Corrugated Metal Panels
Several Manufacturers
Corrugated metal panels are manufactured all around the world and are commonly used as low-cost roofing solutions.
Corrugated metal roofing is a metal sheet that is roll-formed into metal panels. These panels are then attached to the roof with screws. The traditional shape of corrugated sheet metal is round and wavy. It is low cost, lightweight, durable, energy-efficient, long-lasting, and easy to install. Corrugated metal roofing is an excellent alternative to asphalt shingles or clay tile roofs. It is used for commercial and residential applications and both metal roofing and metal siding projects.
A corrugated metal panel, as described here, is not a single product. These units are manufactured all around the world and are common as low-cost roofing solutions. Though often referred to locally as iron, aluminum, or metal sheets, typical corrugated roofing sheets are made of steel. Not all are galvanized, and they vary from 27 gauge to 10 gauge. A standard sheet is one meter wide with a corrugated wave period of approximately 15cm and a peak to peak amplitude of 5cm. Sheets typically come in three lengths: 3 meters, 2.5 meters, and 2 meters. There are many companies and distributors; therefore, the links provided here are, for example, only.
Most urban centers have the resources to cut and mold such simple roofing sheets. The rolls of raw steel are often imported.
The weakest gauge can run as low as 3.5 to 6 USD per panel. Heavier 27 gauge can cost 12 USD or higher depending on geographic location. Price will increase in rural areas.
Standard corrugated roofing panels are available in every urban center in the world. Less expensive options include organic roofing material such as banana leaves or thatch. However, these options have shorter effective life spans and are vulnerable to fire. Stronger, more resilient options such as concrete roofs and clay tiles are time-consuming to manufacture or are cost-prohibitive for the slimmest of budgets. Other metal options include standing seam metal roofing of interlocking metal strips, interlocking metal shingles, or modular panels. The other metal options are less available in most developing contexts but are becoming an opportunity for innovation.
Consumers, developers, or international aid organizations seeking inexpensive shelter solutions. Low-income housing owners and affordable housing/realty developers are some of the main users of this product. In addition, international non-government organizations often use metal panels to construct school and community scale building projects.
