With roof sheets, you aren’t limited to design as they come in many materials. Each with varying properties and applications on different types of roofs.
Choosing the right roof sheet can increase the longevity and durability of your roof. Plastic and metal are the two most common types of roof sheets. Having said that, bitumen, polystyrene and fibre cement are also options for roof sheet material.
Plastic roof sheets include polycarbonate, acrylic, polystyrene and PVC variants. Metal roof sheets are usually made from steel or zinc and often coated in acrylic or stone granules. Though this depends on whether the manufacturer wants a smooth or textured finish.
Table of contents
Which roof sheets are best for which roofs?
Typically, approval for the use of plastic tends to only be in specific structures. These could be outbuildings, conservatories and garages.
For domestic or commercial full roofs, you need something more resilient. This is to ensure structural stability. A corrugated plastic roofing sheet can be great for a quick and inexpensive finish on top of a workshop or outdoor office. Metal would be the better option for an extension or granny flat.
Metal roof sheets are incredibly durable. A testament to this is that some church roofs have stainless steel roofing. Many of which are still standing today.
Plastic roof sheets are better for flat roof applications and have a more traditional aesthetic.
Metal is growing in use alongside steel guttering. This is because it has a very contemporary and modern look on existing or new build houses.
Benefits of plastic roof sheets
Plastic roof sheets come with many useful benefits. Here is a summary of the benefits of plastic roofing sheets:
- They can be completely transparent or obscure – Perfect for added privacy.
- You can install specific plastic sheet panels to let light in at certain places – Ideal if the rest of the panels are opaque.
- Easy to clean – No wild cleaning processes are needed.
- Lightweight – Great to transport with ease.
- Durable – will last for a long time.
- Cost-effective – Ideal for smaller budgets.
- Easy to install – Simple instructions for a simple process.
There are drawbacks to plastic roof sheets. This includes their less visually appealing aesthetic compared to textured metal sheets. Some people complain that rain makes a considerable amount of noise on plastic. Plastic sheets are also only suitable for non-domestic roofing.
Benefits of metal roof sheets
Metal roofing sheets have many great benefits. Here is a summary of the benefits of metal roofing sheets:
- Incredible durability – This results in a long life expectancy.
- Environmentally friendly – Often made from recycled materials.
- A good acoustic insulator – Metal dampens the noise of rain and offers a textured or smooth finish.
Now, metal roof sheets are generally more expensive in the short term. A main drawback when compared to other roofing materials.
Having said that, their long life makes up for this. Metal sheets pay for themselves in comparison to replacing a different roof material more frequently.
Check out our metal roofing sheets price guide to make an informed decision suited to your budget. If you’ve already decided on metal roof sheets, find out how to care for them in our metal roof sheets aftercare guide.
Where can I find roof sheets for sale?
Right here at our Superstore! We also have a roofing sheets buyer’s guide. It can help explain all the different sheet types to help you make a more informed decision before you purchase. Go ahead and check it out to discover what types of roofing materials will work best for your property type and more.
