Roofing materials are the "first line of defense" for buildings: they must withstand sun and rain, resist temperature fluctuations, and also perform well in fire resistance, heat insulation, and corrosion prevention. In recent years, synthetic resin tiles, with their lightweight, high strength, long-lasting color, and convenient installation, have broken away from the traditional camp of color steel tiles and glazed tiles, becoming a popular choice for factories, warehouses, self-built houses, and "flat-to-slope" roofing projects.
However, the quality of "resin tiles" on the market varies greatly, with prices ranging from a dozen to several tens of yuan per square meter.
What are the differences? What should you look for when buying? This article explains this thoroughly from three dimensions: co-extrusion process, implementation standards, and core parameters.
I. What are Synthetic Resin Tiles?
Synthetic resin tiles are not as simple as "plastic tiles."
High-quality synthetic resin roofing tiles utilize a three-layer co-extrusion structure, from the outside in:
ASA surface layer (approximately 0.15~0.2mm): Acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer, determining the tile's weather resistance, lightfastness, and color retention;
Coloring layer: Co-extruded and fused with the ASA layer, ensuring uniform color and preventing peeling;
PVC/UPVC base layer: Provides strength, toughness, and overall rigidity, serving as the tile's load-bearing structure.
In short: the surface layer ensures "sun-resistant and fade-resistant," while the base layer ensures "impact resistance and deformation resistance." The two are co-extruded into a single unit, eliminating the drawback of traditional spray-painted tiles that "fade after two years."
II. Resin Tiles vs. Corrugated Steel Tiles vs. Glazed Tiles: A Table to Understand
Comparison Items: ASA Synthetic Resin Tiles, Corrugated Steel Tiles, Glazed Tiles
Lifespan: 25-30 years (color lasts) 5-10 years: prone to rust and coating peeling Over 30 years, but extremely heavy
Weight: Approx. 4-6 kg/m², lightweight Relatively light but prone to rust Approx. 40-60 kg/m²
Corrosion Resistance: Resistant to acids, alkalis, and salt spray, suitable for coastal/chemical areas Easily corroded by corrosive gases Good weather resistance but prone to brittleness
Insulation Performance: Low thermal conductivity, noticeable heat insulation in summer Fast heat absorption, strong heat conduction Average heat insulation
Fire Resistance: Up to B1 level (self-extinguishing) Non-flammable but fast heat transfer Non-flammable
Construction Difficulty: Lightweight, can be drilled and cut, quick dry hanging Requires forming equipment and rust prevention treatment Requires cement mortar wet construction
Overall Cost: Medium to high, but maintenance-free and labor-saving Low initial cost, high later maintenance cost
High Material and Labor Costs
Conclusion: For projects seeking long-term maintenance-free operation, corrosion resistance, and heat insulation, synthetic resin tiles offer a significantly better overall cost-performance ratio. Color steel tiles are cheaper initially, while glazed tiles excel in traditional aesthetics, but their weight and labor costs are significant drawbacks.
III. Why is the "co-extrusion process" a quality dividing line?
Two common ways low-priced resin tiles on the market cut corners:
1. Insufficient or insufficiently thin ASA surface layer – using ordinary PVC for direct coloring, resulting in fading and powdering within six months to a year;
2. Recycled material filling – mixing recycled materials into the base layer, leading to poor strength, brittleness, and an unpleasant odor.
Regular products strictly adhere to a one-time co-extrusion molding process, combining the ASA surface layer and the PVC/UPVC base layer. This molecular-level bonding between the tile surface and the base layer eliminates the need for a separate "veneer" layer, thus achieving the following:
Weather Resistance and Color Retention: The ASA layer resists UV aging, ensuring stable color for outdoor use;
Fire Resistance: High oxygen index, self-extinguishing upon removal of flame, non-combustible, and does not drip burning materials;
Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to acid rain, salt spray, and industrial exhaust gases, suitable for coastal areas and chemical industrial parks;
Heat Insulation and Noise Reduction: Low thermal conductivity, combined with a corrugated tile structure, results in significantly lower indoor temperatures in summer compared to corrugated steel roofs, and superior noise reduction in rainy weather;
Lightweight and High-Strength: Weighing only about 1/10 of traditional tiles, it significantly reduces roof load and steel structure requirements, shortening the construction period.
IV. Key Implementation Standards (Mandatory Inquiries for Procurement)
Compliant synthetic resin roofing tile products should provide testing standards for the following:
GB/T 38360-2019 "Synthetic Resin Roofing Tiles"-The core national standard for synthetic resin roofing tile products, clearly defining requirements for appearance, dimensions, physical and mechanical properties, and weather resistance;
GB/T 14206-2015 "Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic Corrugated Sheets"-A reference standard for supporting skylight/corrugated sheet products;
GB/T 50046-2018 "Standard for Corrosion Protection Design of Industrial Buildings"-A reference standard for material selection and design in corrosion protection engineering.
When purchasing, please be sure to request the manufacturer to provide third-party testing reports, focusing on verifying: surface ASA thickness, oxygen index (flame retardancy rating), drop hammer impact test, flexural strength, and artificial accelerated aging data.
V. Typical Application Scenarios
Factory/Warehouse/Steel Structure Buildings: Corrosion-resistant, weather-resistant, maintenance-free, and allows for natural lighting when used with translucent roofing sheets;
Rural Self-built Houses/Villa Sloping Roofs: Rich colors (maroon, dark green, sea blue, etc.), texture similar to traditional roofing sheets, lightweight design reduces structural costs;
Flat-to-Sloping Roof Conversion Projects: Lightweight, suitable for direct installation on existing roofs;
Highly Corrosive Environments such as Coastal Areas, Chemical Plants, and Aquaculture Areas: Resistant to salt spray, acids, and alkalis, making it an ideal replacement for color steel roofing sheets.
VI. Four Key Points for Avoiding Pitfalls When Purchasing:
Check the Surface Layer: Confirm whether it is an ASA co-extruded layer; reject "colored PVC masquerading as ASA";
Check the Material Quality: Choose virgin material as the base material; be wary of recycled materials (strong odor, poor toughness, prone to cracking);
Check Standards: Obtain a test report conforming to GB/T 38360-2019, and verify the flame retardant rating and aging data;
Compare Thickness and Corrugation: The standard thickness is 2.5~3.0mm. Corrugation pitch and height affect drainage and wind resistance; choose according to local climate and roof slope.