Metal slate - application and properties

Metal slate is made of galvanized iron and is often called corrugated board. The metal slate is coated with a special polymer protective layer. It is made with different types of waves. More recently, it was believed that this type of slate is only suitable for covering large industrial buildings, but over time, the production technology has improved. Now the material has a protective polymer coating, which allows the use of slate in residential construction, and for small outbuildings.

Production and properties of metal slate

Metal slate is produced using the cold stamping method of galvanized steel, which is treated with a special composition and primer in order to protect it from corrosion. On the upper side, the slate is covered with a polymer layer, which gives the material the following properties:

high color fastness;
durability and good corrosion protection;
aesthetics of appearance.

On the underside, sheets of metal slate are coated with a layer of special varnish, which provides optimal additional protection. In order to obtain profiles of different shapes and configurations in the factory do cross stamping of sheets.

Slate metal has a very high quality along with a fairly low price. This is what made it possible to gain wide distribution in commercial, industrial and individual construction.

Metal slate is used in such works:

construction of fences;
installation of roofing structures;
the construction of temporary structures and structures;
building envelopes for prefabricated buildings.

The main positive characteristics of metal slate are the following:

duration of operation, manufacturer's warranty period of more than 30 years;
non-exposure to temperature extremes, which allows installation of the material regardless of weather and season;
light weight material, which is about 4-5 kg / sq. meter;
environmental safety of the material;
ease of installation. One person can mount the material, regardless of the type of construction, using ordinary nails, screws, anchors, without special skills and knowledge;
aesthetics of the appearance of the roofing material;
the smoothness of the surface of the metal slate does not delay the removal of snow and water from the roof;
saving money. With a long service life does not require installation of additional reinforcing elements of the roof;
high heat resistance and fire safety;
suitability for repair.

In addition to the above advantages of the analyzed material, there are certain disadvantages:

poor sound insulation;
corrodes without the use of protective equipment;
the implementation of complex structures will require a greater consumption of building materials.

Aluminum slate

For many years, European countries use aluminum slate as a roofing material. He established himself well both from a practical and aesthetic point of view.

Aluminum slate is popular not only among construction companies, but also among individual developers. Very often, aluminum roofs are used in the construction of facilities whose projects do not allow exceeding a certain level of structural load. Thanks to the reflective ability, the aluminum roof will allow normalizing the temperature in the room.In the production process, the aluminum roof is covered with polymer or paint coatings, which give the material new physicochemical and aesthetic properties. The thickness of the polymer coating is usually more than 0.7 mm. So the roof takes the form of another material - copper, wood or natural tiles.

When installing such a roof, it is necessary to observe certain subtleties so that the roof can serve the entire warranty period. For example, the space above aluminum should be ventilated, since a lack of oxygen will lead to corrosion of the metal. It is also necessary to avoid any contact with damp wood and chemicals. When installing an aluminum roof, you will not need to change the old crate.

Aluminum-based roofing has many advantages, the main of which are:

the material does not corrode, because it creates a special protective oxygen film around itself, which can only be violated by exposure to alkalis or other chemical solutions. That is why aluminum slate is often used in areas where there is high humidity;
The light weight material makes the roofing light enough. This allows the use of such a roof in buildings where, for technical reasons, no other roofing material can be used;
aluminum can significantly save on the roof device, as well as on the foundation, because in comparison with other roofing materials it has a very low weight;
such a roof perfectly tolerates the effects of atmospheric phenomena, it is not afraid of either hail or strong winds;
the aluminum coating reflects up to 90% of the sun's rays, and therefore serves as its image with a mirror shield of the house. So in hot weather the roof will become a reinsurance from overheating, and in the cold season it will contribute to uniform melting of snow without dangerous ice layers.

Before laying aluminum sheets, it is necessary to ensure the evenness, cleanliness and dryness of the crate.

Due to the good flexibility of aluminum, it is used even on roofs with intricate reliefs. Aluminum slate will simply not be replaceable for buildings with a complex roof structure. Aluminum roofing has a wide selection of colors, shapes and coatings, so you can choose the option you are interested in.

However, such a roofing material has its drawbacks:

high coefficient of thermal expansion, it should be taken into account during installation and use special fasteners;
high cost of material;
low noise insulation properties. If during installation special soundproofing layers were not laid, then every rainfall will cause discomfort;
high thermal conductivity, aluminum roofing needs a special thermal insulation coating;
complexity of installation.

Of the many aluminum products, aluminum corrugated sheets are often used to cover the roof. They are durable, lightweight and do not require additional knowledge for installation.

Aluminum sheet has a high oxidation resistance, excellent stamping and non-toxic. This product is widely used in mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, aircraft manufacturing. Since aluminum has a low strength, a small amount of magnesium and copper is added to it.