Types of Corrugated Metal Roofing

Corrugated metal is available in several different shapes and sizes. The type you choose depends on the particular design of your roof. Below are some of the most commonly used shapes and sizes of corrugated roofing materials.

Type B Wide Rib

The shape of Type B, or Wide Rib, corrugated metal makes it a strong choice for its load-carrying capabilities, which is why it is the most widely selected style for industrial metal roofing. Type B can be found made of galvanized steel, painted steel, aluminum, stainless steel. The standard sheet width is 36". Especially good for cases where rigid insulation is required on top of the roof deck because the wide rib allows for a narrow top opening. When figuring out coverage for type B wide rib, you must remember to allow for overlaps at support points.

Type F Intermediate Rib

Type F is known as an Intermediate Rib because of its spacing, which is not quite as wide as Type B. Type F is an older profile of corrugated metal, but it is still used quite a bit in specific applications. The intermediate rib is particularly useful for roofs that must nest with an existing Type F roof. Like type B, this type can also be found in galvanized or painted steel, stainless steel, or aluminum, with a standard sheet width of 36".

2 1/2" Rib

The 2 1/2" Rib is an improvement on an older type of 24GA 2 1 /2" Corrugated metal. It has improved carrying capabilities over the older type. 2 1/2" Rib is most often found in 30" sheets.

1 1/2" Composite

1 1/2" Composite Floor Deck is best for bonding with concrete because of the unique shape of its web. You'll find this type of corrugated sheet in galvanized or painted steel, or stainless steel. 1 1/2" Composite is ideal for situations that are high risk for corrosion. Standard sheet size is 36".

2" Composite

The 2" Composite is another type meant for use with concrete, specifically when concrete is to be poured on top of the deck. The unique indentations in the profile of this sheet allows for ideal bonding between concrete and metal, creating a hearty composite deck. The 2" Composite is found in 24" widths, in galvanized steel, painted steel, and stainless steel, with a special interlocking side lap to join it to neighboring sheets. When used in stainless steel, the risk of deterioration is much lower, eliminating the concern of falling debris from the ceiling.

N Deck

N Deck sheets have a very special, deep profile that allows for longer spans than shallower profiles. It is often a cost-effective choice because its ability to span larger distances lets the user choose a lighter gauge than would be needed in a sheet with a depth shallower than N deck's mighty 3 inches. Longer spanning capability also means fewer supports needed--another cost-saver. Narrow rib spacing in this deck allows for either the use of rigid insulation or poured concrete. N deck can be found in stainless steel, as well as galvanized or painted steel, and is a good choice for caustic environments.

Thermalwall Roofing Panels

Thermalwall panels are sturdy with great load-carrying capability. Its best to use this type when you are not using rigid insulation. Thermalwall can be found in stainless steel, aluminum, and coated steel varieties, as well as fiberglass. It has a wide flute profile, which makes it as attractive as a siding product as it is as a roofing panel.

4" Rib

4" Rib corrugated sheets are highly available and recognizable, but these sheets are primarily used for as a siding product. Not necessarily recommended for roofing applications.

7/8" and 1/2" Corrugated Metal Panels

The 7/8" and 1/2" panels are primarily used as siding product, but they do have some limited applications in the roofing world. You can find these metal panels in painted aluminum and painted steel varieties, as well as bare aluminum and stainless steel.

R Panel

The R panel has a deep and wide profile that is quite strong. You will find R panels in both siding and roofing applications.