A tile-profile sheet (also called a roof tile sheet or tile-effect roof panel) is a large, pressed panel of steel, aluminium or plastic that mimics the appearance of a tiled roof but is installed in one piece. It is mainly used on outbuildings, sheds, carports and commercial buildings, and offers the visual effect of classic roof tiles at much lower weight and faster installation time.
Construction and materials
Tile-profile sheets are supplied in several versions:
- Galvanised steel — usually with a polyester coating, available in standard tile colours
- Aluminium — corrosion-resistant and light, ideal for coastal environments
- Pural / PVDF coating — higher-grade coating for longer colour retention
- Plastic / PVC — for lightweight garden buildings and carports
The sheet has a pressed tile profile with an upstanding side flange for the overlap. Sizes vary, but most sheets are 1,000-1,180 mm wide and can be ordered to length up to 8 metres.
Advantages
- Light weight — only 5-7 kg/m² (compared with 40-50 kg/m² for ceramic tiles)
- Fast installation — fewer components, so less time on the roof
- Limited maintenance — virtually maintenance-free with a good coating
- Suitable for low roof pitches — usable from about 12°
- Lower structural requirements — the light weight allows a lighter supporting structure
Points to consider
- In rain the sheets can be noisier than ceramic tiles — an acoustic underlay or anti-drumming membrane is recommended
- Condensation on the underside can occur without a vapour-permeable underlay
- End trims, gable trims and corner pieces are needed at the perimeter
- At penetrations, special lead flashings or EPDM penetration pieces are required
Application
Tile-profile sheets are widely used on garden houses, garages, carports, horse stables and agricultural buildings. On home extensions or new-build houses real roof tiles or slates are almost always used, for both aesthetic and long-term performance reasons.
Related terms
- Roof tiles
- Roof pitch
- Roof covering
- Corrugated sheet
- Roofing batten
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