Rating of the best manufacturers of soft tiles for 2024

The roof of a country house or summer house is the main element that protects the structure from the negative effects of natural conditions - solar radiation, wind, rain or snow. A reliable roof overhead is created by the uppermost layer of the covering, for the installation of which a waterproof material made of soft tiles is used, which easily tolerates temperature changes, as well as resistant to other negative factors.

There is a wide range of such goods on the construction market, which does not at all simplify the choice - which company is better to buy, how much it costs. This review presents the best domestic and foreign manufacturers engaged in the production of products in this area.

General information

Soft tile is a material for roofing in the form of flat plates (shingles) with a characteristic pattern along the lower edge based on oxidized or modified bitumen, fiberglass and stone powder (granulate).

Often also referred to as bituminous or shingles, roofing tiles, soft roofing, shingles.

It fits perfectly on complex roofs:

• ordinary single-slope or gable;

• multi-slope with different levels;

• domed;

• hip;

• broken lines;

• combined.

Installation is possible for roofs with a slope of at least 11⁰!

Plastic properties allow using it for facades.

What does it consist of

The multi-component structure consists of several layers.

1. Easily removable siliconized film to prevent sheets from sticking during storage and transportation. Removed just before styling.
2. Self-adhesive underside, treated with bitumen glue for easier handling.
3. Non-woven fiberglass (molten glass with the addition of reinforcing resins) as the basis of the roof.
4. Bitumen layers applied on both sides of the fiberglass, providing elasticity and durability, as well as creating a reliable framework for other layers. Several varieties are used, including those with SBS polymers or atactic polypropylene (APP), as well as oxidized ones.
5. Mineral or stone dusting with additives for decoration and protection from damage. It is made from natural materials with an appropriate palette: anthracite, basalt or slate.Such a granulate looks good and does not lose brightness with prolonged exposure to the sun.

Varieties

1. According to the pattern and shape of the shingles:

• hexagon;

 

• rhombus;

• shingles;

• slate;

• three-layer cutting;

• irregular;

• dragon tooth;

• wave;

• beaver tail.

2. By component modifications:

• ordinary - to form rows;

• ridge - to give the roof a complete look and arrange the joints of the slopes and ridge;

• cornice - for placement in areas that take the greatest load from ice or melt water;

• cornice-ridge - a universal shingle that combines the characteristics of different types.

3. By design features:

• single layer;

• multilayer:
  • two-layer;
  • three-layer.

4. By type of sprinkling:

anthracite;

basalt;

shale.

Production technology

Main stages:

1. Application of molten bitumen in a saturator to glass fiber mat.
2. Drying of the treated fabric, covering with a second layer of bitumen.
3. Application of granules of the same color to a hot layer.
4. Backside protective foil to prevent sticking.
5. Cooling down in a cooling chamber.
6. Coating on the inside with bituminous glue.
7. Cutting the blade into shapes and sizes.
8. Warehouse storage packaging.

Benefits

The use of the latest technologies in a soft roof has many advantages:

• high strength due to the strong structure of the fiberglass base impregnated with bitumen;
• long service life, more than half a century, with the function of operation in any climatic conditions;
• flexibility and elasticity to implement any design proposals for different roof structures;
• low weight - up to about 10 kilograms per square meter, which does not require additional strengthening of the rafters;
• excellent sound insulation achieved by airtight installation of shingles;
• good resistance to ultraviolet radiation while maintaining the brightness of the color color due to the special properties of the dusting;
• excellent water resistance resulting from the formation of a single sealed surface without cracks or cracks in the process of gluing shingles;
• preventing the appearance of mold, moss or bacteria in high humidity due to the water-repellent properties of the surface;
• quick installation with an adhesive layer;
• excellent maintainability with quick replacement of individual shingles in case of damage;
• profitability with practically waste-free production;
• certified fire resistance according to class GZ, in which the bitumen impregnation does not ignite, the fire is not supported, and the flame does not spread;
• increased wind resistance due to double fixation - with screws and glue;
• a variety of colors using dyes to achieve natural rich shades;
• roughness of the surface to contain snow accumulation and slow safe melting without risk to passers-by or parked cars;
• convenient delivery to the place of work in packages, easy ascent to the roof;
• versatility with a harmonious combination of various facade designs for plaster, brick, siding or wood.

At the same time, certain disadvantages are noted:

• do not need to be laid on flat roofs due to the inability to ensure the drainage of melt or rainwater;
• strict adherence to the stages of hermetic placement on the crate;
• work only under normal weather conditions, avoiding heat to prevent softening or cold to prevent solidification;
• the need for regular cleaning of fallen leaves or other debris.

Criterias of choice

It is advisable to pay attention to the main parameters and design features.

1. The planned pattern, appearance and color should stylishly complement the overall design of the architect with the exterior finish of the building.
2. Type of granulate - for example, basalt crumb looks aesthetically pleasing and retains a rich color for a long time.
3. Brand awareness. The manufacturing company is always interested in selling products whose quality is controlled to maintain their reputation.In addition, a guarantee is provided, and also undertakes to accept returns if a defect is found.
4. Production time - the layer of glue on the wrong side can partially dry out during long storage, then it will need to be softened with a construction hairdryer. It is better to buy packaging of products that have passed no more than six months since their manufacture.
5. Delivery terms - you should find out the availability in the warehouse or the possibility of quick delivery under the order, if necessary, purchase in addition in case of a calculation error or a defect.
6. It is better to buy packages of the same release date so that there are no differences in shades. All packages should be opened and mixed prior to stacking to minimize the appearance of different shades. Then the roof will look the same color or with imperceptible transitions.
7. The condition of the outer layer - slight loss of granulate during transportation is possible. A perfectly smooth surface indicates a defect or poor quality batch.
8. The shingle should bend freely and easily return to its original state. This is important when installing on a complex roof structure with overhangs, corners or slopes. For an ordinary flat surface, such a refinement is not necessary.
9. Thickness check - single or multi-layer.
10. The feeling of a bitumen smell is a sign of bitumen evaporation, which threatens to lose its elasticity when exposed to direct sunlight.

Where can I buy

Different types of goods can be purchased in building supermarkets or in markets where a large range of goods is presented. In addition, budget novelties can be easily ordered online using the Yandex.Market aggregator, which demonstrates products with descriptions, photos and a direct link to the manufacturer's online store. Advice and recommendations will not be superfluous, what to look for, what are the best models and how to choose the right shingle.

Top manufacturers

The rating of quality manufacturers of soft roof models is compiled on the basis of product characteristics, performance, color range and service life. In addition, the popularity of the models, in the opinion of buyers, was taken into account in the Yandex.Market aggregator. Reviews and comments of customers in the online store also did not stand aside in order to avoid mistakes when choosing. When compiling the rating, the best manufacturers were distributed according to the materials produced by the types of sprinkling - anthracite, basalt, and also shale.

TOP 3 best manufacturers of soft tiles with anthracite dusting

Kerabit

Products of the Scandinavian concern Nordic Waterproofing OY with roots that go back to the Finnish company Lemminkäinen with a century of history in the production of building materials. The lineup offers tiles that can harmoniously fit into any landscape, look individually and stylishly for a long time:

• Premium - a laminated rectangular shingle made of modified SBS-bitumen with an individual pattern and color, creating a three-dimensional relief at a price of 974 rubles / sq. m;
• wave S + - visual effect of a sea wave;
• quadro L + - a zigzag pattern consists of rectangles, resembles a checkerboard, visually increasing the volume of the roof;
• triple K + - hexagonal honeycomb, perfect for buildings decorated in any style with a large number of color options.

• long service life;
• stylish design;
• good elasticity;
• easy installation with self-adhesive elements;
• there is no oxidized bitumen production;
• excellent frost resistance.

• high price.

Kerabit installation video tutorial:

Icopal

The products of the founder of the production of bituminous tiles, Jens Villansen, who patented the manufacturing technology in 1894, are popular in the domestic market, despite the high cost of 807 rubles / sq. m. It is great for renovating old roofs or new construction. The popular models Plano, made in Finland, and Siplast, made in France, are offered.Product quality and recipe are closely monitored on fully automated production lines.

• long service life up to 50 years;
• resistance to mechanical damage;
• frost resistance;
• masking irregularities;
• noise absorption;
• use for complex roof structures;
• light weight up to 10 kg / sq. m;
• profitability;
• wind resistance;
• fast styling.

• high price.

Video tutorial on material calculation from Icopal:

Docke pie

German brand products manufactured at Russian enterprises. Several popular series are offered - Standart, Europa and Premium, each of which has many collections, differing not only in shape, but also in color. It is produced on two bases - fiberglass or polyester. Suitable for use in different climatic zones. Roofing tiles fit well on structures of any configuration. The double glue system shows excellent stress resistance. Offered at a price of 240 rubles / sq. m.

• long service life;
• original forms;
• a large selection of models and shades;
• strong connection of shingles by the "glue lock" method - bitumen welding;
• moisture resistance;
• resistance to the appearance of fungus, moss, decay;
• simple installation and processing;
• warranty period up to half a century.

• sticks together if stored improperly.

Video overview of Docke product features:

TOP-4 of the best manufacturers of soft tiles with basalt covering

IKO

The largest multinational concern from Canada, producing soft tiles for almost 70 years. At factories in Europe and America, a closed cycle is provided, from the extraction and manufacture of basalt granules with fiberglass to the release of oxidized bitumen. This scheme ensures uninterrupted supplies of raw materials to all plants of the concern.

Three series are produced:

• Classic - four model lines: Superglass 3 Tab, Monarch, Victorian, Diamant;
• Premium - five model lines: Cambridge Xtreme, Cambridge Xpress, Crown Slate, Armourshake, Royal Estate;
• Shield - four model lines: Diamant Shield, Storm Shield, Biber Shield, Skyline.

• high quality raw materials;
• large thickness;
• wide range of products;
• good resistance to external negative weather factors%
• long service life;
• simple waste-free installation;
• excellent heat and sound insulation characteristics;
• maintainability.

• high price;
• work exactly according to the instructions.

RUFLEX

Domestic brand of quality roofing, which is a part of the trade and production association Association DIANA. The products are manufactured in factories in the USA, EU and Russia. The Lux and Premium series are offered, which include six collections with different shapes. Accuracy of geometrical dimensions and special locks on the shingles do not allow mistakes when laying. You can always choose the desired shade from eight colors, for which there will be a set of all accessories. Five fractions of basalt evenly cover the shingle surface. As a base, a super-strong fiberglass of increased tensile strength is used. A wide range of costs allows you to choose the best price-quality ratio. Sold at a price of 390 rubles / sq. m.

• long service life;
• 35-year warranty;
• excellent characteristics of strength, frost resistance, heat resistance, flexibility and elasticity;
• the ability to operate in any climatic conditions;
• wide range of models and colors;
• ease of installation;
• waste-free installation;
• light weight;
• environmental friendliness;
• aesthetics.

• the need for regular cleaning of the roof from debris;
• multistage;

Video instructions for installing RuFlex:

RoofShield

Ryazan Cardboard and Roofing Plant (KRZ) became the first enterprise in Russia to master the production of soft tiles in 1996. The products are not inferior in quality to leading foreign goods and are shipped to customers all over the world - to China, Germany, France, Poland, India.We offer flexible shingles in different shades and types of cuts that create a unique look of the house. The base is glass fiber impregnated with bitumen. Various polymer additives provide deformation resistance, flexibility and strength. External decorative dressing protects the surface from negative effects, and also gives different shades.

Basalt dusting is used in the Premium and Classic collections, and basalt in combination with anthracite in the Family Light and Family Eco Light models. Prices for products start at 330 rubles / sq. m.

• long service life over 50 years;
• good sound insulation;
• the ability to retain snow;
• corrosion resistance;
• use on complex roof structures;
• easy transportation;
• resistance to damage;
• simple styling;
• stylish design;
• waste-free installation;
• affordable price.

• not detected.

Premium Series Video Review:

TechnoNicol Shinglas

The products of the domestic manufacturer meet international standards. An exclusive roof with a spectacular look, excellent parameters, as well as the ability to cover roofs with complex geometries. Cost: from 212 rubles / sq. m. Plants "Technonikol" are equipped with imported equipment that allows the use of the latest technologies for the manufacture of soft tiles. Environmentally friendly raw materials combined with careful quality control make the products competitive with the recognized world leaders in this field. The base is glass fiber impregnated with bitumen. Inexpensive materials are designed for operation in unpredictable Russian weather, they are not afraid of heat, cold, or strong winds.

• a wide range of models in different price segments;
• a wide range of cuts and shades;
• small price;
• durability;
• moisture resistance;
• soundproofing;
• profitability;
• high mechanical strength;
• excellent value for money;
• fire safety;
• light weight.

• not detected.

Shinglas installation video tutorial:

TOP-3 of the best manufacturers of soft slate roofing tiles

Katepal

The leader among European manufacturers of soft tiles from Finland. For more than seventy years of history, a small family company has developed into a leading company that meets the needs of the Russian and European markets. The production uses the best environmentally friendly raw materials, the latest technology, compliance with European standards and continuous quality control.
We offer 10 collections in accordance with the cutting shapes: Mansion, Mansion New, Forte, Ambient, Rocky, Katrilli, Jazzy, Foxy, Classic-KL, 3T. Average price - 565 rubles / sq. m.

• durability;
• a wide range of products with a rich palette;
• persistent natural shades;
• practicality;
• fire resistance;
• flexibility;
• profitability;
• light weight;
• ease of installation;
• compliance with the European standard;
• warranty period up to 30 years.

• difficult to find on sale.

Video review:

CertainTeed

The company's products are among the first types of flexible coating manufactured in the United States since the beginning of the last century. The composition of multilayer shingles includes felt or fiberglass impregnated with a modified bitumen mixture, sprinkled with mineral granulate. In Russia, lines are offered in various price segments: Presidential Shake, Grand Manor, Carriage House, Highland Slate, Landmark, Belmont and CT 20.

• long service life and manufacturer's warranty up to half a century;
• more than 20 types of models with a wide selection of up to 150 color options;
• accuracy of geometry;
• a set of accessories to achieve tightness;
• antibacterial and antifungal properties;
• quick installation and easy repair.

• high price.

Installation instructions:

Tegola canadese

One of the world's leading manufacturers of soft tiles from Italy, which has launched production at a Russian enterprise.The basis is made up of APP-bitumen with a long service life and colors that imitate various types of natural roofing. The collection consists of six series: Comfort, Comfort Plus, Business, Business Plus, Premium and Exclusive, which contains 47 models and more than 100 color options.

• increased service life;
• durable protective layer of three granulate fractions;
• improved polymer-bitumen layer with high resistance to solar radiation;
• extra strong fiberglass;
• natural shades;
• a wide range of;
• high quality;
• excellent performance characteristics of moisture resistance, sound insulation, heat and frost resistance;
• stylish design.

• high price;
• strict adherence to instructions.

Installation instructions for Tegola:

Installation features

Useful properties are preserved under a number of conditions:

• the best installation period is at the very beginning of summer or early autumn in calm weather at an air temperature of 15 to 20 degrees;
• soft tiles can be stored in packages in a dark warm room;
• the protective film is removed from the adhesive layer only before work to prevent the adhesive base from drying out and losing its original properties;
• do not walk on the newly laid roof, so as not to damage or push the material.

It is necessary to provide in advance the stages of work with the possibility of getting off the roof using stairs!

How to mount yourself

Preparatory work

1. At home, a standard set of materials and tools is selected.

2. With the help of plywood, OSB-boards or wide boards, the base is strengthened.

3. The rafters are treated with antiseptic and fireproofing agents.

4. The ventilation system is being set up.

With a slope greater than 25 degrees, the area of ​​the ventilation outlet is 8 sq. cm, with a smaller slope - 16 sq. cm.

5. A bituminous cushioning layer is laid along the perimeter of the roof.

If the slope is less than 18 degrees, the gasket can only be placed in certain areas:

• in the pipe area;
• at the junction with the wall;
• on a skate;
• on the overhangs of the cornices.

6. Cornice and pediment strips are installed.

7. The chimney outlet is marked.

8. The lining of the valley is laid in the color of the roof.

Step-by-step instructions on how to do it yourself

1. The cornice shingles are placed on the strips fixed to the overhangs and nailed with galvanized nails. To save money, instead of eaves, you can take ordinary tiles and cut off the petals. Then the laying is done end-to-end two centimeters from the overhang.
2. Ordinary shingles are laid on both sides of the middle of the roof overhang and nailed with four nails. On steep slopes, the number of nails driven can be increased to six.
3. The first row should recede from the eaves overhang by one to one and a half cm, and the petals should cover the joints of the eaves.
4. The second row is placed in the same way, overlapping the cutouts of the previous row with petals.
5. The edges are cut and glued, leaving a layer of up to 10 cm.
6. The final rows are laid in the same way - the shingles are cut to form a strip of 15 centimeters and are coated with glue for seven to eight centimeters.
7. Before skating, first prepare the platform.
8. The sheets are laid with an overlap of five centimeters and nailed with four nails. The ridge shingle is obtained by cutting the eaves along the perforation, then it is bent and the short part is laid along the ridge.
9. Passages through the roof are made using rubber seals or special technologies: a triangular strip is installed at the junction of the roof and the pipe;
   - a gasket is laid with overlaps smeared with glue;
   - the surface of the pipe is insulated with the expectation of closing 35 cm of the pipe and 25 cm of the slope;
   - a bar is installed along the perimeter;
   - the iron apron is fixed:
   - the joints are sealed with silicone sealant.
10. The abutment to the vertical wall is performed in the same way. Only the rail is fixed along the wall, not along the perimeter.

A properly assembled roof will serve for many years, protecting the building from cold and moisture.In the absence of sufficient experience how to lay soft tiles, it is better to entrust the arrangement of such an important element for a house, garage or on a gazebo to trained specialists. At the same time, knowing the instructions will allow you to control the entire process.

Installation video tutorial:

Care procedure

Long service life will be provided by simple recommendations:

• clean the roof of leaves, branches or other debris twice a year. Gently collect large residues by hand, and wipe off small debris with a soft brush, without damaging the outer layer;
• control the functionality and, if necessary, clean the drainage system (funnels, gutters) mounted on the roof;
• when large amounts of snow accumulate, clean the surface, leaving a small snow cover, using tools that will not damage the outer layer;
• regularly inspect the roof for defects, damage, leaks, followed by repair of the damaged area. If the replacement of damaged shingles is delayed, the defective area will increase due to constant exposure to adverse weather conditions.

Enjoy the shopping! Take care of yourself and your loved ones!