Types of Roof Sheets: What Is Roofing Sheet & Its Varieties

Choosing the right roofing material is crucial for durability, weather resistance and aesthetics. With various types of roof sheets available, selecting the best one depends on factors like budget, climate and structural requirements. In this guide, we will explore what is roofing sheet, the different types of roofing sheets and key considerations for choosing the best option for your project. 

What is a Roofing Sheet?

As opposed to individual tiles, roofing sheets are flat, elongated sheets that can be used for all types of structures, from residential applications to commercial or agricultural ones. They can be made of materials such as metal, plastic, fibreglass or concrete. 

They are a popular choice for roofing due to their durability, low maintenance, and ease of installation. They are also available in a variety of colours, textures and patterns, allowing usage for both functional and aesthetic purposes.

Types of Roofing Sheets and Their Function 

Today’s market is saturated with innovative roofing solutions and it can be hard to choose the best fit for your project. Before you make your choice, a working knowledge of the different roofing sheets available to you should help you make your decision.

Cement-based roofing solutions

This variety of roofing sheets have a longer lifespan and better heat resistance compared to their metal counterparts. They have versatile applications and can be used for residential, commercial or industrial projects. Here are a few examples of cement-based roofing sheets.

1. Asbestos cement roofing sheet

These cement roofing sheets are reinforced with asbestos to give strength and rigidity to the sheets. This allows it to reliably maintain its shape and size without breakage. They have good heat resistance and durability since they do not corrode and are mainly used in industrial and rural applications.

2. Non-asbestos cement roofing sheet

Non-asbestos cement roofing sheets are roofing sheets that are made without the use of asbestos fibres, but instead use a combination of cement and other materials, such as cellulose fibres, PVA fibres, or synthetic fibres, to provide strength and durability. These sheets are often referred to as fibre cement roofing sheets. One such fibre cement sheet is Everest’s Hi-Tech Roofing Sheet, which can be used for industrial projects, especially chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries and is now mandatory in government and educational projects.

3. Colour-coated roofing sheet

Cement based colour coated sheets are also available in a range of pre-coloured options, such as Everest Supercolour. They are preferred due to their aesthetic appeal and durability and can be used in animal husbandry industries, such as poultry, silkworms or cattle.

Metal-based roofing solutions

Metal roofing sheets are commonly made of a combination of steel, aluminum, copper, zinc or tin. They can be used for outdoor areas, such as sheds as well as agricultural and industrial structures. Here are a few different types of metal roofing sheets.

1. GI roofing sheets

GI roofing sheets are made of galvanized iron or steel, coated with zinc. This makes the sheets corrosion and rust-resistant. They are generally used for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

2. Sandwich PUF/PIR roofing sheets

These roofing sheets consist of a layer of polyurethane foam (PUF) or polyisocyanurate foam (PIR) sandwiched between two metal sheets. The low thermal conductivity of the foam helps insulate the interiors of the structure against heat. 

Plastic-based roofing solutions

Apart from metal and concrete, another variety of roofing sheet is plastic-based roofing sheets. These sheets are pricier than their metal and concrete counterparts and are usually used for outdoor spaces such as nurseries and gazebos. However, these sheets are not suitable for industries due to their potential for chemical reaction and poor temperature control. Depending on the material, the different types of plastic roofing sheets are. 

Depending on the material, the different types of plastic roofing sheets are.

1. PVC roofing sheets

These roofing sheets are made of polyvinyl chloride plastic. 

2. Polycarbonate roofing sheets

As the name suggests, these lightweight sheets are crafted with polycarbonate plastic. They are translucent and usually used for better interior lighting.

3. Fibre-reinforced plastic sheet

These roofing sheets are reinforced with glass fibre for added strength. They can be translucent and have better rigidity and scratch resistance than polycarbonate sheets. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Roofing Sheets

Selecting the right types of roof sheets depends on several factors: 

1. Budget 

Plastic roofing sheets, such as PVC and polycarbonate are a budget-friendly option, making them ideal for cost-conscious projects. Metal roofing sheets, including GI and sandwich panels, fall into the mid-range pricing category and offer a good balance of durability and affordability. Cement-based roofing sheets, such as fibre cement may have a slightly higher upfront cost but deliver excellent long-term value due to their durability and longevity.

2. Durability and Longevity

Metal and fibre cement roofing sheets are known for their impressive durability, often lasting between 30 to 50 years. Among these, fibre cement sheets stand out for their superior strength, resistance to weathering and low maintenance needs, making them the most reliable choice for long-term performance. In contrast, plastic roofing sheets, while cost-effective initially, may require more frequent replacement due to wear and tear over time.

3. Aesthetics

Colour-coated and polycarbonate sheets are ideal for enhancing the visual appeal of any structure, adding a modern and vibrant touch. In contrast, GI and asbestos-free cement sheets lend a more industrial look. Everest Industries offers the best of both worlds with innovative solutions like Supercolour and Evercool which combine high-tech protection with stylish finishes. These roofing options not only ensure durability and thermal comfort but also bring both colour and character to your spaces.

4. Maintenance 

Metal sheets are prone to rust over time, especially in humid or coastal environments, while plastic sheets can degrade or react when exposed to fumes and chemicals. In contrast, fibre cement sheets from Everest Industries offer a clear advantage, they are highly durable, water-repellent and non-corrosive. Designed to withstand harsh conditions with minimal upkeep, Everest’s roofing solutions ensure long-lasting performance without compromising on strength or reliability.

5. Weather Resistant

Everest Industries’ fibre cement roofing sheets are engineered to endure India’s diverse climate, offering superior resistance to heat, rain and wind. Unlike metal sheets that can corrode or plastic sheets that may deform under high temperatures, Everest’s fibre cement sheets provide durability and longevity. These sheets are fire-resistant, non-corrosive and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for various applications. Their robust construction ensures reliable performance, even in challenging weather conditions.

6. Applications

When selecting roofing sheets, it’s essential to consider the specific requirements of each application:

Industrial sheds: GI, FRP or sandwich panels are commonly used for their strength and insulation properties.

Residential roofs: Colour-coated sheets are preferred for their aesthetic appeal and durability.

Temporary structures: PVC or plastic roofing sheets are often chosen due to their lightweight and cost-effectiveness.

However, fibre cement sheets emerge as a versatile solution suitable for all these applications. They offer exceptional durability, fire resistance and low thermal conductivity, making them ideal for diverse environments. Additionally, their resistance to corrosion and pests ensures longevity with minimal maintenance.

Understanding the different types of roofing sheets is crucial for making an informed decision based on budget, durability and aesthetics.

FAQs

1. What are the different types of roofing sheets?

Everest Industries offers a range of cement roofing sheets, including:

• Evercool Roofing Sheet: Designed with a high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) to keep interiors cool and comfortable.
• CBS – Fibre Cement Roofing Sheet: Easy to fix, fire-resistant, economical, low noise, low heat and corrosion-free sheets made with unique fiber mesh technology
• Supercolour Roofing Sheet: Water-repellent, anti-fungal and extremely durable coloured cement sheets available in four attractive colors
• Hi-Tech Roofing Sheet: Non-corroding, fire-resistant and weather-proof non-asbestos roofing, reinforced with high-impact PVA fibres for extra durability.

Each of these products caters to specific needs, ensuring durability and suitability for various applications.

2. What are the 3 main types of roofs?

The three primary roof types are:

• Flat Roofs: Horizontal or nearly horizontal roofs commonly used in commercial buildings.
• Pitched Roofs: Sloped roofs that allow for water runoff, commonly found in residential structures.
• Curved Roofs: Architecturally distinctive roofs that can be used for aesthetic appeal and specific structural requirements.

3. What is the best type of roofing sheet?

The optimal roofing sheet depends on factors like climate, budget and intended use. Everest’s Evercool Roofing Sheet is highly regarded for its high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) which helps keep interiors cool and comfortable, making it an excellent choice for hot climates.

4. What are the top 5 roofing materials?

The top roofing materials commonly used across the industry are metal sheets, clay tiles, concrete tiles, bitumen sheets & fibre cement sheets. Each comes with its own pros and cons, metal is lightweight but prone to rust, clay and concrete are durable but heavy and fragile, and bitumen is affordable but less long-lasting. Fibre cement sheets strike a strong balance, offering durability, fire resistance and weatherproofing without the downsides of corrosion or high maintenance. That’s why Everest focuses on fibre cement roofing, offering advanced solutions like Evercool, CBS, Supercolour and Hi-Tech sheets each built to deliver comfort, strength & style, especially suited to Indian weather conditions.

Apart from these three different types of roofing sheets, there are a number of other options for you to explore, such as bitumen roofing sheets, rubber roofing sheets or bio-composite roofing sheets.  

Different roofing sheets will have different advantages and applications. By factoring in these attributes and comparing them against the requirements of your project, you will be able to get hold of the best roofing sheet solution. 

Also Read: Green Roofing: What is Green Roof?