Many before purchasing bitumen shingles are interested: which flexible tiles are better, what is the difference and what are the differences between soft bitumen roofing from different manufacturers?
In the table below we provide a comparison of some of the characteristics of the seven main manufacturers of flexible bitumen shingles currently represented on the Russian roofing market.
(all numbers and data are taken from the official websites of manufacturing companies and other open sources of information).
| Manufacturer | Tegola Nordland Tegola Nordland |
Katepal Katepal |
Icopal Icopal |
CertainTeed Sertantid |
IKO ICO |
Ruflex Ruflex |
Shinglas Shinglas |
| Country of Origin | Russia, Tegola Roofing Products |
Finland, Katepal OY |
Finland | USA | Canada, Belgium | Russia, JSC "RBP" | Russia, TechnoNIKOL |
| Number of collections tile models |
5 models, 13 colors | 5 | 6 models, 8 colors | 7 | 13 models 24 colors | 6 collections, 19 colors | 5 series, 10 collections |
| Warranty, years | 15 | 15-25 | 15 | 20-50 | 20-50 | 35 | 10-50 |
| Bitumen type (SBS, APP) |
bitumen compound SBS | SBS | SBS | asphalt bitumen + stabilizer |
oxidized APP (Monarch series only) |
polymer-bitumen (APP and SBS additives) |
SBS (Ultra series only) |
| Top layer (sprinkling) | basalt granulate, ceramization | basalt | slate dressing | basalt | basalt granules | basalt 5 fractions | basalt |
| Shingle thickness, mm | 3 mm (6.2mm laminated) |
3 mm | 3.8 mm | no information | 3.5 mm (6.5 mm double layer) |
3.6 mm (6.5 mm double layer) |
3-3.3 mm (6.2 mm double layer) |
| Weight, kg | 8.5-11.7 kg/m2 | 4.3 kg/shingle; 8 kg/m2 |
8 kg/m2 | 9.5-21 kg/m2 | 9.2-13.5 kg/m2 | 4.4 kg/shingle; 8.2 kg/m2 |
8-10 kg/m2 |
| Economy series | - | - | - | yes (CT-20) | - | - | yes (Finnish) |
| Premium class | Yes | - | - | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Retail price, r/m2 | 376-535 | 479-557 | 407-555 | 320-1800 | 450-1500 | 386-535 | 212-498 |
As can be seen from the table, some characteristics have a fairly large scatter. This is due to the fact that almost all manufacturers have in their assortment different kinds tiles from Economy Class models to Premium and Luxury models, which differ in thickness, weight, bitumen composition, base weight and other characteristics. And, accordingly, they have different warranty periods and prices.
In order for the comparison of manufacturers to be correct, let’s take one type of tile that is present in almost all manufacturers - this self-adhesive hexagonal model. This form is not available only in the CertainTeed assortment, since North America(USA, Canada) this form is not produced, but this type of self-adhesive flexible tile is widespread mainly in European countries and Russia.
| Manufacturer model |
Tegola Nordic Tegola Nordic |
Katepal Jazzy Katepal Jazzy |
Icopal Theme Icopal Theme |
CertainTeed | IKO ArmorShield IKO Armoshield |
Ruflex Sota Ruflex Sota |
Shinglas Ultra Samba Shinglas Ultra Samba |
| Shingle size, mm | 1000x337 | 1000x317 | 1000x317 | 1000x318 | 1000x318 | 1003x320 | |
| Thickness, mm | 3 mm | 3 mm | 3.8 mm | 3.5 mm | 3.6 mm | 3.3 mm | |
| Weight, kg/m2 | 8.5 kg/m2 | 8.5 kg/m2 | 8 kg/m2 | 9.2 kg/m2 | 8.8 kg/m2 | 3.3 mm | |
| Breaking force | 700/450 H/5cm | 600/400 H/5cm | 850/550 H/5cm | 1000/700 H/5cm | 700/500 H/5cm | ||
| Bitumen type | SBS | SBS | SBS | oxidized | SBS | SBS | |
| Top layer of sprinkles | basalt | basalt | slate | basalt | basalt | basalt | |
| Heat resistance, °C | 120°C | 90°С | 90°С | 110°C | 100°C | 95°C | |
| Guarantee | 15 years | 15-25 years | 15 years | 20 years | 35 years | 25 years | |
| Retail price | 434 RUR/m2 | 535 RUR/m2 | 490 RUR/m2 | 450 RUR/m2 | 398 RUR/m2 | 417 r/m2 |
All the manufacturers of flexible bitumen shingles presented in our review are either produced in Russia or have their official representative offices in our country, producing and selling certain volumes of roofing materials. Some brands (such as Tegola and Katepal) are quite famous and the soft bitumen roofing of these manufacturers has been used for roof construction in Russia for quite a long time and has won its fans. Some companies appeared on the Russian roofing market a little later, but still offer high-quality products. And healthy competition here plays into the hands of the end buyer, since the absence of a monopoly allows prices to remain at optimal level, without allowing any of the manufacturers to artificially raise it. Also, manufacturing companies need to constantly improve their products, supplement the range with new collections, models, color solutions, as well as constantly working to improve the technological parameters of tiles, such as service life, fire safety, physical and mechanical characteristics, etc.
Choosing a manufacturer and model of flexible tiles can be compared to choosing a car; there are also various manufacturing companies here, various models, colors, technical specifications and, of course, prices. It is not possible to single out an undisputed leader among these manufacturers, since tiles from all manufacturers have their own specific advantages. During sales in the Russian Federation, materials from all manufacturers received numerous reviews from Russian consumers. Each private developer or construction company will be able to find and select roofing material from the variety presented, which will meet all the requirements (shape, color, price, warranty, availability in warehouse, etc.).
There is quite serious competition among roofing materials. And this has a good effect on the development of each brand individually and on the market in this area as a whole. Due to big amount presented building materials, consumers involuntarily have a question: which flexible tile is better? And how not to make a mistake with your choice? Let's try to figure it out together with you.
The use of flexible tiles in many countries around the world suggests that the material is suitable for use in various climatic conditions. This fact has been verified in different regions of our country. For example, it performed well in the extreme harsh conditions of Siberia and the Far East, as well as in the southern regions.
The best proof mechanical strength and numerous hurricanes in the USA have great tensile strength, when it was on such a roof that people were saved when the rest of the roofs were blown away by the wind. It is particularly resistant to wind loads, as it can withstand hurricane gusts at a speed of 210 km/h.
Each manufacturer believes that its flexible tiles are the best. To the credit of many of them, it can be said that work to improve quality roofing material is being carried out seriously. But in general, the technical characteristics are not very different. These include the presence of a lower self-adhesive bottom layer, which greatly simplifies the installation of shingles and allows you to create a more airtight coating.
For example, the production is based on fiberglass treated with modified SBS bitumen. The presence of polymer additives helps to improve many characteristics of the material, and, consequently, the durability of the roofing material. The thickness of the shingles varies from 3 to 3.8 mm, weight from 8 to 9.2 kg per m2. We can say that it stands out significantly in terms of this parameter, which has the smallest specific gravity 8 kg per m2.
Regarding the color stability of the top layer of soft roofing, manufacturers have taken a number of measures to increase the material’s resistance to fading in the sun. One of the most effective developments is the use of a top layer of natural stone. It also has such features. The color preservation guarantee extends for several decades.
Flexible tiles sounds proud or why you shouldn’t consider it just an imitation
A fairly common fact is that flexible tiles are considered an excellent imitation of natural cement-sand roofing. At first, it was probably a big compliment for someone who had just appeared on construction market new building material. But now soft roofing has occupied its niche, is popular among the population of many countries, and therefore has fully deserved the “title” of an independent roofing material with its own exceptional features.
In order to list the advantageous characteristics, it is not at all necessary to compare flexible tiles with any other product. The material has soundproofing properties, which is important in our time, when a person would like to be at home in a calm environment, without being irritated by extraneous noise.
One of important factors are the elastic properties of bitumen shingles. Thus, its tensile strength is significantly high, and its tightness is maximum. But this is not even the most important thing, but the fact that flexible tiles allow you to veil all the shortcomings made during the construction of the roof. Experts noted an important fact - soft roofing is one of the few that is resistant to the formation of mold, moss, and fungal plaque.
The disadvantages of using flexible tiles include the need for additional costs for purchasing OSB-3 and installing sheathing under soft roof. This is what fact makes this material not so common. But its shortcomings are literally brightened up by the presence of a large number of collections from manufacturers with huge selection shades of color. Compared to expensive, but less bright and attractive natural roofing, flexible tiles significantly benefit in beauty, style and originality.
The final stage of installation of plumbing equipment is the connection to the water supply (hot or cold). At the same time, choosing the right connections for the mixer is the key and most crucial moment. This unit serves for non-stop water supply and must be of the best quality. This connection is an element of the mixer that connects it to the water supply, or, more simply, it is a hose. You can choose absolutely any type of equipment; each has its own features, advantages and disadvantages. That is why the question of how to choose a water liner does not lose its relevance.
How to choose a water liner and what it is
Previously, only pipes were used as connections. However, this method of supplying water or connecting plumbing fixtures is not universal, sometimes causing severe inconvenience during installation. As an alternative to conventional pipes, you can choose flexible hoses.
Greater ductility distinguishes this method of installation from the use of polypropylene and steel pipes. Essentially, it is a hose with connecting elements from outside and internal thread. It is made of elastic material, which provides it with good flexibility.
This element can be selected for connecting toilets, faucets, and shower installations. When using such a flexible liner, connecting water for these devices will not be difficult.
This is not to say that it is impossible to install a faucet and a toilet without using this particular method. Instead, you can choose metal-plastic, but it will be quite inconvenient, and such a connection will lose reliability compared to the situation when you decided to choose a high-quality flexible water line.
This element can also be used for mounting hydraulic accumulators. It is also called a “vibrating hose” and is installed in places where equipment is subject to permanent vibrations, for example, in pumping stations.
Flexible water line will be the only choice for connecting a shower stall that is planned to be moved aside. In the presence of vibration and when installing displaced equipment, this method will provide the desired technical solution.
Which faucet liner to choose: rigid or flexible?
Hard eyeliner
A rigid connection for the mixer can be chosen as the most reliable option water connections. She will look like metal pipes made of copper, brass or steel.
The rigid liner is mounted on one side to the pipeline, and the other to the mixer using a threaded connector. Metal of this design is resistant to temperature fluctuations, chemical disinfections and some mechanical loads.
If you have chosen a hard water liner, then when correct installation, it will have the following advantages over a flexible system:
- Does not accumulate dirt, easy to clean;
Service life is about 20 years;
Not subject to corrosion;
Relatively convenient installation;
Comfort of use;
Alkali resistance chemicals and temperature fluctuations.
Possible installation difficulties;
The rigidity of the structure means that it cannot be moved.
If you decide to choose a rigid line, then it will be connected to the water supply directly without the use of adapters or using angle valves and connecting fittings.
The length of such an element for a mixer, as a rule, varies from 20 to 50 cm. The connecting thread is available in two versions:
With fitting and half-inch union nut with internal thread.
With standard M10 thread for faucet or half-inch union nut with internal thread.
Most often, rigid eyeliner is chosen in public spaces with high traffic volumes and strict sanitary standards:
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Hospitals;
-
Clinics;
Kindergartens;
Sanatoriums;
Airports;
Boarding houses;
Stadiums;
Sports centers.
Replacing a hard water line is not particularly difficult and can be done on your own.
Flexible eyeliner
This type of connection can be chosen in more common situations. It can be used with any plumbing equipment, and will also ensure the delivery of water to equipment located at a distance from the stationary points of its supply.
The flexible line is made from a hose of the required length, which is wrapped with metal braiding to increase strength. Fittings are installed at the ends of this structure. Most often, rubber is chosen as a material for flexible hoses, as it is well suited to modern requirements for environmental friendliness and safety. It also has a fairly long service life without emitting toxic substances. Since rubber is resistant to high temperatures, structures based on it can be used not only for hot water, but also for heating.
The flexible hose has a brass fitting, which is attached to the hose by means of a sleeve. The connection to the water supply system occurs through a union nut or fitting.
If you decide to choose a flexible water line, it will have the following advantages:
Safe operation;
Reliability and good quality;
Higher practicality relative to its rigid counterpart;
Installation and dismantling is carried out with a couple of tools and is not difficult;
Sufficiently long service life;
The flexibility of the product allows it to be moved relative to the mixer without damage;
Device capability aesthetic interior(flexible hoses can be hidden in a box inside the wall).
Flexible eyeliner also has disadvantages:
Strong bending, twisting and stress can cause warping and leaks;
If the flexible liner is made of a bellows, then the water in it will make noise when used in different rooms simultaneously.
How to choose a flexible water line
Flexible water lines come in the following types:
Bellows liner
Bellows flexible liner is made from of stainless steel. The length usually does not exceed 200 cm, and the diameter is in the range of 12–34 mm. During installation of the system, the corrugated hose is stretched to the required length. This liner also has a gasket on a brass nut with a high melting point. Low-quality brass is more susceptible to corrosion, so it is better to purchase material from trusted manufacturers.
If you decide to choose a flexible bellows water line, it will show you excellent resistance to temperature changes, remaining operational from -50 to +250 degrees. This design can be used when installing heating systems. The price range for bellows liner provides various options– from 200 to 500 rubles, the cost also depends on its size.
The bellows liner made of stainless steel has a service life exceeding 25 years. In addition to water supply, corrugated hoses of this quality are also used for gasification.
Advantages of bellows flexible liner:
High quality steel;
Resistance to water hammer;
Long term services;
Can work at low temperatures;
Safe;
Fireproof;
Operates at high temperatures up to +250 degrees.
Disadvantages of bellows flexible liner:
High price.
Reinforced eyeliner
Most often, buyers decide to choose this option. The reinforced liner is a rubber hose braided with stainless steel. The permissible maximum water temperature in such a system is 90 degrees. Reinforced liner can be selected to connect a toilet, boiler, washing machine. It is for these purposes that it is purchased. At both ends of the hose there are nuts and fittings with seals and threads. This design should not be chosen for heating systems, since the water temperature in them exceeds what is permissible for this type of material. The price of a rubber reinforced liner is lower than a bellows liner, but the service life is also shorter.
The average lifespan of such a water hose is approximately a couple of years. With proper use it can be even higher.
So, if you decide to choose reinforced eyeliner, you will receive the following advantages:
Environmental friendliness;
Quick installation;
Convenient installation;
Durable materials;
Flexibility.
The disadvantages of reinforced eyeliner include:
Increased wear on bends (will also deform faster with frequent bends);
Water negatively affects rubber, reducing its service life.
Stainless steel liner
The hose that is connected to the water supply system and to the connected device is made of corrosion-resistant materials. This directly affects the quality and durability of the flexible liner. Choose this design quite possible at reasonable prices. Thus, this type of eyeliner also has its popularity among buyers. The length of the stainless steel hose ranges from half a meter to a meter.
When choosing this connection method, the main thing is not to confuse this element with a flexible stainless steel connection for gas equipment. Gas hoses, although made of the same metal, are not suitable for connection to plumbing, as they do not have sufficient tightness and can corrode. A logical question is how can stainless materials become corroded? The fact is that gas lines at the ends have nuts or fittings made of ordinary steel, so when they come into contact with water they will quickly oxidize and begin to leak. In general, the shelf life of stainless steel hoses is quite long, but you need to pay attention to the condition of the gaskets, which wear out over time and no longer hold water.
If you decide to choose a stainless steel eyeliner, you should know the following advantages:
- Works at negative temperatures;
Corrosion resistance of the hose;
Affordable price;
Fire resistance;
Easy to install.
However, the disadvantages of such an eyeliner will be:
Leaks are possible if the gasket on the thread is worn out or of poor quality or if the liner is loose.
How to choose a flexible water line: 10 criteria
Criterion 1. Hose
The main working part of the flexible water supply will be the hose. IN quality products They are made from non-toxic EPDM rubber, which may also be called ethylene propylene rubber. This material can also be chosen for the passage of drinking water, since upon contact with it it does not emit harmful substances. Also, rubber of this brand can be used for high temperature(up to 95 degrees), which allows you to use such a hose for connecting heating devices and hot water. Thus, the first thing you should pay attention to will be the brand of rubber for a particular liner. Non-eco-friendly material has characteristic feature as strong smell.
Criterion 2. Braid
Second no less important part flexible liner will be braided. The task of this element is to ensure the strength and resistance of the product to mechanical loads and water hammer. There are several types of braids:
Made from stainless steel thread. An ordinary eyeliner in such a braid has a service life of about 8 years. After this period, as a rule, new mixers are installed, complete with their own hoses. The working pressure in the liner with stainless braid is designed to be up to 10 atm, and the temperature – up to 95 degrees. A short-term increase in the declared values is allowed.
Made from aluminum thread. The practice of using such braids shows that eyeliners of this quality have a shorter service life compared to others. Their working period lasts on average 3–4 years. The pressure in such a hose should not exceed 5 atm. It is also unstable to the formation of condensation, which leads to oxidation and loss of reinforcement strength. When choosing an aluminum braid, it is very easy to recognize: if rubbing with your hand leaves a dirty mark on the skin, then this is exactly the option you have in front of you.
Made from galvanized steel wire. This braid is even less durable and is also prone to corrosion. The working pressure inside the liner with such a braid does not exceed 3 atm. Its service period will be very short, so it can only be chosen as a temporary measure.
If you need to find water connections for extended service life, then you should pay attention to products in nylon or stainless steel braiding; they are designed for operating pressure up to 20 atm and temperature up to 110 degrees. The service life of such hoses can exceed 15 years.
Criterion 3. Connection
A good marker of product quality will be the condition of the hose tip. At the same time, this part is one of the most important in a flexible water line. The service life and the likelihood of leakage depend on its quality and material.
Weak compression of the braid indicates either poor quality of the metal or insufficient adjustment of the equipment by the manufacturer. Low quality metal cannot provide sufficient wall thickness, which will lead to oxidation, corrosion, deformation and destruction.
Tips are made of the following metals:
Brass LS-59, coated with nickel-chrome. This tip will last 15–20 years.
Stainless steel AISI-304, uncoated. Service life – 15–20 years.
Carbon steel, nickel-chrome plated. The service life of such a tip rarely exceeds 3 years. You can recognize carbon steel quite simply: if yellow metal is visible when scratching the coating, then it is brass; if it is silvery-white, then it is carbon steel.
Criterion 4. Gaskets
Since the gaskets directly ensure the tightness of the system, they must be made of high-quality materials. If you decide to choose a liner, you must first of all pay attention to the quality of the material of the seals. If it is lame, then such a part will crack, delaminate and will not be able to perform its functions.
Criterion 5. Fitting
When you decide to choose a water line, you also need to look inside the hose. If you see a brass nipple (fitting), this is a sign good quality. There is no need to choose a fitting made of plastic under any circumstances.
A quality part is made of aluminum, brass, stainless steel or nickel-plated brass.
If the fitting is made of poor metal, then it will have a too thin wall. This will inevitably lead to deformation during installation, corrosion and oxidation during use.
Criterion 6. System temperature and pressure
Each water supply system has unique technical characteristics. These parameters include pressure (water supply) and temperature (DHW and heating). If you do not pay attention to these values when you are puzzled by the choice of flexible eyeliner, it can quickly become unusable.
Determining the operating pressure in the pipeline is much more difficult than the water temperature, which is always known to the consumer. To solve this issue, you can refer to the standard indicators of this parameter in various types of systems.
In a centralized water supply, the pressure is 4 atm;
IN autonomous system heating with forced circulation - 1.5–3 atm;
In the central heating system - 2–4 atm.
In the central heating system Sharp changes and surges in pressure are common. Thus, flexible eyeliner should be selected with a certain margin of at least 20–25%.
Criterion 7. Connection type
To choose the right flexible hose model, you first need to decide on the type of connection. To do this, you need to measure the mounting assembly in the line or pipe of the connected device. It is also necessary to consider the type of thread - internal or external. Fittings can be selected from half-inch to one-and-a-half inch.
Criterion 8. Dimensions
To determine the size of the eyeliner, you need to calculate two indicators:
Hose diameter. Define required size based on the water consumption of the connected equipment. For toilet optimal diameter will be 8 mm, for a sink – 10 mm, for a bath – 15 mm.
Hose length. The liner should not be too tight or bent. If left under significant tension or deformation, the hose may lose its reliability much earlier than planned.
Criterion 9. Appearance
After you have taken into account all the technical requirements and nuances, you should not neglect the aesthetic component of the matter. The eyeliner you want to choose should be pleasing to your eye and blend harmoniously with the interior and style of the room.
Criterion 10. Cost of maintenance and repairs
The price of a water liner does not always determine its quality. If you decide to choose rare and unusual elements, then the failure of such parts can doom you to a long search for new ones and significantly increase the cost of repairs.
How to choose a flexible water line and what to check when purchasing
Take time to study the label of the product you are planning to purchase. All specifications must meet your requirements and be suitable for the device being installed.
The eyeliner you choose should not be too light. The very low weight indicates the use of braided aluminum, and the fittings are made of low quality metal. It will not take a long time for these elements to deform.
If the connection fitting is made of plastic, then this is the worst option of all. Choosing such a product is not the best idea.
A flexible water line must live up to its name. You should not choose a design that is too “oaky” - its hose will be prone to cracking or may burst at any moment.
The quality of crimping of fittings must be at a high level, the tubes are inserted all the way, and the sleeves are made of stainless steel.
Pay attention to the union nuts of the liner you want to choose. Too light and thin nuts also indicate low quality not only of themselves, but also of the fitting. This can lead to depressurization of the joint. The ideal material is nickel-plated brass.
Sniff the chosen eyeliner. If it has a pungent odor, then most likely the hose is made of technical rubber, which will negatively affect your health. Quite often this material is used to produce cheap eyeliners and mixers.
Look at the colors of the braid. Each eyeliner has its own niche of use. Hoses are available for cold and hot water separately, and there are also universal ones. The color of the braid will also be appropriate - red or blue. Universal eyeliners combine both of these colors.
How to choose a flexible water line based on the manufacturer
Many domestic companies make eyeliners that are very high level. Among foreign manufacturers, Italian and Spanish products have proven themselves well. Good bellows water connections can also be found from German companies.
Very often, buyers decide to choose AQUALINE flexible eyeliner. The offer of this manufacturer is distinguished by a balanced price-quality ratio. The production of this brand has high-tech equipment, which allows it to produce a product of proper condition and reliability. From the presented assortment you can choose products of both short length (20 cm) and large sizes (4 m). Thus, you can find a liner suitable for an engineering system of any complexity. The line also includes flexible hoses for connecting the mixer to the water supply source. Such designs are supplied in pairs with a short and a long fitting for easy connection.
AQUALINE flexible water line lasts an average of 10 years. The product is insured and certified according to the GOST R system.
You can select and order flexible AQUALINE water hoses on the SantekhStandard website. In addition to reasonable prices, the company delivers goods throughout Russia. The direct price of the product you have your eye on can be found in the catalog on the official website of the company.
The SantekhStandart company successfully operates in the market sanitary products since 2004. The company's field of activity is large-scale wholesale supplies of sanitary ware engineering systems heating and water supply under own trademarks, from which you can choose AQUALINE, AQUAPIPE or AQUALINK.
The products of the SantekhStandard company are manufactured using high-tech equipment in full compliance with international quality standards. Since the production has a system of intermediate and final quality control, as well as supervision of raw materials and components, the company’s products fully comply with the declared characteristics.
Any questions you may have about the flexible water supply you have decided to choose can be asked by calling:
A flexible hose is a hose made of elastic material protected by a metal braid with fasteners at the ends. Used to connect communications to hard to reach places(faucets, shower stalls, toilets), where it is difficult to do this with rigid pipes. The liner or flexible hose for water or gas can be made from various materials. This results in differences in the quality of flexible hoses and different period services.
Product quality and cost
For example, flexible eyeliner from the STOUT brand is an excellent option for those who are used to choosing high quality without the need for overpayments. Products are manufactured in factories in Italy, where every stage is controlled production process. The same factories supply goods to famous brands in the expensive segment. However price policy STOUT allows customers to purchase quality products at affordable price– there is no increase in value due to a well-promoted name.
Flexible hose is available in diameters from 3/8 to 1 ¼ inches, lengths from 400 to 1000 mm. This means that among the STOUT assortment you will definitely find the right product that will reliably serve for many years.
Materials from which flexible eyeliners are made
By design, the flexible hose is a rubber hose, which provides the proper softness and elasticity.
A high-quality flexible water line should be made with a non-toxic rubber hose. Cheap copies consist of technical rubber.
The flexible hose is covered with braid on top. It can be made of aluminum, stainless steel or nylon.
- Flexible water or gas connections reinforced with aluminum are guaranteed to last up to 3 years, and then at your own risk. These devices can operate properly at pressures up to 5 atmospheres and temperatures up to 80 degrees.
The main disadvantage of aluminum is that when it is exposed for a long time in an environment with high humidity(for example, a bath or bathhouse) is subject to corrosion. As a result, the metal flexible hose for water is destroyed and leads to the destruction of the rubber hose and leakage.
- Stainless steel liners live much longer - up to 10 years, and can withstand pressure up to 10 atmospheres at temperatures up to 95 degrees. The conditions in which this device can operate are found almost everywhere, which is why stainless steel is the most common flexible hose.
Flexible hose with metal braid - The reinforced flexible water leash is made with nylon braid. Service life – up to 15 years, maximum pressure 20 atmospheres, maximum temperature – 110 degrees. Although such liners are of higher quality, they are rarely used, since usually the conditions for which they are adapted are rare.
- Bellows-type liners are particularly stable and have a long service life. If in the types listed above the outer shell is made of metal braid, then in this case the shell is a solid corrugated hose, which is more durable, but does not lose its flexibility.
Bellows flexible hose with corrugated metal sleeve How to choose a flexible eyeliner
In order for a flexible eyeliner to last a long time, it is necessary to choose it correctly.
- Before choosing a flexible hose, you should find out the water temperature and pressure in your system, and you should buy a product that meets these parameters;
- Regarding these same parameters, as well as the environment in which the flexible line will operate, you should choose the material from which it is made. In order not to buy an aluminum hose at the price of a stainless steel one, you need to weigh it in your hands. Aluminum should be much lighter;
- A reliable flexible water line should be soft. If it is not endowed with this property, it threatens to break the flexible hose. It is easy to check elasticity and softness. It is necessary to take the eyeliner by one end: if it takes a vertical (hanging) position, then it is quite elastic, if its position is almost horizontal, then it is too hard;
- The fittings, which are located at the ends of the flexible line, must be free of cracks, and their sleeves must be pressed completely around their circumference, capturing the braiding material.
Flexible connection fittings. The figure also shows colored weaves. Flexible hose fittings should be made of brass, a metal that will not rust. There are examples of eyeliners in which these elements are made of aluminum or plastic. In the case of aluminum fittings, they will rust and become unusable in a humid environment, while plastic ones will simply break over time on their own in any environment. So it makes no sense to pay for stainless steel in this case.
- If there is a characteristic chemical smell coming from the flexible hose, then it is made of technical rubber. The smell can remain for a long time, and this material is also characterized by fragility and low elasticity. Therefore, it is better to avoid these instances.
- Flexible water connections differ in temperature indicators - there is one for cold and one for hot water. Hoses for cold water are marked with a blue ribbon woven into a metal braid, for hot – red, universal – with both.
- The flexible metal hose must be equipped with a reliable union nut. In low-quality specimens, this nut may be too thin, which may crack and break during tightening or operation.
If you choose the wrong liner (or it’s too cheap), you can get the result in the form of an early leak, which can happen suddenly. A gas leak will be especially dangerous. When purchasing hoses, pay attention to the operating pressure and service life.
Choosing between gas and water connections
Sometimes a flexible gas lead is installed on the water supply. This happens for the sake of economy (I have a gas one lying around somewhere, but I don’t want to buy a water one), ignorance or incompetence of the sellers (they gave me bad advice). In fact, this cannot be done, and the gas supply should only transport gas. And there are two reasons for this.
Gas connections are usually equipped with aluminum fittings, even if the rubber hose braid is made of stainless steel. This means that they will rust in humid conditions, and will soon become unusable and begin to leak.
Flexible water connections undergo special certification and are environmentally safe for humans. This is necessary, since they pass through themselves drinking water. Gas connections do not undergo such certification; therefore, they can be hazardous to health and poisonous.
Therefore, only bellows types of flexible hoses can be used in gas pipelines.
Flexible water supply will be very useful for connecting toilets, faucets, installations for toilets and showers. Perhaps these are the most common places where it is quite difficult to do without it.
Of course, the faucet and toilet can be connected with other pipes, for example, with the same metal-plastic, but this is less convenient and it is far from a fact that such a connection will be more reliable, provided that high-quality flexible hoses are used.
In this material, I will help you understand how eyeliners differ from each other and how to choose a good eyeliner.
Video
The flexible line consists of a rubber hose, metal braid, fittings, attached nuts and gaskets.
To put it simply, it is essentially just a rubber hose in a metal braid. 
The photo above shows an inlet with cut-off braid. Its type is an extension cord. There is a nut on one side and a thread on the other. There is also a nut-nut for faucets.
When buying a faucet, pay attention to these connections; the thread in them may not be the usual ¹⁄₂ inch, but ³/8 inch. Then you may need an additional adapter.
Hose
Good hoses use a hose made of some special rubber that can be used in Food Industry. Simply put, made of non-toxic and elastic rubber.
Cheap eyeliners use rubber of unknown origin. It is usually fragile and brittle. For example, without a braid, I bent the hose once: 
Braid and fittings
The braid can be made of aluminum, stainless steel or nylon.
At the time of writing, I could not find nylon braided eyeliner for sale, so here is a photo from the internet
Let's look at braids made of aluminum, stainless steel and touch a little on galvanized steel.
As practice shows, eyeliners with aluminum braiding last less than their counterparts. On average, they last 3-4 years and are designed for a pressure of about 5 atm.
Such liner is afraid of becoming overgrown with condensation, as a result of which oxidation and weakening of the aluminum reinforcement are inevitable. 
But there are even weaker examples. This is reinforced with ordinary galvanized iron wire, which may rust. The service life of such eyeliner is very short, and it can be used purely as a temporary one.
A standard stainless braided liner lasts more than 8 years, but usually after this period the faucets are replaced with new ones, which come with new liners.
Stainless steel braided hoses are designed for pressure up to 10 atmospheres and temperatures up to 95 degrees. These numbers indicate operating pressure; short-term pressures and temperatures may be higher.
We look at the eyeliners, where the numbering is from top to bottom and from left to right: 
1,2,5 aluminum braid.
3 and 4 made of stainless mesh.
The fitting on the first connection is made of stainless steel, 2 are made of aluminum, 3 are made of brass, 4 and the fifth are made of nickel-plated brass
This is what the fittings look like. They're a little wrinkled because I didn't remove them carefully.
Aluminum - from the mixer and nickel-plated brass - from the extension cord. 
There are also reinforced hoses in nylon or stainless steel braiding with a working pressure of up to 20 atmospheres and temperatures of up to 110°C. Here the service life can reach more than 15 years. The rupture pressure of such liners is close to 80 atm.
Here are two cut eyeliners, a cheap one (from the shitty mixer kit) and a regular one: 
Outwardly, they seem to be no different, but during operation this will have a strong impact.
Before purchasing a liner, you need to know the operating pressure and temperature in your system and, based on these parameters, choose a flexible hose.
Inspection upon purchase:
1. First of all, we look at the label and find out its composition and performance characteristics
2. Eyeliner should not be suspiciously light
If the liner is too light, then most likely the braid is made of aluminum, and the fittings are made of the brittle metal silumin link to Wikipedia
Such fittings and nuts break off and crumble over time: 
Plastic fittings are generally out of discussion: 
3. Eyeliner should not be “oaky”. Inelasticity of the liner may indicate a low-quality hose, which may crack and burst during operation.
4. All fittings must be well pressed, the tubes must be inserted completely, and the compression sleeves must be made of stainless steel. Example of an unpressurized sleeve: 
As a result of installing such or a poorly pressed sleeve, the liner will simply disappear: 
5. Union nuts should not be thin or very light. Light end parts indicate that either the union nut is made of thin, unreliable metal, or the fitting is plastic.
In both cases, leaks are possible. In order to understand what the nuts are made of, silumin or nickel-plated brass, just scratch the nut.
If you can see under the scratch yellow- brass. If the color is dark or the same, then do not take this eyeliner. She's the third one in the photo: 
6. The eyeliner should not have a strong rubber smell. Strong smell rubber, this guarantees the presence of a hose and gaskets made of technical, toxic rubber. The cheapest faucets are usually equipped with such connections. In principle, I do not recommend either such eyeliners or cheap faucets. This is how easily the “rubber” hoses of these connections break: 
The rubber seals of such liners will also crack: 
What cannot be said about higher quality products: 
7. Pay attention to the purpose of the eyeliner. There are for hot water, for cold and universal. For this purpose, blue or red ribbons are included in the braid.
In the case of a universal eyeliner, there are both threads on the braid. 
Well, the cheap ones don’t have any marks: 
Installation
1. The flexible connection nut does not require thread sealing! There is rubber pad. All. You don't need to put anything in there. 
2. Under no circumstances should the liner be mounted under tension. None
If we look at the photo above, it’s not done very well. Or it was necessary to leave not water sockets, but simply fins that would look up; or use 90° angles to direct the bends upward; or use eyeliners b O longer.
3. The eyeliner should not be overtightened. If you tighten the union nut too tightly, the rubber gasket may be pressed/cut. And the connection will leak.
4. It should not be bent into a bend, such as in the photo in the first paragraph. In this case, it is better to take a longer eyeliner and make an additional smooth loop. : 
Application
At the beginning of the article, I listed the places where eyeliners are used most often. Additionally, they can be used to connect: 
They are also called vibration hoses and are used in places of constant vibration. For example, in pumping stations: 
It is absolutely certain that such hoses cannot be replaced when connecting shower stalls that are planned to be moved someday. 
The connections are indispensable in the presence of vibration and when connecting the booth.
But toilets can be connected with other more reliable flexible tubes. For example corrugated pipe made of stainless steel.
Come to the store and ask that you need such a tube of such and such a length. It will be made for you within 10 minutes. 
They don't have a fitting.
Consists of a pipe union nuts and gaskets. The edges of the pipe are simply flared. 
If it is not possible to purchase a high-quality liner, and the existing one is in doubt, then install a safety valve before the liner.
We'll talk about its advantages and disadvantages another time.
That's all, thanks for your attention.
