Corrugated Metal

The corrugated metals are characterized by a ripple shape/appearance and which are used in home construction. Roofing, siding, decking and flooring are the different tasks/works for which these metal sheets are used. Use of these metal sheets is advantageous over other ones owing to qualities like durability, low installation costs, light weight and versatility. The roofing panels can be used for residential as well as commercial buildings; it is therefore versatile. The sheets are known for their weight bearing capacity.

Uses of Corrugated Metal

The wavy/corrugated shape provides strength and durability to the metals being used for roofing, siding, decking, etc. This type of roofing can be recycled and therefore, qualify as an environment friendly construction material. Most of these corrugated sheet metal roofings available in the market contain 30% of the metal obtained from recycling. Panels of corrugated metals available in the market range from 32-36 inches in the width. The corrugated sheets are connected to each other by their sides. Caulk is used for the purpose of waterproofing. Exposed fasteners help in securing these panels to the poles (and adjacent panels) on which these are set up. The exposed fasteners however, have to be tightened every few years in order to prevent water leakage. The standing-seam roofs and metal roofing shingles are expensive in comparison to panels. The latter is therefore, cost-effective. High quality finishes are available for carrying out the painting of roofings. Galvanized steel is used to make the sheets. Those metal sheets made out of aluminum also are available in the market. The aluminum sheets are a bit expensive, however, worth the price.

Corrugated Metal Siding
The siding is also known as cladding or architectural siding. In most cases, the corrugated metal siding is used for industrial buildings. The trend is however, changing and one can also find their application in residential buildings. Home owners make use of siding owing to its durability. The other attributes like heat-reflection and non-toxic nature also prove to be useful from the point of using them in residential projects. Installing metal sidings prove to be a good option because they are durable and last over 50 years. One should therefore, also expect a warranty on such type of sidings. In coastal areas, the chances of construction/buildings getting damaged are high; this is because of the presence of relatively high proportion salt and moisture in the atmosphere. Metal siding therefore, proves to be useful in these areas. Termites can't damage the metal surface. The sidings therefore, prove to be termite resistant. The metal sidings are also fire resistant. Let us understand more about the corrugation process through the information presented below.

Corrugation Process
The 'Roll Forming' action/activity is used in the process of making corrugated metal sheets. The metal sheets are pulled off through rolling dies in order to give them a desired shape. Automated process is used in the manufacturing process of corrugated sheets. The sheet metals after being corrugated are cut into the desired length by means of an automated process. Corrugated sheets available in the market are 0.012 inches (30 gauge) in thickness. Ferrous alloys, stainless steel, aluminum and copper are the material generally used to manufacture these sheets.

Origin of Corrugated Galvanized Iron
Henry Palmer of Britain developed corrugated galvanized iron (CGI) in the 1820s decade. Wrought iron was first used in the manufacture of these sheets. Owing to the durability, light weight and resistance to corrosion, CGI became a popular construction material in countries like USA, Australia, New Zealand and India. In fact, the countries like New Zealand and Australia have become famous for using this material in specialized architecture.

The benefits of using these metal roofings and sidings are presented in the paragraphs above. However, there are also a few limitations of using this type of construction material. Insulation cannot be provided in a proper manner with the use of sidings. It is necessary to ground the metal so as to prevent an electric shock. One should therefore, take into account the pros and cons of corrugated metal sheets before using them.