
Corrugated roofing is available in different materials, like metal, fiberglass, plastic, etc. This article provides a brief overview about this type of roofing.
As the name rightly suggests, corrugated roofing comes with alternate grooves and ridges. You may find it in different types, made of materials, like metal, plastic, and fiberglass. As in case of corrugated cardboard, which is said to be much stronger than plain ones; corrugated roofing is also said to be strong, due to the grooves and ridges pattern. Compared to certain other types of roofing, corrugated ones are advantageous in many ways.
Features
This type of roofing is characterized by the ridges and grooves pattern, which is said to be responsible for its strength and durability. It is mostly preferred, in case of slanting roofs. Corrugated roofing can be used to cover small as well as large areas, and its installation is also pretty easy. Most of them come with pre-drilled holes, for easier and faster installation. Another advantage of these roofing sheets is that they are lightweight.
With the grooved pattern, this roofing is suitable for different climatic conditions. It prevents accumulation of rainwater and snow, that slides off easily. Earlier, this type of roofing was mainly found to be used for patios, carports, garden sheds, greenhouses, etc. Nowadays, corrugated roofing is made with different materials, in a wide range of colors and patterns. Some of them come with lifetime warranty too. Most of the corrugated roofing types are fire resistant, and have insulating properties. Some types have anti-algae properties.
Disadvantages
However, this type of roofing may develop some problems in the long run and requires regular maintenance. Corrugated plastic roofing may get damaged, when exposed to excessive heat, fire, and wind. Even aluminum versions may lose the sheen as the galvanized layers wear off gradually. Some types are not suitable for regions prone to high winds and hailstorms. Some others, like corrugated fiberglass roofing panels, are prone to cracking as well as expansion and contraction with temperature changes. It is always better to compare the different types of corrugated roofing, and choose the one that is best suited for your construction.
Different Types
The most basic difference lies in the material used for its making. While corrugated metal roofing is available in copper, aluminum, zinc alloy, and stainless steel, polycarbonate plastic is used to make corrugated plastic roofing. Another commonly used type is corrugated fiberglass roofing that is made of high strength glass fibers secured with organic resin. Even the ridges and grooves pattern may vary with the different types of corrugated roof panels.
The standard type has round and short wavy pattern, with both ridges and grooves having the same size. There is another pattern with alternating large and small ridges with flat grooves. You may also find corrugated roofing in square pattern, i.e, square ridges and grooves.
If you are interested in using corrugated roofing for your construction, gain a thorough understanding about the material you intend to use. It will be always better to compare the different types, with regard to the local climatic conditions, the style of the house, cost, ease of installation, maintenance, etc.