Among building roofing materials, both stone coated roofing tiles and glazed tiles are commonly used. When you are planning a construction project and are hesitant about which one to choose between them, as SKW, a Chinese enterprise that has been deeply involved in the research and development and production of stone coated roofing tiles, we will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of both to help you determine the best option.
Durability Comparison
Stone coated roofing tiles are based on aluminized zinc steel plates, and this material has an inherent strong anti-corrosion “gene”. It can easily cope with acid rain attacks, long-term corrosion by humid air, even the sea breeze with extremely high salt content in coastal areas or chemical pollution in industrial areas. Even after being exposed to wind and rain, it can avoid rusting, peeling, and sand loss, and its service life can easily exceed 50 years. When luxury villas by the seaside use stone coated roofing tiles, they can still maintain a stable and beautiful roof despite the pounding of waves and salt erosion.
Although glazed tiles have a thousand-year cultural heritage and the glazed products made by traditional craftsmanship are exquisitely beautiful, the glazed material itself is rather brittle. When encountering extreme weather such as violent rainstorms, strong winds, or hail attacks, glazed tiles are very likely to be damaged. In daily use, slight collisions or vibrations may also cause the tiles to crack. Moreover, the glaze surface of glazed tiles is exposed to the outside for a long time. Affected by ultraviolet rays and acid rain, it will gradually fade and lose its luster. The normal service life is mostly between 20 and 30 years, and the maintenance cost is quite high.
Aesthetics: Each Shows Its Own Charm and Meets Diverse Aesthetic Demands
Stone coated roofing tiles are like precious artworks carefully carved by master artists. The colored sand sintered at high temperatures on the surface is colorful, with vivid red, deep blue, and calm black colors, as well as a full range of retro and popular colors. With its unique granular texture, it can mimic the roughness of natural slate and the simplicity of terra-cotta tiles, and is suitable for the luxury of European castles, the fashion of modern minimalist residences, and even the elegance of Chinese courtyards, dressing buildings in unique styles.
Glazed tiles carry a profound historical and cultural connotation. Their shapes are mostly traditional Chinese arcs, with soft and smooth lines and a glaze color as warm and smooth as jade, shining brightly in the sunlight, fully demonstrating the charm of Chinese classical architecture. They are the preferred materials for ancient buildings such as the Forbidden City and temples, highlighting solemnity and majesty. However, the style of glazed tiles is relatively limited and it is difficult for them to blend into modern minimalist or European rural-style buildings, so the applicable scenarios are limited.
Installation Convenience and Cost: The Truth Is Revealed Through Comparison
Stone coated roofing tiles are lightweight, which greatly reduces the load-bearing burden on the roof. They are easy to carry and do not require the assistance of large mechanical equipment. During installation, the snapping and nailing operations are simple and efficient. Professional workers can complete the laying of a large area on a daily basis, and the labor cost is controllable. Although the initial purchase price is slightly higher due to high-quality materials and exquisite craftsmanship, thanks to the super-long service life and extremely low maintenance frequency, the cost advantage is obvious when averaged over each year.
Glazed tiles are thick and heavy, and their transportation and carrying consume a lot of manpower and material resources. Installation requires skills and experience, and professional bricklayers are needed to lay them by hand. The process is complicated and time-consuming, and the labor cost remains high. The firing process of glazed tiles is complex, and the cost of raw materials is not low. The initial selling price is already high. Coupled with the regular inspection and replacement of damaged tiles in the later stage, the accumulated overall cost cannot be ignored.
Environmental Protection Characteristics: Considerations in Line with the Trend of the Times
Both the base plates and colored sand of stone coated roofing tiles can be recycled and reused. The production process follows green standards, with low energy consumption and few pollutant emissions, in line with the current global concepts of green buildings and sustainable development. From the production source to waste disposal, environmental protection responsibilities are fully implemented.
The firing of glazed tiles requires high-temperature kilns, which consume a large amount of energy. The combustion of fuels such as coal and natural gas emits a large number of greenhouse gases. The treatment of production waste is complicated. Landfilling of discarded glazed tiles may also pollute the soil and water sources, and the recycling and reuse technology is not yet mature, so there is still a long way to go in terms of environmental protection.
Fire Resistance: A Key Dimension Related to Safety
Stone coated roofing tiles are Class A non-combustible materials. In the event of a fire, they can form a reliable fire barrier, prevent the spread of the fire, and protect the safety of buildings and people. They are suitable for various places with strict fire protection requirements, such as factories, warehouses, and high-rise residences.
The fire resistance of glazed tiles varies. Due to different glaze materials and firing processes, most glazed tiles are Class B combustible. Under high temperatures, the glaze surface melts, the tiles deform, and harmful gases are released, resulting in relatively large safety hazards and limited application scenarios.
Considering all aspects such as durability, aesthetics, cost, environmental protection, and fire resistance, stone coated roofing tiles stand out with their excellent comprehensive performance and are suitable for multiple architectural styles and scenarios. Of course, if you prefer the charm of Chinese classical style, glazed tiles are still an excellent choice. We adhere to professional craftsmanship and are committed to researching and producing high-quality stone coated roofing tiles, customizing exclusive roofing solutions for global customers, and using stone coated roofing tiles to light up a new chapter in architecture.