Sand-cement shingles: price, reviews

The choice of roofing material is an important and responsible stage of construction work, since it is the roof that provides protection from precipitation and a comfortable pastime indoors. Sand-cement shingles are often used for this purpose. Its popularity is due to the fact that the material meets two basic requirements: reliability and durability.

Composition and production of cement-sand tiles

The tile consists of natural quartz sand and cement. The technology of its production is the following: a mixture of portland cement, water, quartz and alkali-resistant pigments are pressed under high pressure. The next step is to create the right shape of the material. After that, a special dye, resistant to ultraviolet radiation, is applied to its surface.

The next stage is the drying of the shingles. It is dried at a temperature of 60 degrees in a special chamber. At the end of the procedure, she is allowed to lie in the warehouse for about 30 days, for which she becomes 70% stronger (30% gain during operation). A qualitative result can be achieved only with the use of modern equipment, quality materials and compliance with production technology. The quality of the finished material is estimated by its porosity and density. If it is porous, it is more susceptible to destruction.

The production of this type of shingles takes place without firing, as is done for ceramics, due to which its cost is significantly reduced.

Advantages

Cement-sand tiles, whose average price is 350 rubles per square meter, has several advantages:

• Availability. The material can be purchased in almost any construction shop or make an order via the Internet.
• Durability. If the installation of cement-sand tiles was made in accordance with all the rules, then it can last 100-150 years.
• Resistant to precipitation.
• Fire resistance.
• Good sound, hydro and thermal insulation characteristics.
• Simplicity of packing.
• The ability to organize a unique design is not just the roof, but the whole house.

disadvantages

The material has certain drawbacks:

• Heavy weight, because of this, additional reinforcement of the rafters system is required;
• Low resistance to severe frost;
• Fragility;
• Limited choice;
• Large thickness;
• Propensity to form molds, fungi.

Material Color

Previously, the material was gray, like concrete. Modern colors of shingles are achieved with the help of two processes: staining in bulk and painting after shaping the elements. Coloring in the mass provides a stable and stable color of the material, due to which damage during its installation is not noticeable.

In the case when the tile is cut when laid, the material on the cut has a light tint, the structure of the concrete stone is visible. This was solved: all the cut sand-cement tiles are painted with primer paint. You can buy it in the same place as the roofing material.

Staining

It is best to use acrylic paint. It will not only give the tile the necessary color, but also protect the initially rough surface from contamination. Different manufacturers create unique coatings. The top layer of the tile should have water-repellent properties, so as not to interfere with the flow of water and exclude the possibility of formation of moss, mold and calcareous deposits. Resistance to UV radiation is another advantage due to which cement-sand tiles are favorably allocated. Reviews builders say that the material has a good color stability: it does not burn out, is not affected by precipitation. A solution using two colors is possible at the same time, which makes it possible to lay out different patterns.

Surface coloring of the material makes it dull or glossy. The last option is the most common. Also available is tile, painted with polymer-acrylic paints, thanks to which the surface of the material shines.

Sand-cement shingles are often available in 4 basic colors: red, brown, brick, graphite. Other color options need to be ordered individually, but at the same time the material cost will increase by 30-45%. The most common model is wavy tile, also known as "double Roman". If we take into account the manufacturers, then on the domestic market the most successful is the cement-sand tile Braas.

The form

The specific technology of production of cement-sand tiles significantly limits the number of its models, in comparison with ceramic tiles. In addition, its dimensions are much larger than the last. The standard size of the tiles is 42 and 33 mm in length and width, respectively. Therefore, for a roof 1 m2 is enough for 10 pieces. A smaller version is also available: 41 in length and 24 in width. On 1 m2 you need 15 units.

Cover weight

Sand-cement shingles are considered to be a heavy roofing material, but it is lighter than a ceramic analog: 1 m2 of material weighs up to 45 kg, and the weight of ceramic tiles is up to 75 kg. A large mass of material positively affects the soundproofing of the room as a whole: the sound of rain or hail is almost not audible.

Durability, reviews

On average, the tile fully fulfills its functions for 70-100 years. In many respects this is due to its frost resistance and minimum moisture capacity - up to 3%. At the same time, the feedback of the builders is unanimous in that the roof is one and there is no guarantee that it will last a maximum amount of time. For example, if during the construction it was decided to save on the step of rafters, that the design may not withstand the imposed load. The durability of the tile is directly related to the viability of the entire roof.

Care

The maintenance of tiles in good condition will require a minimum of time and effort, since it is practically not subject to "aging". The upper layer of the material is covered with acrylic paint, due to which rain wipes away virtually any dirt. This slows down the development of all kinds of microorganisms.

It is enough to wash the roof every 3-4 years with water under pressure. Similarly, it is cleared of moss and lichens. The latter is most often formed on the slope from the north. In the event that the water does not completely remove the formed contaminants, special means should be used. Green plaque does not affect the overall strength of the shingles, as it does not penetrate deep into the material.

Today, the technology for the production of shingles is constantly being improved, so that the paint can stay on the material for many years. If it is damaged, then you can re-paint using special paints. For maximum efficiency, such work is recommended to be carried out at an ambient temperature of 15-20 degrees. It is also important to ensure that the coating does not overheat in the sun when it dries.