What is the best type of corrugated roofing?
If you are planning on building a carport or looking to finally re-roof your shed you may well be considering using corrugated roofing sheets on your project.
Easy to install, easy to handle, readily available and coming in a wide array of options; Corrugated roof sheets may just be the answer to your next DIY venture! However, with a variety of corrugated roofing types on the market it is not always easy to determine which type of corrugated roof sheets you require for your specific roof project.
These are the main points to consider when considering using corrugated sheets on your project which hopefully will help you make a more informed choice about the type of roofing sheet which suits your needs best.
PVC
Stormproof
Polyester
Bitumen
Metal
Corramet
What is a Corrugated PVC sheet?
PVC corrugated sheets are often seen as a cheaper alternative to Polycarbonate sheets as they often have a lower retail price, making them a good clear corrugated plastic roofing option for projects on a tight budget!
Naturally the lower cost of corrugated PVC roofing sheet is due to the fact that they are not as robust as Stormproof clear corrugated sheets so aren't as durable. However, PVC corrugated sheets are still a great lightweight clear solution for many different applications at home where a more budget option works fine. For example, on a garden pergola or gazebo a corrugated PVC sheet can often be the best option.
In summary, Corrugated PVC sheets are an ideal solution for areas that do not require high impact resistance but still require great light transmission and a degree of visibility. This is what makes PVC such a popular option for many outdoor, garden and carport roofs.
What is a Corrugated Stormproof sheet?
Corrugated Stormproof Sheets are the strongest and most durable clear plastic corrugated roofing sheet available on the market today.
Manufactured from a very robust plastic resin, stormproof sheets are 200 times stronger than glass, of the same thickness, and provide a high quality finish. Corrugated Stormproof clear sheets are extruded from a similar material to the ever-popular solidwall and multiwall flat roof sheeting, which means they are virtually unbreakable!
Unlike cheaper alternatives, polycarbonate corrugated sheets have a UV Protection layer, which ensures they don't go brittle and provide superior light transmission and unrivalled clarity for many years. this UV protection makes them the best option for outdoor areas. When installed with the correct flashings and fixings, these Corrapol stormproof corrugated sheets can often have expected lifespans exceeding 20 years or more!
In addition to all these excellent qualities, Polycarbonate corrugated sheets are relatively lightweight and easy to cut and install, so are a win-win solution for both DIY and Trade corrugated roof projects!
of Corrugated Stormproof Sheets
:What is a Corrugated Polyester sheet?
GRP or polyester corrugated sheets provide a somewhat unique mix of qualities! These sheets provide excellent strength and rigidity similar to that of clear polycarbonate sheets, however, they have a completely different visual style. It is worth noting that although they are as rigid as corrugated Stormproof sheets they aren't as unbreakable.
Due to the fibres contained in the GRP sheets, the level of light transmission is lower than that of other clear corrugated sheeting options creating a translucent finish. This is ideal for applications where a level of privacy is required or where you ae trying to create a more rugged style.
The fibrous design of corrugated GRP sheets makes them popular for more industrial-style applications. If you purchase corrugated polyester sheets manufactured in the same profile as your corrugated bitumen or corramet sheets they can be interweaved making it easy to create a rooflight in an otherwise solid corrugated roof.
What is a Corrugated Bitumen sheet?
Corrugated Bitumen roof sheets are without doubt the most competitively priced roofing solutions available to homeowners on the market today. Being one of the easiest roofing sheets to install, bitumen sheets are used in s of applications every single month.
Bitumen roof tiles are very lightweight, straightforward to cut and speedy to install on a wide range of roof types! This makes it easy for even inexperienced DIYers to create their own outdoor space or spruce up the garden shed roof with confidence!
As bitumen sheeting has great waterproofing qualities, when installed correctly with the right fixings and flashings your roof will be maintenance free for many years and have a great life span!
Corrugated bitumen roofing is available traditionally in a variety of colours which are predominately black, brown, green and red. This range of colours gives you a lot of options, whether you are looking to complement your roof colours or looking to create some eye-catching contrast!
If you are installing corrugated bitumen roofing sheets on a longer term project then it is recommended to use a more robust premium bitumen sheet for maximum longevity.
What is a Corrugated Metal sheet?
Corrugated metal sheeting is one of the more robust coloured corrugated options available on the market. Common corrugated metal sheets include tin corrugated sheeting and corrugated steel sheeting. If you are looking for sheets for a project that is likely to be exposed to extreme weather conditions or requires high levels of impact resistance then metal roof sheets could be your best option, however they do have some downsides.
Firstly, it is worth keeping in mind that metal sheets can be a lot more expensive than the other options on the market and manufacturing lead times can be a lot longer! You will also find that metal roofing sheets will often be more difficult to cut to size and install. Even a seasoned DIYer may require some extra help - which can of course add additional cost!
The noise factor is also something to consider when thinking about installing metal sheeting. Without an additional insulating layer, metal sheets can be one of the noisiest options, especially in heavy rain!
Key Benefits:
Common Uses:
What is a Corrugated Corramet Sheet?
Corrugated Corramet roofing sheets are a unique type of corrugated sheet that have great rigidity. Manufactured for a specially formulated plastic compound resin, Corramet sheets are designed to provide a strong and durable roofing solution.
An advantage compared to other solid colour corrugated roofing options is that corramet sheets are available in longer lengths including up to 3 metres and 4 metres. This makes them ideal for a wide mix of residential and agricultural projects, such as stable roofs, shed roofs and log stores.
Another key advantage compared to corrugated metal sheets is that corramet corrugated sheets are available with a fast delivery lead time of only 1-3 days. This saves you from having to wait weeks to start your roofing project! What's more, corramet sheeting is made in a corrugated profile that is compatible with all Rock N Lock Flashings (Gable, wall and top wall flashings) making installation a straightforward process. In addition for Apex roofs, this type of corrugated sheet work with the Super Ridge system making it perfect for ridged applications, like sheds or barns.
Key Benefits:
Common Uses:
In conclusion &#; What is the best corrugated roofing sheet?
Possibly frustratingly, it really does depend on your application! However, depending on whether you require clear or solid colour sheets there are two clear winners:
If you require clear corrugated sheets for your project, then a polycarbonate option such as Corrapol Stormproof is clearly the best option, as this will provide you with a much longer life expectancy than cheaper PVC options and the best lifetime cost.
If however, you require a solid coloured corrugated sheeting option then it is best to look at a premium Corramet corrugated sheet. Corramet sheets provide a great robust solid option without the difficulties of metal sheets!
For a more budget solid coloured corrugated sheeting it is worth considering a bitumen roof sheet, such as Awnapol Premium Bitumen sheets or Corrapol BT DIY Grade Bitumen Sheets. Bitumen sheets are one of the most popular options on the market due to their ease of installation and low cost.
Best Corrugated Roofing Sheets Based on Budget
Solid Colour Corrugated Roofing Type:
Small Budget - Bitumen Corrugated Sheet
Medium Budget - Corramet Corrugated Sheeting
Clear Corrugated Roofing Type:
Small Budget - PVC Corrugated Sheet
Medium Budget - Stormproof Corrugated Sheet
Installing Corrugated Roofing Sheets
Regardless of which sheets you decide to use on your roofing project, there are a lot of similarities in both the installation process and the options you have in terms of fixings and accessories.
Below we shall quickly run through some of the commonalities between these and how you can use similar practices when choosing your fixings/accessories, and in installation.
When considering your corrugated roofing project there are some key accessories that you want to make sure you haven&#;t missed! These are similar across most corrugated roofing options, with the exception of metal sheets.
Most importantly you will want to ensure you have the correct number of corrugated eaves fillers and corrugated roof fixings for your project:
As a general rule of thumb, you will want at least 2 eaves fillers per sheet, one for each of the lower and upper purlins. It is always an advantage, however to have these on each of your cross-purlins to ensure an even compression level across the sheets and to provide additional strength to the corrugations.
This is not as straightforward as it can depend on so many factors such as pitch, location, exposure to weather and the underlying structure. However, generally speaking, it is advisable to have a minimum of 20 fixings per sheet, with most installers having between 30-50 per sheet. Ensuring these fixings are fitted to the peaks of the corrugations!
Yes, most corrugated roofing sheets, with the exception of metal sheets, are easy to install and have a similar installation process. These are often tackled by DIYers and with the correct step-by-step guide to hand are relatively straightforward to install.
Corrapol Clear Installation Guide
Corrapol Bitumen Installation Guide
This is a common question asked when thinking about your project, but with a simple calculation, you can determine how many sheets you will require for your Corrugated Roof.
For example, if you had a roof that was 9 metres wide by 1.5 metres deep/long you would simply divide the width of your roof by the coverage width of a sheet.
The coverage width of most corrugated Roof Sheets is 855mm when allowing for one corrugation overlap or 760mm if you are allowing for two corrugation overlaps.
Therefore: mm ÷ 855mm = 9.35
Next, round up the number to ensure full coverage, meaning in this example you would require 10 roof sheets across the width of your roof.
Then you must ensure you have enough coverage down the length/slope of your roof. To do this, simply divide the total length by the length of the sheet then round up to ensure you have sufficient coverage.
Need further help to choose your corrugated sheets?
Our Teams are very happy to assist on our Live Chat or where our super friendly Teams will provide you with all the advice and support you require for your projects.
Place Your Order Today &#; Get Same Day Despatch, Free Returns & Flexible Payment!
At Clear Amber Shop you can have total peace of mind with:
SWIFT Guaranteed Same Day Despatch
for rapid delivery
NQS Returns Policy
Flexible Payment Options
Total Lifespan® Warranty
Our Teams are here to support every step of the way!
Whether you are building a conservatory, creating a lean to roof or roofing your garden pergola, polycarbonate sheeting will likely be one of the top roofing options you will consider. As a lightweight and stronger alternative to glass, polycarbonate is a cost-effective glazing solution that is easy to install whilst creating a stunning finish.
Songmei Product Page
Buying polycarbonate sheeting online or in-store can be overwhelming so in this buying guide we are going to cover everything you need to know when purchasing polycarbonate roof sheets for your project. We are going to cover common questions about choosing polycarbonate for your project, comparing alternatives, installing polycarbonate and more!
Click on the sections below to skip down to the section you are interested in:
Polycarbonate Sheeting Overview
Polycarbonate Sheeting is popular compared to other lower grades of plastic sheets, such as Pet G and Acrylic, due to its durability and installer-friendly properties. Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic sheet that was first discovered in the mid-s but only really came into more mainstream use in the early s when more modern technologies allowed it to be manufactured with crystal clear clarity! Prior to this polycarbonate was made with a brown tint, or cognac coloured as they called it.
Fast forward to today and polycarbonate sheeting is one of the most popular plastic sheets manufactured and used in millions of applications globally every year.
Due to Polycarbonate&#;s unique mix of qualities, it is one of the most versatile materials you will find. It can be used in a wide range of applications both at home and commercially, from canopy glazing to carports to cloches! Since the spread of Covid, people will have been used to seeing it being used as cough screens and protection barriers in shops, offices and public areas more regularly, however, polycarbonates most common use is a roofing sheet. Popular places where polycarbonates sheet is used include:
Polycarbonate sheeting also is used on many other glazing projects such as stadium dugouts, screening, car wash bay screens and a host of more unique uses! This is why it is unbeatable as a glazing sheet option.
Broadly speaking there are two main types of polycarbonate sheets which are solid polycarbonate and multiwall polycarbonate. When considering multiwall polycarbonate, it is often split into Twinwall polycarbonate sheets and multiwall polycarbonate sheeting, however, in essence, these are the same, just different quantities of internal walls!
Both types of polycarbonate sheeting as equally as durable and easy to install meaning the choice between them is more about looks, budget and strength.
In a nutshell, solid polycarbonate is a plastic sheet that looks like glass but is a stronger and lighter alternative. At up to 200x stronger than standard glass of the same thickness, solid polycarbonate has the &#;glass look&#; but is virtually unbreakable and only weighs half as much as glass.
Solid Polycarbonate sheets come in a range of thicknesses from 2 to 12mm with the 6mm thickness tending to be the most popular and widely used. To suit different applications, solid polycarbonate is manufactured in a range of tints including clear, bronze, opal, black and patterned.
Multiwall polycarbonate sheets are manufactured from various layers which create a honeycomb type structure. Ever popular, multiwall sheeting is the most common type of polycarbonate sheeting due to its affordable cost and superior thermal insulation. Much like Solid Polycarbonate sheets, multiwall polycarbonate comes in a range of tints including clear, bronze and opal. The most popular thickness of multiwall polycarbonate is 16mm, however, we also manufacture multiwall bigger thicknesses of 25mm and 35mm.
Twinwall polycarbonate is identical to multiwall polycarbonate but just has two layers rather than multiple layers &#; as the name suggests! Twinwall polycarbonate is available in a range of three thicknesses including 4mm, 6mm and 10mm giving different strength options for different types of roofs.
Primarily used for smaller projects, the Twinwall polycarbonate comes in clear mainly but also opal and bronze in the 10mm thickness. It is worth noting that 4mm and 6mm polycarbonate sheets are not recommended for roofing projects but rather as cost-effective plastic sheeting for smaller garden applications like cloches and cold frames.
Polycarbonate Sheeting Pros & Cons
Both solid and multiwall polycarbonate roofing sheets provide a wide range of benefits for installers making them an excellent choice for a variety of roof projects.
Virtually unbreakable: A key benefit of polycarbonate sheets is their robustness and impact resistance which means they are virtually unbreakable! Be aware most plastics are not like this as, unlike acrylics and other plastic sheeting, polycarbonate can be hit with a base bat or football and survive! Homeowners can comfortably install polycarbonate, more so solid sheets, without worrying about the fragility to hail or a stray football coming from the garden!
Lightweight: Ease of installation is a key consideration when you are choosing a roofing sheet to use and a big part of that is weight. Heavy options like glass can cause handling challenges, especially when high up on a roof. Solid polycarbonate is around half the weight of glass of the same thickness and multiwall polycarbonate around is 1/10 the weight of glass of the same thickness! For example,
Easy to cut and drill: Another area polycarbonate shines in is how easy it is to cut and drill. Polycarbonate is undoubtedly the easiest plastic sheet to cut and drill. No need for installers to worry if a sheet is needing to be trimmed down as it can be down easily and neatly. Read on to find out how to cut polycarbonate and how to drill polycarbonate in later sections. Clear Amber Shop can also cut to size for you if you are still unsure.
Long-lasting clarity: UV Protected: Proper UV protection is important on clear roofing sheets to ensure long lasting clarity and light transmission. All our polycarbonate sheets, Twinwall, multiwall and solid, are UV protected on one or two sides to give a great roof lifespan! UV protected sheets are not to be confused with UV stable or UV resistant which are seen on some sheets (like PVC) and aren&#;t as effective. You may well have noticed cracked and mouldy bus stops and bike shelters in your area when non-UV protected plastic has been used and the difference is stark!
Insulating: Polycarbonate naturally retains heat very well and so has great thermal insulation qualities. Multiwall polycarbonate in particular provides great levels of thermal insulation, making it ideal for lean to home extension and conservatories. In general, the bigger thicker gauge multiwall sheets offer higher insulation levels.
Sustainable: Polycarbonate has a great lifespan and the plastic roof panels are fully recyclable once finished!
Fire-resistant: Polycarbonate is fire resistant and unlike acrylic is self-extinguishing.
A well-maintained polycarbonate roof can last between 10 and 20 years! Ensuring your roof will last its full expected lifespan is dependent on using the correct glazing bars and installation methods. It is well worth investing a little more time and money into purchasing the correct fixtures and fixings before starting your project.
Yes, multiwall and solid polycarbonate comes UV protected as standard. We often get asked: &#;Why is UV protection required on plastic sheets?&#;. UV protection is essential to protect roofing sheets from going brittle or yellowing over time.
All our Solid Polycarbonate Sheeting is UV Protected on both sides to give a high-quality finish. Our Multiwall Polycarbonate is UV protected on the outer side so it should always be installed with that that side out towards the sun.
There are honestly very few disadvantages to polycarbonate sheets which is why it is a popular roofing solution for DIYers and trade. The only disadvantage is that it can scratch if not handled carefully. This isn&#;t a deal breaker because solid polycarbonate sheets come with sheet protective film on both sides to help protect it whilst you are installing. Once installed you simply peel the protective film off.
No! Polycarbonate is a very robust plastic so is virtually unbreakable. The Solid type of polycarbonate is often used in high impact scenarios such as vandal-proof shelters, riot shields and prisons etc. There is no need to worry about your roof panels shattering when installing polycarbonate on your roof!
Yes, polycarbonate sheeting can be bent and installed on a curved roof. It is quite easy to install with curved glazing bars on a wide range of radii. Common curved installations include bike shelters, barrel roof lanterns and greenhouses. As a rule of thumb, the thinner gauge sheets bend more easily.
Choosing Polycarbonate Sheeting
Glass is still a popular glazing choice for many projects due to its high clarity and clean modern style. However, if you are looking to achieve the clean &#;glass look&#; on your glazing then there are actually glazing sheet options two options: solid polycarbonate or glass. Solid polycarbonate sheeting is increasingly becoming a more popular alternative to glass panels due to its similar style but wider range of benefits.
Polycarbonate
Glass
High clarity High clarity Virtually unbreakable - 200x stronger Fragile Light - 50% less or more Heavy Easy to Cut and Drill Difficult to cut and drive Low to medium cost High cost Wide range of sizes Limited sizes on standard delivery Vulnerable to scratches (if badly handled!) Scratch Resistance Degree of flexibility Rigid
Weighing up the pros and cons of glass versus solid polycarbonate roofing sheets, it is clear to conclude that for domestic projects solid polycarbonate is the better choice. Reduced installation challenges and ease of handling make polycarbonate a no-brainer for home and garden projects like pergola lean-tos, verandas and oak gazebos.
Even on commercial projects, solid glazing sheets have become a viable alternative to the inconveniences and costs of installing glass sheets.
Deciding between multiwall and solid polycarbonate sheets is easy as they have distinct pros and cons. Generally, solid polycarbonate glazing is considered a more premium option for a quality finish and multiwall is a more economical option for those on tighter budgets. Both are an installer&#;s dream, being easy to install, cut and handle.
Solid Polycarbonate
Twinwall and Multiwall Polycarbonate
££
£
High Clarity (glass look)
Medium Clarity
Limited thermal insulation
Great thermal insulation (especially thicker gauges)
5 tint options
3 tint options
Medium Weight
Lightweight
For exterior options, if you are looking for a first-class finish that will elevate your home then solid polycarbonate offers unbeatable value.
Twinwall and Multiwall polycarbonate sheets are the same types of sheet, however, as the name suggests have varying quantities of internal walls. The reason sheets are made with internal walls is to enhance their strength and insulation factor.
Twinwall Polycarbonate Sheeting is extruding with two external layers and internal connectors. On the other hand, multiwall polycarbonate sheets have two external layers and then multiple internal layers, ranging from 3 layers total upwards.
The thicker the sheet the more walls they tend to have. 4mm, 6mm and 10mm thickness are considered to be Twinwall and 16mm, 25mm and 35mm are Multiwall. Thicker gauge sheets have better thermal insulation (lower U Value) Also thicker multiwall sheets tend to have greater sound reduction compared to the thin 6mm and 10mm, although this is less of a factor.
We manufacture Twinwall and Multiwall polycarbonate sheeting in a range of thicknesses including 4mm, 6mm, 10mm, 16mm, 25mm, and 35mm. Solid Polycarbonate is available in a wider range of thicknesses including 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm. There is plenty of choice no matter the application!
The best thickness of polycarbonate sheet for your roof entirely depends on the type of roof you are constructing. However, as a guide, our 6mm Axgard Solid Polycarbonate sheets and 16mm Multiwall Polycarbonate sheets tend to be the most popular thicknesses of each type.
In the next section, we give a few common application types for each thickness as an approximate guide.
When choosing a polycarbonate sheet thickness there are two main factors to bear in mind; strength and insulation. Quite simply, the thicker the sheet the greater the strength and higher the thermal insulation. It is worth noting that thermal insulation is more of a consideration when using multiwall type sheets. Here are some common uses for each thickness:
Solid Polycarbonate
2 mm &#; Wall protection, Secondary glazing
3 and 4mm &#; Screens, Bike shelters, curved dugouts, shed windows
5 and 6mm &#; Oak Pergolas, canopies, lean tos, gazebo glazing
8,10 and 12mm &#; lean tos, verandas
Multiwall Polycarbonate
4mm &#; cloches and temporary glazing (not suitable for roofing applications)
6mm - cold frames and greenhouses (not suitable for roofing applications)
10mm &#; potting sheets, pergolas
16mm &#; lean to, gazeboes, canopies, carports
25mm &#; lean to extension, garden buildings
35mm &#; conservatory roofs, orangeries, extensions
At the end of the day when choosing the best sheet thickness for your project it is always dependent on your project&#;s factors, such as the location, wind loading, exposure, structure etc, so you are always best to make a judgement based on your project!
When choosing what colour polycarbonate is best for you roof the three points to considering are the light transmission, heat rejection and visual appearance.
Light transmission simply means how much light is let through by the sheets. Clear sheeting has the greatest light transmission (and clarity) which is why it tends to be most popular. Then Bronze has less and opal the least light transmission.
Bronze and opal sheets are opposites with bronze reducing sun glare and creating shader and opal sheets providing some heat rejection and a clean white glow. Check the overview tables below for a complete comparison.
To learn more about the solid Axgard Glazing Sheet tint options compared to glass please read our &#;Glass or Plastic Sheets &#; Which is Best?&#; Blog.
Where to buy polycarbonate sheeting
Installers often search for polycarbonate sheets near me however, with the fast paced improvement of ecommerce your best option for ordering polycarbonate sheeting is online. With the widest range of sizes and rapid delivery direct to your door Clear Amber Shop makes ordering your roofing sheets hassle free.
To order, simply choose from our range of Multiwall or Solid sheets, add the required glazing bars for your project and then place via our checkout. With a nationwide delivery network your order will be with you in a couple of days from placing the order!
Have an unanswered question about polycarbonate sheets?
Simply jump on our Live Chat or via where our Teams will provide you with all the advice and support you require for your project.
Place Your Order Today &#; Get Same Day Despatch, Free Returns & Flexible Payment!
At Clear Amber Shop you can have total peace of mind with:
SWIFT Guaranteed Same Day Despatch
for rapid delivery
within the scope of our NQS Returns Policy
Total Lifespan® Warranty
Our Teams are here to support help you with every step of your project!
If you want to learn more, please visit our website PC Corrugated Sheet.