The choice of the roof is one of the most important steps in any architectural project. Besides aesthetics, the covering must provide protection against the elements, thermal comfort, and durability. Among the various
types of tiles available in the market, the
sandwich tile (thermal-acoustic tile) has been gaining prominence due to its capacity for thermal and acoustic insulation, as well as its high resistance and practicality in installation.
What is a sandwich tile?
The sandwich tile is a type of coverage composed of two metal sheets (usually made of aluminum or galvanized steel) with an insulating material between them. Its name comes from its structure, which resembles a sandwich, where the filling is the insulating material and the “slices of bread” are the metal layers. This model was developed to offer greater thermal and acoustic protection, in addition to mechanical resistance, being widely used in industrial warehouses, commercial spaces, residences, and even in sustainable projects. Unlike traditional tiles, the sandwich tile significantly reduces the propagation of heat to the internal projects, making spaces more comfortable. In addition, its installation is quick and efficient, contributing to the optimization of construction time. What is it made of? What materials?
The composition of the sandwich tile varies according to the project's needs and the materials available in the market. In general, its main components are: Thermal and acoustic insulator: The filling of the tile can be made from different types of materials, among the most common are: - Polyurethane (PU): Has excellent thermal and acoustic performance, being one of the most used.
- Polyisocyanurate (PIR): Similar to polyurethane, but with greater fire resistance.
- EPS (Expanded Polystyrene): A more economical alternative, provides good thermal insulation and lightness.
- Rock wool: Indicated for projects that require more efficient thermal and acoustic insulation, also offers fire resistance.
These variations allow the sandwich tile to be adapted according to the needs of the project, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. Benefits and disadvantages
The sandwich tiles offer a series of advantages over conventional models. Some of the main benefits are: - Thermal and acoustic insulation: Thanks to its insulating filling, it significantly reduces the entry of heat and external noise.
- Durability: Resistant materials ensure a long lifespan and low maintenance needs.
- Quick installation: Its modular format facilitates assembly and reduces construction time.
- Sustainability: Models with recyclable materials and high energy efficiency contribute to more sustainable constructions.
Despite the benefits, the sandwich tile also presents some disadvantages: - High initial cost: The investment is higher compared to traditional tiles.
- Specialized maintenance: If any damage occurs, replacement can be more complex.
- Need for adequate structure: In some cases, structural reinforcement may be necessary due to the additional weight.
Applications in different types of works
Due to its versatility, the sandwich tile is used in various types of constructions, including: Industries and warehouses: The sandwich tile is widely used in this type of construction due to its thermal insulation capacity. Large spaces often suffer from extreme temperatures, and the sandwich tile helps maintain a more pleasant internal project, in addition to reducing air conditioning costs. Residences: In residential projects, the sandwich tile has been increasingly adopted in roofs and coverings of gourmet areas. Its thermal insulation capacity provides comfort for residents, reducing the need for air conditioning or fans on hot days. Commercial establishments and offices: Commercial establishments and offices also benefit from the use of the sandwich tile. In addition to providing a more pleasant internal project, it helps to reduce electricity costs by minimizing the need for artificial climate control. Sustainable constructions: Projects prioritizing sustainability can rely on the sandwich tile as an eco-efficient solution. Its thermal insulation contributes to the energy efficiency of the construction, and some models use recyclable materials, reducing environmental impact. Vertical sealing (walls): Besides being used as a covering, the sandwich tile can also be applied as lateral closure in constructions. This use guarantees efficient thermal and acoustic insulation, in addition to providing structural resistance to buildings. Comparison with other types of tiles
To better understand the advantages of the sandwich tile, it is worth comparing it with other common models: - Ceramic tile: Traditional and widely used in residential constructions, the ceramic tile stands out for its aesthetics and durability. However, it has low thermal insulation, which can increase the need for climate control in internal projects.
- Fiber cement tile: Known for its low cost, fiber cement tile is an affordable and lightweight option. However, its resistance is lower compared to other models, and it does not offer efficient thermal and acoustic insulation.
- Simple metal tile: Usually made of galvanized steel or aluminum, simple metal tiles are lightweight and durable. However, without the insulating layer present in the sandwich tile, they can overheat internal projects and generate loud noises on rainy days.
- Ecological tile: Made from recyclable materials, such as plant fibers and recycled plastics, ecological tiles are a sustainable option. Although lightweight and durable, their lifespan may not be as high as that of the sandwich tile, especially in adverse weather conditions.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho. 
