Are you confused about which roofing system to choose with the endless options? Each slab serves a different purpose, but at times, compromises happen. Between all those, if you are wondering about an all-around roofing solution that balances durability, weather resistance and visual appeal, then stone-coated roofing sheets are the ones to consider. If you are curious about what it is, this blog is going to provide you with a full understanding of this engineering marvel.
What are Stone-Coated Roofing Sheets?
Stone-coated roofing sheets are a type of roofing material made from high-quality steel sheets coated with a layer of stone chips. The combination of strength and durability of the metal with the aesthetics of clay, slate and wood, along with the extremely durable properties of stone, makes it a complete roofing solution for both residential and commercial buildings.
Types of Stone-Coated Roofing Tiles
Bond
It is a type of stone-coated roofing tile that features sleek, smooth tiles with a modern and streamlined appearance. It offers a clean and contemporary look that is uniform and gently curved, mimicking the look of traditional tiles with high durability. It is ideal for modern homes, commercial buildings and structures that prefer minimalistic and elegant styling.
Classic
It offers a more traditional and timeless look with a smooth, uniform design replicating the natural clay tiles. It resembles the looks of Mediterranean or European tile roofing and is suitable for traditional or Mediterranean-style architecture, with a touch of ancient architectural styles.
Shingle
This roofing material consists of fine, textured, and overlapping tiles that resemble wooden shingles or asphalt shingles but tend to be far tougher and more stable against weather. It works well in cottages, country homes, and properties that seek a natural, rustic look.
Roman
The Roman-style roofing sheets have bold, curved ridges that create a textured, high-profile roofing surface. It often resembles ancient Mediterranean-style architecture with a traditional surface. It is best suited for luxury homes, villas, and high-end residential buildings with historical looks.
Milano
The smooth, rounded profile gives Milano roofing tiles a wavy elegance, hence their sophistication and polished appearance. Combining metal durability with clay tile beauty, they are the perfect roofing solution for homes or buildings where a sophisticated style is preferred.
Advantages of Stone-Coated Roofing Sheets
- It provides greater resistance to wear and tear and thus is more durable and long-lasting against the wear and tear associated with other traditional roofing materials.
- It survives all the adverse weather conditions to offer protection to the building against rain, snow, winds, and hail.
- They are made from non-combustible materials that offer much higher protection in respect to fire.
- These sheets will reflect the sunlight and thus keep the interior cool for a much longer time, thus reducing the costs of the cooling system.
- These sheets come in numerous styles, colours, or textures, replicating traditional materials in use.
- Low maintenance due to high durability and resistance against moss, algae, and corrosion.
- Easy and light in weight makes these tiles installation easier, owing to the different materials.
- It serves as sound insulation to absorb outside noise emanating from the external condition.
- Installing stone-coated roofing tiles significantly increases the value of the property.
- Customized styles and finishes are applicable in this sheet, which makes them suitable for different architectural buildings.
Applications of Stone-Coated Roofing Sheets
- Usually, the application of stone-coated roofing sheets is for private residences, providing a good compromise between aesthetics, durability, and energy efficiency.
- Stone-coated roofing is also suitable for commercial buildings, such as shops and offices, providing an elegant and practical solution capable of withstanding all weather conditions.
- They are used for industrial buildings, such as factories, warehouses, or manufacturing plants, where longevity and durability are of utmost importance.
- In agricultural and subsidiary structures like barns, storage sheds, greenhouses, and farmhouses, anything that does not cost much while being durable under harsh climatic conditions will surely find these sheets used there.
- This is an excellent choice for resorts and real estate in coastal areas because it is superior of its superiority in water, wind, and corrosion resistance.
- Excellent waterproofing and durability make them fit for areas that undergo cold or snowy climates.
- The sound-absorption qualities make them also suitable for busy places like airports, bus depots, industrial zones, etc.
Manufacturing Process
Steel Sheet Preparation
High-quality structural steel sheets are cleaned and treated to remove impurities to ensure a smooth and rust-free surface, suitable for coating.
Base Coat Application
Apply a corrosion-resistant base coating to the sheet using materials such as zinc or aluminium. It helps protect the steel from potential rust and corrosion and increases its lifespan.
Stone Granule Application
After the base coating is dried, natural stone granules of crushed stones or volcanic rock are bonded with a special adhesive. The application process should be more evenly distributed, providing a texture appearance. It helps protect the structure from UV radiation, weather conditions, and physical damage.
Overglaze Application
A final protective overglaze is sprayed over the surface to seal the stone granules in place and protect the structure from fading, staining or losing adhesion over time. It gives a glossy or matte finish, based on the types of looks preferred. After the application, the sheets are kept to dry naturally.
Cutting and Shaping
After drying, the sheets are cut into desired shapes and sizes based on the type of roofing sheet being produced. It is done using precision machinery and is shaped in a way that they fit together perfectly for easy installation.
Quality Tests
The sheets undergo the quality control process to ensure that they are durable, weather resistant, and consistent. This ensures that the roofing sheets are safe, durable and meet the needs of customers.
Installation Process
- Prepare the roof deck to ensure that it is clean from impurities and structurally sound, with a proper slope for drainage.
- Lay an underlayment through an additional layer to protect against water infiltration.
- Start laying the stone-coated roofing sheets along the eaves and move upward towards the ridge to ensure proper alignment and interlocking.
- Secure the roofing sheets using fasteners such as specialized clips or screws to provide resistance against wind and ensure longevity.
- Ensure the interlocking and overlapping to create a seamless and watertight surface, providing a clean and aesthetically pleasing look.
- Trim and seal the sheets wherever necessary to avoid damage on the stone coating, and test for water-tight surfaces.
- Install the ridge caps to cover the peak of the roof and clean the chips and debris caused during installation.
Conclusion
Stone-coated roofing sheets are a modern roofing solution for residential and commercial applications that are noted for their aesthetics, durability, and efficiency and give the property a classic look. The multiple layers of protection enhance the durability and longevity of this roofing system, while the various finishes improve the appearance. A good outlasting choice for modern estate homes.