If you've ever looked up at a shed or garage roof, you've probably noticed those distinctive wavy patterns across the roofing sheets. These aren't just a stylistic choice; those corrugations, ‘ridges and valleys’, or sometimes even ‘peaks and troughs’, result from a deliberate design to maximize and enhance a roof's performance.
But why exactly are roofing sheets corrugated? In this blog, we shall investigate this design and the reason it is so popular.
1. Corrugations add Strength and Rigidity
Imagine a flat piece of paper – it's flimsy and easily bent. Now, fold it like an accordion. Suddenly, it's much more resistant to bending lengthways. That's the basic principle behind all corrugated roofing sheets.
Roofing sheets, whether made of bitumen, plastic, or other materials, gain significant strength and rigidity from their corrugated profile. The peaks and valleys act as miniature support beams, distributing weight evenly and preventing the sheet from sagging or collapsing under loads like snow, debris, or even just its own weight.
This increased strength-to-weight ratio is a major reason why corrugated sheets are used in everything from large industrial buildings to garden sheds.
Corrugated roofing sheets, especially when manufactured from stronger materials such as polycarbonate resin in corrugated plastic, are incredibly impact-resistant and have a long lifespan.
2. Corrugations Help Efficient Water Drainage
The grooves formed by the corrugations create natural channels for water to flow – think of them like a row of small gutters. This is crucial for preventing water pooling, which can lead to leaks, structural damage, and even the growth of mould and algae. In regions with heavy rainfall or snowfall, efficient water drainage is paramount, and corrugated sheets excel in this aspect.
Moreover, the overlapping design of the sheets creates a continuous slope, further enhancing waterproofing.
The sloping design of corrugated roofs, often with a minimum recommended pitch, works in tandem with the corrugations to expedite water runoff, ensuring your roof stays as dry as possible.
3. Easy to install
The design of corrugated roof sheets makes the process of installation very straightforward. The shape allows the sheets to simply be overlapped across the width and length of a roof, without the requirement for glazing bars or joiners.
Ultimately you only need four main components to install a corrugated roof:
- The corrugated sheets - of course!
- Foam eaves fillers
- Flexi cap corrugated screw fixings
- Appropriate Rock N Lock® side flashings
With these four products, you can install a long-lasting and robust roof on your project, be it a small garden shed, or a large barn covering.
The simple design of corrugated roofs means that you do not have to add huge additional expenses to further strengthen your roof and increase its longevity. There are great additional components you can use to guard against wind uplift and deterioration at the exposed edges where the roof would be most vulnerable to this.
Rock n Lock® gable and wall flashings are an excellent way to protect the terminating edges of your corrugated roof, the area where most often any initial damage or concerns tend to crop up. Manufactured from aluminium, these patented flashings are an essential item for every corrugated roof.
4. Increased Surface Area
As we all know from the creaks we hear in wintertime, materials will contract and expand with the ever-changing seasons and temperatures. While completely normal and not in of itself something to worry about, this can over time cause issues with roofing sheets as small hairline gaps can begin to open at joins and flashing areas. This of course can lead to leaking and frost damage.
The wavy shape of corrugated sheeting helps to resolve this issue. The overlapping of the corrugations gives the sheets and in turn, the roof overall space for movement.
As such, corrugated sheeting will not be damaged from expansion and contraction in the same way as other roofing options.
5. Aesthetic Appeal
Beyond their functional advantages, fitting a corrugated sheet also offers aesthetic appeal. The rhythmic pattern of the corrugations adds visual interest and texture to a roofline. Unlike standard felt or GRP flat roofing which is known for its blandness. They can create a visual difference, making the building stand out.
Furthermore, corrugated sheets come in a variety of available materials, finishes, and colours to match your budget and the overall look you are hoping to achieve for your roof.
All fixings and flashings are available to match your chosen sheet type and colour to ensure a great overall roof finish.
In some cases, when you use matching Corrapol® profile sheets, you can even use a variety of sheets across your roof. For example, use clear corrugated roof sheets with a Corramet roof to create skylights which will allow natural light into your space.
6. Corrugated Sheets are Cost-Effective
Corrugated roofing sheets are not only practical and durable but also offer excellent cost-effectiveness. Compared to other roofing sheet options, corrugated sheets are typically more affordable upfront, making them a budget-friendly choice for many homeowners and builders.
In particular, bitumen roof sheets are known to be the most affordable coloured sheet option.
With minimal additional components required to install your corrugated roof sheets, you are not going to be surprised by any extra costs along the way as with some alternatives!
What's more, if you purchase the Corramet® Corrugated Sheets they come with fixings included in the sheet price - a big saving.
Additionally, their lightweight nature means lower transportation and installation costs, further reducing the overall expense. Due to their strength and resistance to damage, corrugated sheets require minimal maintenance and have a long lifespan, saving you money on repairs and replacements in the long run.
CONCLUSION - why are roofing sheets corrugated?
In conclusion, the corrugations in roofing sheets are not just an aesthetic choice. They are a feat of engineering, designed to offer strength, durability, and weather resistance, ensuring that our roofs stand strong against the elements.
From small DIY projects to massive commercial applications, the corrugated design has proven its worth time and time again.
Choosing corrugated roofing sheets means investing in a roof that not only protects your property but also offers longevity and value for money. Understanding the reason for corrugations and why these are such a great choice allows us to appreciate the design and the numerous benefits they bring.
So, the next time you see a corrugated roof remember, the corrugations are not just about looks; they are about functionality, durability, and the enduring appeal of a profile that has stood the test of time.
Need Help Buying Corrugated Sheets?
If you are needing help building a quote for our corrugated roof sheet ranges please get in touch. Our Team will be happy to assist on our Live Chat or contact us where our we will provide you with all the advice and support you require for your project.
