coated roofing sheet. The advantage of sandy metal roofing  tiles is that they can withstand the heat of the sun better than regular metal roofing tiles and suppress the sound of rain better. However, the price of this stone coated metal tile is more expensive.

Metal tile is a lightweight, high-strength roofing material. The installation of this tile is done by mounting it on a roof frame made of wood or mild steel. During their implementation, these metal roof tiles must be installed in accordance with applicable SNI regulations. Then insert screws into this metal tile as a bracket. To make the result look neat, use iron scissors to cut the edges of the roof tiles, especially on the upper side of the roof, where the purlins will be installed later.

The following are the advantages that metal roof tiles have, namely:

This photo shows steel roofs.

1. Very High Durability

Metal roof tiles have very high durability. This roofing material is resistant to breakage, fungus, weathering and termites. With these properties, metal roofing roof tiles can last for decades without serious damage. Metal roof tiles are also maintenance-free, and the factory has made metal roof tiles with very good durability supports from the start.

2. Light Weight

Due to the sheet-like shape, metal roofing tiles are naturally light in weight. You need to know that the average weight of metal roof tiles that make up 1 square meter is 7 kg. Try comparing it to a concrete roof that weighs about 60kg for the same area. This means that metal roofing roof tiles are safer to use and are the best choice for roofing in earthquake-prone areas. It's lightweight and relatively harmless.

3. Can be Supported with a Simple Frame 

Its light weight also allows this metal tile to not require complex roof truss structures. Usually, such roof tiles are installed with brackets made of mild steel. For aesthetics, you can also use wood framing when installing metal roof tiles. When you use this metal tile, there will be less and less need for a frame. No need to make a complicated frame, just use a simple roof truss.

4. Easy and Fast Installation

Metal roof tiles are intentionally designed by manufacturers for easy installation in a relatively short period of time. You just lay it regularly over the roof trusses and stick a few screws to act as brackets. So this metal tile has been installed firmly and correctly. Even metal roof tiles claim to have excellent resistance to strong winds and seismic shocks.

5. Priced Quite Cheaply

Currently, the price of metal roof tiles in Indonesia ranges from IDR 40,000 to IDR 150,000 per sheet, depending on the brand, type and thickness level. Please compare with the prices of other roofing materials. Its wide dimensions also reduced the need for metal roof tiles to cover the roof of this house. We, XINO Steel, are a Chinese manufacturer specializing in the production of metal roof tiles and raw Galvalume, PPGL steel coils, exporting more than 25,000 tons of steel coils and finished metal roof tiles to Indonesia yearly.

 This photo shows our steel toofing sheets in stock, they well packed and ready for delivery.

6. Color Diversity

The choice of metal roofing roof tiles is not limited to steel roofing sheets and stone coated roofing sheets. Not only that, but this tile is also available in a variety of very attractive colors. Not only Marron or Silver, this metal tile is also available in a variety of bright colors for added appeal. For example, yellow, orange, blue, pink, etc., the color can be selected according to the RAL color number. That's why this tile is also very suitable for use in modern, minimalist and traditionally designed houses.

7. Environmental Friendly

Metal roof tiles are also environmentally friendly. The reason is because the metal is recyclable. You need to know that at least 60% of the raw materials for making metal roof tiles are recycled materials. The manufacturing technology also uses existing energy sources very efficiently. Even damaged metal roof tiles can be recycled into other products.

8. Damage is Easily Repaired

Another advantage of using metal roof tiles is that you can easily repair this broken roof tile. Some of the problems that often plague metal roof tiles are holes or structural depressions on the surface of the tile. By using the right techniques, you can completely repair the damage.

What are the disadvantages of this metal tile?

1. It feels hot inside

A common complaint in homes with metal roof tiles is that the interior feels stuffy. This happens because metals are good conductors. So the heat of the scorching sun is always maximally transferred to the space below. To overcome these shortcomings, it is recommended to increase the number of air changes in the home. Additionally, you can install air conditioners, coolers or fans. Installing a heat absorbing ceiling below it can also be a solution so that the internal conditions are not too hot.

2. Noisy when it rains

If you use metal roof tiles, the next obstacle you will encounter is that the atmosphere inside can be very noisy, especially when it rains. Raindrops falling from the sky will hit the surface of the roof tiles. This makes a very loud noise. Especially if it rains heavily, you will also have a hard time communicating in a room with a metal tile roof because it is so noisy. The solution is to choose sandy metal roof tiles so that it won't be too noisy.

This photo shows steel roof tiles in rain.

3. Will be corroded

Although metal roofing tiles are now equipped with a protective layer on the surface, this layer will thin and disappear over time. The same is true for the anti-rust coating material on the surface of the roof tile. You certainly can't let this problem drag on. Because if this tile rusts, the structure will quickly become porous and permanently damaged. You should paint the surface of this metal roof tiles every 3-5 years with an anti-rust coating to keep it protected at all times.