The roof as the “cover” of the building is not only one of the main, but also loaded with a number of responsible functions elements of the structure. This makes the role of the tiles extremely important, and their choice - a responsible task with a long-term effect. Of course, the most important thing is that the roof should permanently and reliably protect the building from adverse external weather conditions. Secondly, it should be constructed in such a way that it is safe for the inhabitants. And thirdly, but not least, it should have an attractive, aesthetically pleasing appearance that is in harmonious unity with the overall architectural solution and, of course, gives the building individuality. In the structural implementation of the roof, the main role falls precisely to the tiles.
TYPES OF TILES
The variety of roof tiles includes the following types: ceramic, concrete /cement-sand/, polymer-sand, bitumen, metal, stone tiles, modified bitumen membranes and corrugated bitumen sheets.
CERAMIC TILES ARE AMONG THE MOST PREFERRED
The modern construction industry offers many options for roof tiles, created from a wide range of products, differing in material and manufacturing technology, performance characteristics, aesthetics and price. The diverse market in this regard is able to adequately meet any requirements depending on taste, material capabilities and the specifics of the specific project.
The question, however, is how to make the optimal choice in each individual situation. Of course, no single specialist can give a universal answer.
Traditional ceramic tiles gained the trust of consumers millennia ago and continue to be among the most widely used roofing materials today.
They are made from natural products - almost 100% of their composition is made of various types of clay (compounds of oxides of aluminum, silicon and iron).
Their production involves molding, drying, and firing in a furnace at temperatures above 1000°C.
ADVANTAGES OF CERAMIC TILES
In addition to a variety of colors, quality ceramic tiles are also distinguished by durability, cold resistance, strength, ability to permanently retain color, fire resistance and good noise absorption. Ceramic tiles are relatively heavy roofing materials with a mass of 30-60 kg/m2. This, of course, gives the roof covering stability in strong winds, but at the same time requires an increase in the number and cross-section of the rafters of the roof sheathing compared to cases when lightweight roofing materials are laid, for example, bitumen tiles or roll products. The optimal angle of inclination of the roof for installing ceramic tiles is from 22 to 60°.
WHY IS CLAY THE MOST SUITABLE MATERIAL FOR ROOF TILES?
Clay is the most suitable material for making roof tiles simply because it is a natural material. Roof tile production can be described in its simplest form as mixing clay with water, drying it with hot air, and then firing it in a tunnel-type kiln at a temperature of around 1000°.
The color is natural, without chemical additives. When storing and recycling natural materials, the environment is not polluted. The natural material is healthy, the natural colors create a feeling of warmth and comfort. The “breathing” of the tile guarantees its perfect drying.
Clay gives roof tiles a long life and is particularly resistant to environmental influences. Here's what it consists of:
- Resistance to ultraviolet rays /color fastness, lightfast, natural appearance/;
- Resistance to acids /acid rain/;
- Resistance to bases /e.g. bird droppings/;
- High durability /e.g. snow, hail/.
- Heat-resistant, fire-resistant.
- Resistance to temperature changes /cold, moisture/.
Clay is multifunctional. It is optimally suited for every taste and every architectural style, from a small villa to a castle, from a family house to a business building. The wide palette allows for the construction of a variety of clay roof options. Ceramic tiles, for example, have double-sided horizontal and side seams, ensuring a tight fit to each other and the highest degree of protection from strong wind, rain and snow.
Clay is economical, due to its tried and tested durability - from 80 to 100 years. It is optimal for roof renovation. No additional screeds or protective layers are required.
CONCRETE ROOF TILES ARE NOT INFERIOR TO CERAMIC ROOF TILES
Also called cement-sand, concrete tiles are in no way inferior to the qualities of ceramic tiles. They are strong, durable and have an elegant appearance. They are made from Portland cement, quartz sand, chemical and UV-resistant dyes and water. Thanks to the bulk dyeing (in mass), the color of the tiles remains unchanged during operation. The starting material includes several fractions of sand with different granulometric composition, which are precisely dosed to obtain good adhesion between the sand and cement. The prepared mixture is rolled, poured under high pressure into figures that determine the shape of the tiles. The technology of production of concrete tiles differs from that of ceramic tiles - here there is no firing, but only drying at a temperature of 60°C. Before drying, the tiles are colored with acrylic compositions, and when they are already dry, they are covered with a layer that prevents the crystallization of salts.
Cement-sand roof tiles are resistant to aggressive conditions such as snow, ice, hail and winds. They are fireproof and have a quick and easy installation. Their shape is L-shaped, with a hem through which they are attached to the battens of the roof sheathing. These roof tiles, just like ceramic tiles, are relatively heavy roof coverings and are laid on stronger structures. In order to ensure ventilation in the under-roof space, a structure is built of battens, insulation and sheathing, on which the roof tiles are laid.
The quality result of using concrete tiles as a roof covering is determined by compliance with certain requirements related to the slope of the roof. If it is 12-17°, a dense insulation of the under-roof space must be made - full board sheathing, two layers of bitumen roofing felt and counter battens. Rainproof insulation between the sheathing and counter battens is necessary for a slope of 17-22°. Large slopes require more secure fastening of the tiles. For a slope greater than 45°, every third tile is fastened diagonally with a special clamp, and if the slope is over 60°, this is done with every tile.
WHAT DOES THE COLOR OF ROOF TILES DEPEND ON?
When the tiles are uncoated, their color depends on the composition of the raw material and the firing conditions. The high content of iron oxides in the clay determines the traditional red color of the tiles, calcium contributes to the yellow color, and manganese - to the brown color.
When re-firing the tiles at a temperature of 800°C, darker colors are achieved - gray-black and dark brown. A significant diversification of the color range of ceramic tiles allows the application of an opaque, liquid, clay coating with various mineral additives or metal oxides, the so-called engobe, to their surface before firing. If this coating is applied unevenly, in spots on the product, the decorative effect of aging the tiles is achieved. There are two main groups of engobe - matte and glossy, which contains crushed and melted glass. A characteristic of the engobe coating is that it does not form a dense layer and the pores of the tile remain open.
In contrast, the other type of tile coating, glaze, forms a dense glassy surface layer. Glaze is usually tinted with inorganic dyes or clay pigments and has unlimited color possibilities. This allows for green, blue, black, white, and other colored ceramic tiles.
HOW TO GUARANTEE A QUALITY ROOF?
As we have already noted, the roof is one of the main elements on which the strength and reliability of the structural performance of the building depends. Here is what a quality roof should guarantee us:
- Buffer against climate change
A quality roof protects against climate changes. In a well-protected under-roof space, optimal heat and cold exchange and protection against them are one of the most important tasks. During the hot summer months, the temperatures under the roof should be pleasantly cool, and during the cold winter days - warm.
- Protection from winds and storms
The solid sub-roof structure of steep roofs protects against destruction due to winds and storms. Even minor damage, which occurred some time ago, is almost non-existent today, as appropriate modern technologies are currently being applied. This creates a sense of security for people in adverse weather conditions.
- Rain protection
For specialists, rain protection on sloped roofs is the result of many years of work. It has been established that the steeper the roof, the higher the degree of protection from water.
- Noise and sound insulation
In addition to heat and moisture insulation, sound insulation is also one of the main things that affects a good climate at home. In noisy areas /such as areas near airports/ sound insulation is achieved through a reinforced sub-roof structure.
- Window for sun and light
Air, light and sun are prerequisites for a healthy lifestyle “under the roof”. In this regard, a steep roof has many advantages. Installing roof windows is one of the measures to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of the house. Currently, many different windows are available on the market in different combinations.
WHY CHOOSE TONDACH TILES?
In our sales list, the largest share belongs to TONDACH roof tiles. TONDACH products have been offered on the Bulgarian market directly from the manufacturing plants since 2005. TONDACH is now part of the large WINERBERGER family, with which the company has expanded its product portfolio and strengthened its position as a world leader in providing sustainable and long-lasting construction solutions. Roofing solutions occupy a central place in TONDACH's product list.
TONDACH roofs, with their durability and strength, have been a leader among roofing systems for over a hundred years. TONDACH tiles are not only durable, but also economical, because the decisive factor for a comprehensive assessment of the value of a roof is the durability of the product, not the costs incurred at the time of purchasing the material.
The decisive factor here is the actual "economy" of the material - when the builder does not subsequently have to invest additional funds in various repair activities. This is especially true for the roof of a house, the construction and covering of which represent a very small part of the total costs of its construction.
It is of paramount importance that TONDACH roofs are more profitable in the long term. The reason for this is that roof renovation would only be necessary after 100 years: because TONDACH provides a guarantee for each of its products for 33 years.
WHY CHOOSE BRAMAC TILES?
BRAMAC roof tiles occupy the second largest share among the offers in our store. We have trusted them, trust them too, because the products of the Austrian concern have become synonymous with high quality and reliability. See for yourself.
- BRAMAC roof tiles become stronger over time
The hardening of concrete takes about 50 years. This is why the strength of concrete tiles increases with each passing year compared to other roofing materials, thus ensuring the durability of your roof. BRAMAC gives a 30-year warranty on their tiles.
- BRAMAC roof tiles are resistant to cold
The tiles are of high density and absorb less moisture from rain and melting snow compared to those made of other materials. In this way, the tiles are protected from the risk of the absorbed moisture freezing and cracking them. BRAMAC tiles are significantly more frost-resistant and durable compared to alternative roofing products.
- BRAMAC roof tiles withstand heavy rain
The tiles are tested in special chambers that recreate extreme weather conditions. The tests undoubtedly show that BRAMAC tiles provide security and protection during heavy rains and strong storms. Another advantage is the fact that they absorb 20% less moisture compared to alternative roofing materials.
- BRAMAC roofs withstand strong winds and storms
BRAMAC roofs are significantly less susceptible to storm damage, regardless of the roof structure and pitch. Special elements such as tile fixing brackets give your roof extra stability.
- BRAMAC roofs have an optimal weight
With BRAMAC tiles, the consumption per square meter is 10 pieces, while with other materials it reaches 15 pieces. Thus, ceramic and concrete tiles have approximately the same weight per square meter. In strong winds, the relatively higher weight of the individual tile is an advantage.
- BRAMAC tiles have a perfect shape and excellent fit
The size and shape of BRAMAK tiles are strictly monitored during production and drying at 40°. This ensures that they are of the same shape and fit together. Alternative roofing products are fired at 1000°, which can cause deformation.
- BRAMAC roofs are hail resistant
The high density and high-quality coating of BRAMAC roof tiles makes them extremely resistant to hail, unlike alternative roofing materials (especially those with varnished and glazed surfaces), which crack and become water-permeable during hail.
- BRAMAC roof tiles are fire resistant
BRAMAC roof tiles are non-combustible and guarantee high protection against ignition due to a flying spark or high external temperatures.
- BRAMAC roof tiles are number 1 on the Bulgarian market
A study by the GfK marketing research institute shows that BRAMAC is not only the most well-known brand, but also the most purchased on the Bulgarian market.
BITUMEN TILES - AN ALTERNATIVE FOR A RELIABLE ROOFING COVERING
Bitumen shingles provide a good alternative when choosing a reliable roofing material. They, like membranes, are relatively light coatings (8-13kg/m2) and allow for simplification and lightening of the roof structure. An important advantage of them is that when deformations occur in the material during operation for one reason or another, the tension in the attachment points is less than that of membranes due to the smaller area of the shingles.
Their structure is multi-layered. They have a reinforcing base of fiberglass or cellulose, impregnated with bitumen on both sides. Mineral powder or metal foil is applied to the front side for ultraviolet protection, and a protective sand layer is applied to the bottom side, which prevents the tiles from sticking together during storage and transportation. The bitumen used to impregnate the tiles may be conventional or modified. Bitumens from the second group show better performance.
Bitumen shingles are available in a wide range of colors, as the coating allows for different tinting. There is also a variety in shape - oval, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, hexagonal, etc. Laying this product is relatively easy and fast. The shingles are attached to each other using self-adhesive tapes, and to the roof sheathing - with nails and bitumen glue or a burner. They are suitable for roofs with a slope of 10-12° to 90°. They are successfully applied to roofs with complex geometry.
Depending on the quality of the product and the operating conditions, a bitumen roof tile can retain its properties for 10 to 40 years. As a general rule, the smaller the daily temperature amplitudes in a given climate, the longer the life of the tiles.
If you have chosen darker colored bituminous shingles, you should ensure better air circulation in the under-roof space to avoid overheating. Otherwise, the edges of the shingles may lift and premature roof repair may be necessary. It is not recommended to use plywood for sheathing with this product because it accumulates heat and in hot weather this can lead to deterioration of the adhesive properties and subsequent wrinkling of the shingles.
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
With us you will find a variety of roof tiles, which will certainly satisfy your search. As we have already noted, the largest share in our nomenclature falls on TONDACH roof tiles, followed by BRAMAC. Anyone who is a fan of ceramic coating chooses TONDACH. Anyone who relies on concrete chooses BRAMAC. There is also variability in the shapes and colors of the roof tiles of both types.
In the TONDACF list, we have also included other parts necessary for the roofing system: rebated covers, rebated cover bracket, snow retention bracket, ventilation strip.
We also have roof tiles from the TECHNOSIM brand.
Our store also offers the alternative to ceramics and concrete - bitumen roof tiles. They are of the GUTTA brand of the Bieber - beaver tail type. Bieber is a high-quality bitumen roof tile with a fiberglass base and rounded 6 tails. It is distinguished by sophistication, elegance and perfect appearance.
Bitumen shingles are very easy to install – using special nails and fully self-adhesive tongues, which increase the watertightness of the overlapping layer. The full adhesion of the tongues increases the reliability and durability of the roof in areas with strong winds and rainfall.
In this group on our website you can also find bird nets of the KRAUPNER brand.
The prices of our roof tiles are affordable.
