Considering buying corrugated metal roofing sheets? It is no surprise if you are as traditionally corrugated metal was one of the most popular roofing sheet types, first beginning back to the s. However, with the improvement of modern materials and easier installation methods, there are a lot better roofing sheet options to consider.
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As the manufacturer of one of the widest ranges of corrugated sheets, we have experimented with a lot (and I mean a lot!) of different material types over the years to get find the easiest and best corrugated sheet for installers. We&#;ve found that there is no perfect corrugated sheet for every solution as it depends on your roof type but with the release of completely new corrugated materials there are some that are very close to perfect.
Older options like corrugated metal sheets have their problems, such as rusting and excessive noise, so in our experience here are the best alternatives to consider:
Best Corrugated Metal Sheet Alternatives
Corramet® Corrugated Sheets
Premium Bitumen Roof Sheets
Corrugated Cement Sheet
Click the above to skip down to each alternative option for corrugated metal. Before we discuss these in detail let&#;s delve into why you may want to consider alternatives for corrugated metal before installing these sheets.
Disadvantages of Corrugated Metal Roofing Sheets
There&#;s no denying, metal roofing sheets are a common roofing option for home and commercial projects. Primarily used for their strength and agricultural style they offer good durability in the short term. However, there are some significant downsides to consider before using corrugated metal roofing sheets on your roof.
6 Disadvantages of Corrugated Metal Roofing Sheets
Corrugated Metal is Noisy!
Corrugated metal is poor at absorbing sound and particularly on thin metal roofing sheets. A corrugated metal roof can generate a lot of noise when it is raining, even if insulated below. Most garage, shed and outbuilding roofs don&#;t have large amounts of insulation so inside it can be unbearable.
This is a major deciding factor to think about if you are expecting to be using the space below the roof in
Imagine throwing a small stone at an old metal garage door and the noise it makes. Now picture the same on a whole metal roofing this is several millimetres thinner &#; the noise is excessive. Most people don&#;t realise this until it is installed and too late.
Metal Sheets Dent Easily
Corrugated metal sheets are popular for their perceived strength and robustness, however at only 0.5m or 0.7mm thick are they as strong as made out? I wondered about this so tried a hammer drop test on them&#; it left me disappointed.
Corrugated metal sheets do not shatter but they significantly dent, buckle and split. This is a concern if you are installing them outdoors where there is garden debris, even such as small branches, falling and blowing constantly.
To watch a hammer test on a stronger corrugated sheet that doesn&#;t dent view this video. A significant difference in long-term durability.
Delivery Options are Expensive and Slow
Unfortunately, delivery of metal corrugated roofing sheets is slow and expensive. Orders below £500 are charged nearly £200 which makes it completely uneconomical for smaller projects.
For larger projects, the best options are still approx. £100 delivery which is triple the cost of ordering other corrugated sheets. In addition, these costs are only for common delivery areas with some areas, for example, Scotland, costing over £350 for delivery of corrugated sheet metal.
If you are looking to start your roofing build soon then you need to rule corrugated metal sheets out. Even the fastest delivery options are 7-10 working days to central UK areas which is much longer than all other options. Some areas are up to 15 working days, which is 3 weeks!
The most popular corrugated options are only 1-2 working days for even the longest 4 metre Corramet® sheets!
Corrugated Metal Can Rust and Corrode
No matter the type of metal used, corrugated metal sheets carry the inherent risk of rusting and corroding. This is why installers often chose non-corrosive sheets like corrugated plastic options for better longevity.
The risk of rusting on corrugated metal increases substantially in wetter regions and countries, like the United Kingdom. With most parts of the country experiencing consistently high rainfall. Rusting issues are even more exacerbated in coastal locations such as on beachfront properties. The highly corrosive nature of seawater can have an immediate on metal roofing sheets.
Some manufacturers offer coated steel roofing sheets which can help reduce issues, but you can never eliminate rusting on the ends of sheets or at the fixing holes.
A Basic Industrial Appearance
Corrugated Metal sheets come in various profile options, but all create the same industrial look. For commercial applications, like farms, this can suit but for a lot of residential applications the style can look quite basic or agricultural.
Particularly the plain or galvanised sheets have a very industrial &#;plain&#; metal style which can look quite primitive when installed. This is fine if you are happy with such a look but for a similar cost you can get superior sheets.
Metal Sheets have a High Overall Cost
A basic metal sheet cost is expensive compared to other corrugated choices and this is even without all the extras required to install.
Before choosing your roofing sheet type it is recommended to calculate your overall project cost, including delivery, fixings and flashings. The cost of a roofing sheet on its own gives you a feel but is not really a true representation of the total cost for the installation.
As already discussed, Corrugated Metal Roofing Sheets incur high delivery costs ranging from £100 to £400, depending on your location and order value. This makes them an uneconomical option for smaller and medium projects where you will end up spending a big percentage of your overall cost just to get the materials to your door.
For medium and large orders, a good percentage of your cost will be the fixing and flashings to complete installation professionally. Never think you will save money by not using flashings, these are essential for a long-lasting installation on all types of corrugated sheets. However, one area you can save is by purchasing a sheet that comes with fixings included like Corramet® Sheeting.
Best Corrugated Metal Sheet Alternatives
Corramet® Corrugated Sheets
Corramet Roofing sheets are an excellent alternative to corrugated sheet metal that should be considered. With no risk of rusting or denting these corrugated sheets offer a robust option that is also durable.
With fixings included with every sheet purchased, Corramet Sheets are cost-effective for homeowners and trades on any project size. Delivery is fast and low cost at less than £30 compared to the pricey £100+ corrugated metal options. This rapid delivery is also available for longer lengths up to 4 metres which means you can start your project without delay.
To learn more about the benefits of Corramet check out the full overview video which shows all the advantages.
Advantages of Corramet® Roofing Sheets
- Comes with Fixing Included
- Available in longer lengths
- Low cost and Fast delivery (even long lengths)
- Compatible with Rock N Lock Flashings
Disadvantages of Corramet® Roofing Sheets
- Not as low cost as Awnapol Bitumen Sheets
Premium Bitumen Roof Sheets
Premium corrugated bitumen sheets are a low-cost alternative to corrugated metal options. Cheaper than steel roof sheets, they are excellent for smaller projects where you have a lower budget. Compatible with a wide range of accessories, like the patented Rock N Lock Flashings, when installed these sheets have a good lifespan.
They are substantially lighter than metal sheets which also makes them easier to handle for DIYers. This is a big advantage if you are installing your roof on your own or with a friend.
Alongside Awnapol Premium bitumen sheets there are also cheaper options in the bitumen roof sheet range that are lower cost but less robust. They are best used for small projects like covering a small chicken coop as they are not as thick as premium options.
Are bitumen roof sheets better than Corramet® sheets? They offer a more cost-effective option for smaller projects but aren&#;t as strong. View our full comparison video to find out whether the Corramet or bitumen sheets are best for you.
Advantages of Bitumen Roof Sheets
- Low Cost
- Easy to cut and fix
- Lightweight for easy installation and handling
- Rapid delivery
Disadvantages of Bitumen Roof Sheets
- Limited spanning in low-pitch scenarios
- Not as durable as Corramet
Corrugated Cement Sheet
If you are roofing an agricultural barn or similar, then fibre cement corrugated sheets are a good alternative to consider. They provide a resilient option that is non-corrosive, unlike steel roofing sheets.
Without a doubt, cement roofing sheets provide a &#;no frills' option for industrial applications. They are, however, by no stretch of the imagination aesthetically pleasing and create a very plain roof style.
Advantages of Fibre Cement Roofing Sheets
- More Soundproof than metal
- Non-corrosive
- Low maintenance in agricultural settings
Disadvantages of Fibre Cement Roofing Sheets
- Very industrial style
- No colour options
- Hard to cut to size
- Very heavy compared to other options
What is the best alternative to Corrugated Metal Roofing Sheets?
Corramet corrugated roofing sheets offer the strongest alternative to corrugated metal roofing sheets. They offer a faster and cheaper delivery process, are easier to install and once installed provide a great long-lasting solution.
Unlike corrugated metal, which has noise and denting problems over time, using Corramet® on your roof will give you peace of mind knowing you have installed a durable roofing solution.
Need Help with your Corrugated Roofing Project?
If you are needing help building quote for our Corrugated Roofing Sheets please get in touch. Our Team will be happy to assist on our Live Chat or you can where our we will provide you with all the advice and support you require for your project.
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How To Choose A Packaging Machinery And Materials Supplier:
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When it comes to choosing a supplier for your packaging materials and machinery, it is important to do your homework and ask yourself a few questions. You should investigate at least three different suppliers and learn about several important dynamics from each of them.
Location
It is a good idea to choose a packaging machinery supplier who is relatively close to your geographical location or can easily travel to you. This will have an impact on your business when there is a need for repairs or emergency service for your equipment. Pick a supplier who is in another country and you may find yourself dead in the water for days on end. Choosing a supplier with technicians who are local is always a smart idea. When it comes to your materials, you don't have to be as worried about the physical location as most supplies can be shipped timely.
Technicians
It is important to choose a packaging machine supplier with experienced and certified technicians who are professionally trained to work on your packaging equipment. Without the proper certifications, you are taking a chance with your equipment. You could end up paying big when risking service with non-certified techs.
Customer Service
It may be tempting to source the cheapest packaging materials in an attempt to save money, but if you buy from a company with poor customer service, you may end up losing the anticipated savings anyway. Poor service often means lost dollars. Check out reviews of each vendor and if possible, reach out to current customers and ask about their vendor's customer service and if they would recommend buying from them.
Cost
There is an old saying in the packaging industry and that is "shrink film is shrink film". While there are some brands with flashy marketing and sales gimmicks with a premium price, chances are, there are several less costly alternatives that are of equal quality. If you are looking for comparisons, there are generally low-cost films that have lower clarity and higher-cost films that will shine more and have better clarity. Choosing an inexpensive film may cost you in shelf presence.
Snake oil and elevator pitches can blur the line between reality and illusion. At the end of the day, you will want to purchase from an honest supplier who carries multiple offerings at different price points and provides superior customer service.
Parts
Depending on how often your machinery is running, your downtime due to repair needs or emergency service will vary. As time is money, it is important to ask your machine supplier about lead times, parts availability, and preventative maintenance programs.
Ask each potential vendor what their average response times for emergency calls are. In most cases, it should not be more than 24-48 hours.
Which Packaging Materials Should You Use?
Different types of machinery require different types of materials and utilize different amounts of materials based on the make and model of equipment. For example, while you can save money upfront by purchasing a manual L-Bar Sealer, your cost of goods will likely be higher as a more expensive automatic sealer will generally use less material than the manual machine because the machine will generally be optimized to do so.
That being said, the quantity of product that you will be producing must also be taken into consideration. An automatic sealer won't be the right machine for a small business that is only running a couple of thousand items or less each week.
This is due to the fact that each model is designed to work with specific maximum and minimum capabilities and materials. Every machine is different. Your packaging line's unique needs must be taken into consideration when choosing the appropriate machine for your application. This can result in higher production costs if your choice of machinery cannot run thinner gauge shrink film. Using thinner gauges of shrink film can result in significant cost savings.
Conclusion:
Buying packaging machinery is a major investment. The various dynamics of choosing machinery include; safety, budget, physical layout, electrical supply, materials, and a whole host of considerations that can make your head spin.
When moving forward with the buying process it is important to start by reviewing the appropriate KPIs with an emphasis on safety first. Next, you will want to be sure to complete the packaging machinery pre-investment checklist. After filling out the information in this valuable tool and getting your results back, you will want to move on to getting quotes from at least two or three vendors.
Getting an analysis of your packaging department and collecting data on your current machinery, manual labor, materials, physical footprint, electrical requirements, production levels, types of products and the other important dynamics of running a safe and productive packaging line is key.
Once you have been able to fully analyze every aspect of your packaging line, asking for quotes from each of the vendors you are giving an opportunity to quote will provide you with peace of mind that you are going get the best deal and receive the best of what each vendor has to offer.
In addition to requesting information and pricing on the packaging machinery you are looking to purchase, be sure to also acquire information about the cost of service, installation, any training available, supply, and repairs. Ideally, you should consider getting a quote for a long-term preventative maintenance plan as this type of program will ensure that your machinery is always running at peak performance and that downtime will be limited when it does occur.
Once you have chosen a vendor to buy from, meeting with your representative and reviewing the machinery offerings that they have will allow you to open a conversation about pricing. Here you can ask about special offers, rebates, additional options, leasing versus buying, and other related dynamics that will help you to get the best price and best plan implemented for your specific budgetary restraints and packaging line needs.
Finally, it would do you well to schedule quarterly, bi-annual or annual meetings for review with your chosen vendor's sales representative and one of their maintenance technicians.
This will allow you to review data from one meeting to the next and identify places where your machinery and materials could be improved upon to further reduce your cost of production, increase speed to market, create greater efficiency and produce a superior performance on your packaging lines KPIs.
Once you have purchased your new machinery and have worked with your chosen vendor to install the machinery, train your operators, and all else has been said and done, be sure to schedule your first review before your representative leaves your building.
If you heed the information in this guide, we assure you that you will make the best possible choice of packaging machinery for your packaging department. Furthermore, you will be able to ensure the purchase and implementation of the best materials for your products and may rest assured that you have done everything in your power to have the best possible packaging line for your business.
Should we not have produced answers to some of your questions or content that is crucial to your particular needs in regard to buying new machinery, contact us directly. Your voice can help others in your position in the future!
Our dedicated packaging professionals can and will answer any questions that have not been answered by this guide. In addition to what you have read here, we invite you to peruse our blog which is absolutely packed to the brim with useful information, free tools, and quality content that will make for a highly useful adjunct to this guide.
Last but not least, you will find a selection of free tools below that will help you on your journey to finding the best packaging machinery for your packaging line.
From all of us here at Industrial Packaging, we wish you well on your quest and again would implore you to contact us if you need anything else that you could not find in this guide.
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