here was a time when the mention of ‘roofing’ brought to mind the classic orange tiles that still make up large parts of residential structures, mostly in rural India. But with years of innovation in the roofing space, we’ve seen the shift to a wider range of solutions, such as different types of roofing sheets.
What is a roofing sheet?
As opposed to individual tiles, roofing sheets are flat, elongated sheets that can be used for all types of structures, from residential applications to commercial or agricultural ones. They can be made of materials such as metal, plastic, fibreglass or concrete.
They are a popular choice for roofing due to their durability, low maintenance, and ease of installation. They are also available in a variety of colours, textures, and patterns, allowing usage for both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Cement-based roofing solutions
This variety of roofing sheets have a longer lifespan and better heat resistance compared to their metal counterparts. They have versatile applications and can be used for residential, commercial or industrial projects. Here are a few examples of cement-based roofing sheets.
1. Asbestos cement roofing sheet
These cement roofing sheets are reinforced with asbestos to give strength and rigidity to the sheets. This allows it to reliably maintain its shape and size without breakage. They have good heat resistance and durability since they do not corrode, and are mainly used in industrial and rural applications.
2. Non-asbestos cement roofing sheet
Non-asbestos cement roofing sheets are roofing sheets that are made without the use of asbestos fibres, but instead use a combination of cement and other materials, such as cellulose fibres, PVA fibres, or synthetic fibres, to provide strength and durability. These sheets are often referred to as fibre cement roofing sheets. One such fibre cement sheet is Everest’s Hi-Tech Roofing Sheet, which can be used for industrial projects, especially chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries, and is now mandatory in government and educational projects.
3. Colour-coated roofing sheet
They are preferred due to their aesthetic appeal and durability and can be used in animal husbandry industries, such as poultry, silkworms or cattle.
Metal-based roofing solutions
Metal roofing sheets are commonly made of a combination of steel, aluminium, copper, zinc or tin. They can be used for outdoor areas, such as sheds, as well as agricultural and industrial structures.
1. GI roofing sheets
GI roofing sheets are made of galvanized iron or steel, coated with zinc. This makes the sheets corrosion and rust-resistant. They are generally used for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
1. Sandwich PUF/PIR roofing sheets
These roofing sheets consist of a layer of polyurethane foam (PUF) or polyisocyanurate foam (PIR) sandwiched between two metal sheets. The low thermal conductivity of the foam helps insulate the interiors of the structure against heat.
Plastic-based roofing solutions
Apart from metal and concrete, another variety of roofing sheets is plastic-based roofing sheets. These sheets are pricier than their metal and concrete counterparts and are usually used for outdoor spaces such as nurseries and gazebos. However, these sheets are not suitable for industries due to their potential for chemical reaction and poor temperature control.
Depending on the material, the different types of plastic roofing sheets are.
1. PVC roofing sheets
These roofing sheets are made of polyvinyl chloride plastic.
2. Polycarbonate roofing sheets
As the name suggests, these lightweight sheets are crafted with polycarbonate plastic. They are translucent and usually used for better interior lighting.
3. Fibre-reinforced plastic sheet
These roofing sheets are reinforced with glass fibre for added strength. They can be translucent and have better rigidity and scratch resistance than polycarbonate sheets.
Apart from these three different types of roofing sheets, there are a number of other options for you to explore, such as bitumen roofing sheets, rubber roofing sheets or bio-composite roofing sheets.
Different roofing sheets will have different advantages and applications. By factoring in these attributes and comparing them against the requirements of your project, you will be able to get hold of the best roofing sheet solution.
