Basic Intro
Roofing sheets create a strong barrier that keeps your home safe from bad weather. It is one of the most essential parts of any building. It typically comes in a variety of sheet sizes, each of which has a specific intended function. In this article, Gharpedia sheds light on different types of roofing sheets used in home construction.
During architectural history, the design of roofing sheets for homes progressed in lockstep with the rest of the house. The roofing material, which was originally made of clay, later changed into shingles, which are now the most preferred choice for roofs both in India and all over the world.
Steel roofing sheets came as an alternative to asphalt shingles because of the need for a more aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting roofing material.
The roofing industry in India has changed drastically during the past decade. There are two primary drivers of these shifts in the roofing sheet industry. One, industrial applications have grown in the Indian market. In addition, customers aren’t happy with the default options, and they want more from their roofing sheet purchases.
There has been a rise in the demand for home, commercial, and industrial roofing, and wall sheets due to this. The quality of different roof sheets depends on the materials used to create them. It has the potential to extend the life and durability of your roof.
Before that find out whether you need a roof replacement or not from the link below:
6 Warning Signs That is Telling You to Change Your Roof Now!
Factors To Consider When Selecting Roofing Material
While selecting roofing materials, there are a few things to keep in mind, including the following:
- Weight: Because of the potential influence that the weight of the roofing sheets can have on the soundness of the structure of your home, it is imperative to consider this factor.
- Weather conditions: A careful analysis of the weather patterns in the area can help you select the appropriate building material, considering the level of durability and resistance to the heat required.
- Colour: You can experiment with different colours to find one that complements the overall aesthetics while also meeting functional requirements.
- Energy efficiency: Learn the thermal qualities of roofing materials and select one that can reduce your energy expenditures.
- Cost: The price of the roofing sheets varies depending on the quality and brand, which are both factors to consider when determining the total cost of the construction project.
- Maintenance: The level of maintenance required for certain materials may be higher than that required for other materials. As such, it is an essential consideration you must not ignore.
Roofing sheets are made from a variety of materials to satisfy the needs of diverse industries. All of these materials have unique properties. Here’s a quick rundown of the best roofing sheets for a house.
You might also want to take a glance at Roofing FAQs given in the link below:
4 of the Most Commonly Asked Roofing Questions
Types Of Roofing Sheets
(i) Types Of Roofing Sheets as Per Design
1. Corrugated Roofing Sheets
Across their width, the corrugated sheets exhibit a repeating pattern. Alternating plain and ridge sections constitute the design. The pitch of the ridge might vary depending on the type of material and the manufacturer. In addition, the ridge may have a trapezoidal, semi-circular, or semi-oval cross-section. Another design for corrugated sheets has alternating peaks and valleys. The repeated design allows the two sheets to overlap along their length. To accomplish this, one end of each sheet overlaps the other, while the other end underlaps. As a result, the sheet system is sturdy and prevents water from leaking through the joint. Several industries, including architecture, building, packing, printing, and the medical field, frequently use corrugated metal sheet roofs. Due to their rippled structure, they offer great protection and are more durable and stronger. It can withstand severe impacts from falling objects and needs little maintenance.
2. Plain Roof Sheets
The plain sheets are the complete opposite of the corrugated sheets. In contrast to corrugated sheets, which have alternate peaks and valleys, these sheets have a linear cross-section. It is difficult to join the plain sheets together at the edges, and it will take extra precautions to ensure that the joint will not leak.
(ii) Types Of Roofing Sheets Based on Material
1. Metal Sheet for Home Roof
Metal roofing sheets are made from zinc, aluminium, copper, and tin, all of which are recyclable. These components are safe for the ecosystem.
The zinc, aluminium, copper, or steel that serves as the basic material for metal roofing sheets gives them the ability to resist fire and gives them excellent insulating capabilities.
However, the cost of metal roofing sheets is significantly more than that of more commonly used materials. In most cases, the return on investment happens due to the durability and longevity of the products, including their capacity to weather storms without suffering any harm. They can withstand the test of time as they are resistant to pests. Metal roofing is commonly found on sheds, garages, backyards, home cladding, and commercial structures due to its high insulating value. In India, metal roofing sheets typically cost between 250 and 350 rupees per square metre.
(iii) Types of Metal Roofing Sheets
a) Aluminium Roofing Sheet
The primary advantage of aluminium sheets over other metal roof sheet types is their great resistance to corrosion from seawater.
The anti-corrosion properties of aluminium roofing sheet make it last longer and keep it looking great. Due to its low thermal conductivity and high reflectivity, aluminium cools quickly when it is removed from direct sunlight.
Additionally, aluminium is the most widely used material for colour-coated roofing sheets, which are resistant to fire. The demand for these sheets has grown significantly over the past few years. They can give your home a one-of-a-kind appearance, and they come in a wide range of colours. If you are searching for something different for your roof, colour-coated sheets can be the solution you have been seeking.
b) Zinc Roofing Sheet
Zinc roofing sheet is an environmentally friendly product because it is both durable and recyclable. When used in roofing, zinc can last 80 to 100 years. Once worn out, you can recycle it and use it again.
After installation, zinc undergoes an oxidation process called patina, which makes it one of the most appealing roofing finishes. This process generates a protective layer on the surface of the zinc that prevents rust and deterioration.
Because of the patination process, scratches, and flaws on the zinc home roofing sheets gradually fade away, and the roof looks new.
c) Galvanised Roof Sheet
Galvanised roof sheets derive their name from the galvanisation process. It is the process of continuously hot-dipping iron or steel sheets in molten zinc.
Because of this, galvanised roof sheets have a far lower chance of rusting. The protective coating on galvanised steel extends the already impressive lifespan of metal roofing.
The galvanised roof requires little maintenance and has a long lifespan that outweighs its 60-year forecast.
2. Plastic Sheet for Home Roofing
Polymers, which are what plastic is made of, are long chains of molecules. Plastic is an adaptable material used in many settings due to its corrosion resistance, strength, durability, and simplicity of installation. When it comes to house roofing sheets, they are often the least popular option across the country. The lack of durability makes them best suited for covering temporary constructions like garden sheds. The cost of this home roofing sheet increases in line with the quality of the plastic used to make it.
It comes in a variety of forms, including polycarbonate, acrylic, polystyrene, and PVC. It’s possible to find these plastics in opacity levels of opaque, translucent, or transparency. They might be entirely transparent or customised based on privacy concerns. The plastic varieties typically make a loud noise when hit by the rain.
3. Polycarbonate Roofing Sheet
Polycarbonate roofing sheets are clear and lightweight, making them suitable for places that require maximum sunshine while blocking and destroying UV rays. These roofing sheets are available in a wide range of colours, styles, materials, and thicknesses. While being substantially lower in weight, polycarbonates are strong and resistant to fracture and cracking.
4. PVC Roofing Sheet
Polyvinyl chloride, more commonly known as PVC, is a thermoplastic polymer. PVC roof sheets can withstand extreme temperatures, rain, and even rust. It doesn’t get damaged by weather, chemicals, shock, or wear.
The excellent cost-performance advantages it offers in terms of price, longevity, low maintenance, lightweight, good mechanical strength, and toughness have made this type of roofing material a favourite for construction applications.
5. Bitumen Roofing Sheet
The bitumen sheets come in both corrugated and plain designs. As their name suggests, these roofing sheets for home are composed of bitumen and fibre. Their strikingly dark colour and enduring nature make them stand out. There is little chance of warping or cracking with bitumen roof sheets due to their great tensile strength. This roofing material is inexpensive and efficient. Bitumen roofing sheets, which may be used in either cold or hot climates, are an excellent fire barrier and all-weather shield. The ability of bitumen roof sheets to withstand corrosion and swiftly shed water is the primary benefit of using bitumen as a roofing material. The most significant drawback is that it takes in the heat from the sun, which causes an increase in temperature inside the building.
6. Fibreglass Roofing Sheet
Fibreglass roofing, with its customisable designs, textures, and patterns, is currently one of the most popular roofing options. One of the most modern ways to insulate your roof is with fibreglass home roofing sheets. To form a strong roofing material, the glass fibres are woven into a fabric form and then coated with resin. Fibreglass roofing is fireproof, lightweight, and simple to install. Because of their resistance to water damage and their ability to let in plenty of natural light while still providing shade, fibreglass roofing sheets are becoming increasingly popular. Sheets made of fibreglass are safe to use even in extremely acidic conditions.
Here’s a video to sum up all the points mentioned above & below:
7. Bamboo Roofing Sheet
Bamboo is both highly adaptable and environmentally friendly, making it one of the most desirable materials on the planet. Moreover, it is currently used as a roofing material. Roofs made from bamboo sheets are sturdy and long-lasting, while also being lightweight and simple to set up. Its natural beauty can also give your house a unique touch.
8. Asbestos Cement Sheet
AC sheet for home roof is made up by combing 8% chrysotile fibres with cement. You can mould these sheets into any desired shape and size throughout the manufacturing process. They are usually moulded to take the form of corrugated sections. Asbestos has a fibrous constitution, therefore it can become a source of airborne infections when subjected to the elements that cause weathering and erosion. Washing them with high-pressure washers can prevent fibres from becoming airborne. AC sheets are sturdy, long-lasting, fire-resistant, and affordable. They require no maintenance whatsoever. They are suitable for usage in warehouses, factories, low-cost dwellings, and virtually any other structure that requires a roof.
9. Bio-Composite Roofing Sheet
The synthetic resins used to produce these roofing sheets contained plant fibre as a reinforcing element. In the manufacturing process, sisal fibre, jute fibre, banana fibre, coconut coir, and other fibre materials are frequently used. These house roofing sheets are environmentally beneficial and add a cultural touch to the structure.
Conclusion
Roof protects the house from adverse conditions, nonetheless, it also sets the aesthetic appeal of a house. Therefore, explore the various types of roofing sheets for your home and choose the best one. Sheets made of classic materials like asbestos cement, reinforced concrete, and galvanised iron are still in use, but newer options like fibreglass asphalt composite and metal roofs are quickly gaining ground. They’re more sought after than traditional roofing materials because they provide advantages including durability and unique designs.
For roof renovation purposes check out the link below:
11 Types of Roofing Materials For Renovating the Roof
Image Courtesy: Image 12, Image 14, Image 16
Author Bio
Sonam Maheshwari – Sonam Maheshwari is a civil engineer and a sustainability consultant by profession. She believes that writing fuels her enthusiasm for anything she does. As a Writer, Editor, and Researcher she has worked with various global design and digital platforms. Passionate about sustainability and green buildings and she is an IGBC-accredited professional, She is also the co-founder of Constructivist which is a sustainability consultancy firm.