At Trade Warehouse, we are leading UK suppliers of plastic corrugated sheets, as well as metal corrugated sheets. We can supply nationwide and offer a wealth of technical support for your project.
Since the early 1800s, corrugated sheets have transformed significantly, offering a blend of durability, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. In this blog, we'll explore the various aspects of corrugated roofing, providing you with the knowledge to make an informed decision for your roofing projects.
The Rise of Corrugated Roofing
The journey of corrugated roofing sheets began over two centuries ago, primarily as a novel solution to roofing challenges. Their distinctive 'wavy' design is not just a stylistic choice but a functional one, providing enhanced strength and promoting effective water drainage.
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Corrugated Plastic: A Budget-Friendly Option
- Lightweight yet robust
- Simple installation, making it a favorite among DIY enthusiasts
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Key Advantages of Corrugated Plastic
- Quick and easy installation
- A wide range of fixings and flashings for both security and aesthetics
- Clear options like Stormproof and Heavy Duty sheets offer unmatched strength and clarity
- UV protection to prevent discoloration over time
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Challenges with Corrugated Plastic
- Variability in impact resistance across different grades
- Differences in quality and durability depending on brand
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Key Takeaway Corrugated plastic roofing, particularly renowned for its ease of installation and budget-friendliness, is an excellent choice for smaller-scale DIY projects. It offers a great blend of cost-efficiency and practical functionality.
Exploring Types of Corrugated Plastic
Corrugated plastic roofing comes in diverse forms, each tailored to meet specific requirements and budget constraints.
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Corrugated PVC: The Cost-Effective Choice
- Extremely budget-friendly
- Compatible with various fixings for a quality finish
- Less impact-resistant than its counterparts
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Corrugated Heavy Duty Sheets: The Ultimate in Strength and Clarity
- Constructed with virtually unbreakable resin and UV protection
- Superior light transmission without color distortion
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Corrugated GRP: The Translucent Solution
- Ideal for roof lights or translucent roofs
- Offers a balance of privacy and light
- Compatible with other materials for budget-friendly solutions
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Key Takeaway Whether you opt for the cost-efficiency of PVC, the robustness of Heavy Duty sheets or the translucence of GRP, there is a corrugated plastic sheet to satisfy every roofing need.
Above shows the GRP Rooflights supplied by Trade Warehouse.
The Traditional Choice: Corrugated Metal
Despite the popularity of plastic options, corrugated metal remains a classic choice in the roofing industry, known for its distinct advantages and challenges.
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Advantages of Corrugated Metal
- Fire-resistant properties
- Customisable cut-to-length options
- Great for properties like barns and stables
- Range of colours to offer a contemporary look
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Disadvantages of Corrugated Metal
- Can be prone to rust and corrosion in the long term (usually for coastal areas)
- Higher cost, less suited for tight budgets
- Heavier than the plastic system
- Easily dented and noisy during rain
- Susceptible to temperature-induced expansion and contraction
- Longer delivery times
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Types of Corrugated Metal
- Corrugated Iron: Affordable but more susceptible to corrosion
- Corrugated Steel (supplied by Trade Warehouse): Excellent in fire retardation but prone to rust
- Corrugated Aluminium: Rust-resistant but higher in cost
Key Takeaway Corrugated metal, with its fire-resistance and ability to be cut to the size you need, is apt for specific uses. However, its tendency to rust in coastal areas, noise issues, and higher cost make it a less favorable option compared to modern plastic alternatives.
Choosing Between Corrugated Plastic and Metal
The decision between corrugated plastic and metal roofing depends on factors like weight, durability, cost, and ease of installation.
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Comparative Analysis
- Corrugated Plastic: Lightweight, non-corrosive, easy to install, affordable, and high impact resistance
- Corrugated Metal: Heavy, prone to corrosion, complex installation, expensive, and easily dented
Key Takeaway For most roofing projects, corrugated plastic is the superior choice due to its non-corrosive nature, ease of installation, and affordability. Corrugated metal, though traditional, is now more suited for specific needs or matching existing roof profiles.
Conclusion
Corrugated roofing, whether in plastic or metal form, offers a range of options to suit diverse needs.
From the budget-friendly PVC to the strong and clear Stormproof, the versatile Corramet, and the translucent GRP, there's a solution for every roofing challenge.
Remember, the choice between corrugated plastic and metal will largely depend on your specific project requirements, budget, and personal preferences. Armed with this knowledge, you're now equipped to make the best decision for your roofing needs.
For further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to our technical team on 0208 037 6020 or info@tradewarehouse.co.uk – we are always ready to help guide you through your corrugated project.