Everybody knows that corrugated bitumen roofing sheets are the lowest-cost roofing option for DIYers.
Everybody also knows that low cost often equals a shorter lifespan. And so let’s guess that is probably why you are reading this blog... is there a better alternative?
When searching for a stronger corrugated sheet, initially most would think of cement or metal corrugated however, both are costly and have some significant disadvantages. If there were an option that was stronger, available in longer lengths and at an acceptable budget level wouldn’t it be a no-brainer? Well, let’s find out.
Corramet® Corrugated Sheets are a modern alternative to bitumen roof sheets that will save you money and time. Here are the 8 points we will discuss:
Clear Corrugated Sheet Compatibility
Conclusion – are Corramet or bitumen corrugated sheets better?
Material Overview
Corrugated Bitumen Roofing Sheets are manufactured from bitumen-impregnated fibres to create a waterproof lightweight material. There are two different grades of bitumen sheet including DIY grade and Premium, which offer cost and strength options. A Premium Grade bitumen, like Awnapol® Sheets, is slightly thicker and more robust compared to a DIY grade bitumen sheet, like Corrapol®-BT which is designed to be the most budget option.
In comparison, Corramet Corrugated Sheets are manufactured from a specially formulated plastic compound resin that is very robust. This modern material is completely unique to these sheets with an unmatched mix of qualities in terms of strength and durability.
Both sheets are great waterproof options for a wide range of roofing projects, however, Corramet has the edge in terms of material strength and duality.
Impact Resistance
Due to its unique material composition, Corramet has excellent impact resistance. These roofing sheets can withstand a hammer drop from a good height – an incredible feat for a corrugated sheet. Their strong puncture resistance means you can have peace of mind that they will stand up to falling garden debris, like small tree branches.
On the other hand, Bitumen Sheets have lower impact resistance due to their fibrous material. These will still withstand smaller items falling such as leaves etc but nothing like Corramet. With a shorter lifespan, they have a lower long-term impact resistance as well.
Corramet is by far the winner on impact resistance with one of the highest impact resistance of any corrugated sheet. It doesn’t dent or ding like corrugated metal or puncture easily.
Length Options
We manufacture Corramet sheeting from 1 metre long right up to 4 metres long and in wide selection of length options in between. Corrugated sheets are rarely offered beyond 3 metres on standard delivery so the 3 and 4 metre sheets offer a unique option for larger projects.
Unfortunately, there are manufacturing limitations with Corrugated Bitumen Roofing sheets meaning they have a maximum length of 2 metres. However, with both sheets, they can simply be overlapped to achieve greater lengths. In general, with less overlapping required with Corramet, it means a lower chance of leaks and a better appearance overall.
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Length Options |
1000mm |
2000mm |
2500mm |
3000mm |
4000mm |
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Corramet Sheets |
Available |
Available |
Available |
Available |
Available |
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Bitumen Roof Sheets |
Available |
Available |
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All these lengths are available on our standard SWIFT delivery of only 1-2 working days. Order direct to your home or site to start your project without delay.
Fixing Choices
The two sheet types both are best installed with the Corrapol flexi cap screw fixings for a secure fastening. The flexible cap on these fixings compresses down on the sheet to shape around the sheet peak and provide maximum strength.
With the corrugated bitumen sheets, there is also a lower cost option in the corrugated nails. Easy to install like standard nails but not as secure as screws.
The big difference in fixings is that all Corramet sheets come supplied with fixings included - this is a massive cost saving. Not only does this save money but it also saves you from having to calculate how many screws you require for your roof. If you wish to purchase additional packs of roof fixings for your roof structure, they can be simply added as required.
Cost (initial & lifetime)
In many people’s minds, the cost is one of the main factors when buying roofing sheets for a project. However, we often tend not to take a long enough term view to understand the full cost of the project over its lifetime.
Without a doubt, Corrapol-BT Bitumen sheets offer the lowest-cost roofing sheet option in terms of the initial cost. Corramet, on the other hand, is actually more cost-effective. Why is this?
Well, firstly, Corramet corrugated sheets come supplied with fixings included with means the actual overall cost difference between having a Corramet and Bitumen roof can be just £10’s.
Secondly, with double the expected lifespan, you will not need to replace your corrugated roof so soon which saves you money in the medium term. Beyond saving you money, it will actually save you the hassle and time spent on replacing your roof which often isn’t costed into the equation!
Clear Corrugated Sheet Compatibility
If you are wanting to add some natural light to your shed creating a roof light with corrugated plastic is a low hassle and obvious route.
The great news is both Corrapol-BT Bitumen and Corramet sheets can be installed with our Corrapol® Clear corrugated roofing sheet ranges. With their matching profile, these corrugated plastic sheets can be simply swapped in and overlapped like the rest of the sheets. No extra hassle and a quick way to let the sunlight flood in.
Top Corrugated Plastic Sheets to install with Corramet:
- Corrapol Stormproof – the best option as it is of equally high quality.
- Corrapol PVC – the budget option
- Corrapol GRP – for an industrial look – great for rural projects.
Rigidity for Spanning
As discussed previously, with a high impact resistance and robust material Corramet also has naturally great rigidity. The main advantage of this is that it allows for greater distance spans between purlins. In turn, reducing the amount of structure required and saving you money.
Bitumen roofing is more flexible so must be kept at smaller spans. In some cases, where these is a low pitch, it even requires the roof to be fully boarded.
Flashing and Ridge Options
Both the Corrapol Bitumen and Corramet sheets are fully compatible with all the Rock N Lock flashings and Super Ridge accessories. This is a big advantage when it comes to installation.
Using the right corrugated flashings can save a lot of installation time and hassle. For example, the innovative Rock N Lock Gable Flashing simply locks into place but provides crucial protection to the gables of your roof. The down stand on the flashing protects the sheet from wind uplift and prevents rain from reaching the fixings from the side.
It is worth noting that these flashings are designed to suit these sheets’ specific profile so will not work with other profile sheets.
In Conclusion, are Corramet or Bitumen corrugated sheets best?
Weighing up all the factors, Corramet Sheets offer the best corrugated option when compared to bitumen roof sheets. Primarily this is down to their superior durability, strength and size options. When bearing in mind fixings are supplied with the sheets and their longer lifespan, Corramet Sheets also work out to be very cost-effective. For most people, the small cost difference is outweighed by the significant benefits provided.
Whether you are reroofing your garage or renovating your shed, both sheet types are options to consider. Whichever route you go down, you can be assured that there are reputable manufacturers, like Clear Amber, which can support you on every step of your project.
Need Help choosing with your Corrugated Roofing Sheets?
If you are needing help building quote with corrugated roofing sheets please get in touch. Our Team will be happy to assist on our Live Chat or you can email shop@clearamber.com where our we will provide you with all the advice and support you require for your project.
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