Cement-sand tile

One of the options for roofing, worthy of resisting natural whims is cement-sand tiles. Its cost is an order of magnitude lower than its ceramic counterpart, but this in no way affects its characteristics and durability.

In the northern regions, where harsh climatic conditions prevail, ideal conditions for corrosion develop. Therefore, the priority characteristics for roofing materials are a long service life and resistance to an aggressive climatic environment.

Production

The main raw materials for the production of shingles are quartz sand, quick-setting cement, a special pigment containing chromium, a small amount of lime and water as a binder. Some experts call such a coating concrete because of the constituent elements.

The result is a frost-resistant, moisture-absorbing and high-strength coating, ideal for use in areas with aggressive climates. It is the components used that determine the quality of the product. For example, if the ratio of cement and water is not observed, then after a while the surface of the tiles becomes covered with an unattractive, difficult to remove limescale.

The production process is as follows:

• All the necessary components are placed in the mixer with strict adherence to the proportions. The percentage of water in this case should vary in the range of 9.2 - 9.8%.
• The formed mass is delivered via a belt conveyor to special knives for cutting blanks for ordinary and half tiles. There is a separate formation of curved shapes for the backbone and initial shingles.
• The formed elements of the tile are colored and sent to dry. The drying process is 24 hours at a temperature of + 60 ° C. Dried products undergo secondary coloring.

Benefits

Cement-sand tiles are undoubtedly a natural material, since they contain elements of natural origin. Its exterior is in no way inferior to the appearance of its ceramic counterpart, even visually it is not so easy to distinguish them.

High-quality products are coated with a surface varnish layer that successfully resists the development of algae and moss. This layer helps to reduce the porosity of the product, which has a positive effect on resistance to negative temperatures.

Cement-sand tiles are highly fire-resistant, resistant to chemicals and ultraviolet radiation. It copes well with snow loads, has a high noise absorption coefficient, and is resistant to biological effects.

Unpleasant moments

The main disadvantage of this type of coating is considered a large mass. For example, one tile of standard dimensions has a mass equal to 4-5 kg. The second negative element is the poor choice of profile. Some ceramic tiles are difficult to replicate using concrete.

The disadvantages also include an artificial protective coating due to the fact that it is not restored using traditional cleaning, unlike clay tiles. Coloring of the product is carried out by adding special color additives to the mass, and glass inclusions are used for ceramic products. As a result, shingles undergo discoloration and become brittle. After all, the destruction of carbon bonds leads to the destruction of the coloring pigment. This process manifests itself in the form of the appearance of white streaks that spoil the appearance of the roof. For this reason, cement tiles should be cleaned periodically. First, it is necessary to remove the formed limescale and biological deposits. Ordinary dirt can be easily removed with water, and special products are used to get rid of algae and moss.

Mounting Features

Concrete shingles are acceptable for roofs with slopes ranging from 22-60 °. Installation is also allowed on more gentle slopes, provided a more rigid base with high-quality waterproofing. The very principle of installation work is almost identical to the installation of ceramic counterparts.

This roofing material can be used on roofs of almost all difficulty levels. The main thing is not to ignore the recommended bias. If you need to put the shingles at a smaller angle of inclination, then you need to do under-roof ventilation and good waterproofing. Mounting is also possible on roofs with a slope of more than 60 °, provided that each element is securely fixed to a wooden batten.