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How to Choose the Right Thickness for Corrugated Sheets
Selecting the right thickness for corrugated roofing sheets is critical to achieving a balance between structural strength, durability, and cost-efficiency. Factors such as span length, load-bearing capacity, environmental exposure, and building application determine the ideal gauge—typically ranging from 0.30 mm to 1.20 mm. Thicker sheets offer superior wind and impact resistance, making them ideal for industrial and high-wind zones, while thinner gauges suit residential or temporary structures.
Hengze Steel provides high-quality corrugated roofing sheets engineered to international standards (ASTM, JIS, EN), offering precise thickness control, excellent formability, and long-term corrosion protection—ensuring reliable performance and reduced maintenance costs.
Table of Contents
- 1. Why Sheet Thickness Matters1. Why Sheet Thickness Matters
- 2. Typical Materials and Standard Thickness Ranges2. Typical Materials and Standard Thickness Ranges
- 3. The Impact of Corrugation Profile on Structural Strength3. The Impact of Corrugation Profile on Structural Strength
- 4. Load, Span, and Environmental Factors4. Load, Span, and Environmental Factors
- 5. Selection Guidelines for Roofing and Cladding5. Selection Guidelines for Roofing and Cladding
- 6. Coating Systems and Durability Considerations6. Coating Systems and Durability Considerations
- 7. Practical Examples and Case Insights7. Practical Examples and Case Insights
- 8. Installation and Handling Tips8. Installation and Handling Tips
- 9. Specification Checklist for Procurement9. Specification Checklist for Procurement
- 10. Why Choose Hengze Steel Corrugated Sheets10. Why Choose Hengze Steel Corrugated Sheets
1. Why Sheet Thickness Matters
The thickness of corrugated sheets directly influences strength, stiffness, load-bearing capacity, and durability.
Choosing the correct thickness ensures structural reliability while controlling costs. Thicker sheets can resist wind uplift, foot traffic, and denting, whereas thinner sheets are lighter and more economical.
For metal roofing and wall cladding, selecting the proper thickness is a balance of structural performance, corrosion protection, and budget.
Hengze Steel provides comprehensive technical data and span tables to help engineers determine the optimal sheet thickness for each application scenario.
2. Typical Materials and Standard Thickness Ranges
Corrugated roofing sheets can be made from galvanized steel, Al-Zn coated steel (Galvalume), aluminum, or even composite systems.
Below are common base metal thickness (BMT) ranges:
| Material | Typical Thickness Range (mm) | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanized Steel (GI) | 0.35–0.7 mm | Roofing, wall panels |
| Galvalume Steel (GL) | 0.45–0.8 mm | High corrosion resistance projects |
| Prepainted Steel (PPGI/PPGL) | 0.4–0.7 mm | Architectural and decorative use |
| Aluminum | 0.7–1.2 mm | Lightweight or coastal buildings |
Hengze Steel manufactures corrugated steel sheets conforming to ASTM, EN, and JIS standards, with precise coating control (Z275, AZ150, AM100) and uniform thickness tolerance (±0.02 mm).
3. The Impact of Corrugation Profile on Structural Strength
The stiffness of a corrugated sheet depends not only on thickness but also on profile geometry — including crest height, pitch, and shape (sinusoidal or trapezoidal).
Deeper ribs (25–35 mm) improve stiffness by 30–50%, allowing longer spans with the same thickness.
Wider pitch profiles (e.g., 76/18, 101/25) perform better under high wind uplift.
Each Hengze Steel profile has validated span tables to indicate maximum spacing and load performance per BMT.
→ Engineers should always reference manufacturer data, not assume thicker automatically means stronger.
4. Load, Span, and Environmental Factors
Key factors for selecting the right sheet thickness include:
Span between purlins – Longer spans require thicker sheets or deeper profiles.
Design loads – Account for dead loads, wind suction, snow, and foot traffic.
Deflection limits – Typically L/180–L/240 for roof sheets, per structural codes (EN 1991, AS/NZS 1170).
Environmental conditions – In coastal or chemical zones, corrosion protection (Z/AZ coating class) is as important as thickness.
For example:
Residential roofs (span ≤ 1.0 m): 0.42–0.48 mm BMT
Industrial roofs (1.2–1.5 m span): 0.6 mm
High-wind or walkable roofs (>1.5 m span): 0.7 mm
Hengze Steel’s engineering support helps match sheet gauge with span tables and environmental categories for cost-effective performance.
5. Selection Guidelines for Roofing and Cladding
| Application | Recommended Thickness (mm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Interior wall & ceiling | 0.35–0.45 | Lightweight, low structural load |
| Residential roofing | 0.42–0.48 | Suitable for moderate climates |
| Industrial roofing | 0.5–0.6 | Supports foot traffic & moderate wind |
| Coastal or high wind zones | 0.6–0.7 | Enhanced stiffness & corrosion protection |
When specifying products, always define Base Metal Thickness (BMT), not total thickness (TCT), to ensure consistent engineering performance.
6. Coating Systems and Durability Considerations
Durability depends heavily on coating type and quality:
Zinc Coating (Z100–Z275): Sacrificial protection, suitable for inland use.
Al-Zn Coating (AZ100–AZ150): Excellent resistance in humid or marine zones.
Organic Paint (PE, SMP, PVDF): Adds UV protection and decorative finish.
Hengze Steel applies multi-layer coil coating technology ensuring uniform adhesion, gloss control, and film thickness (18–35 μm). All coatings are tested for salt spray, humidity, and impact resistance per ASTM D2247 and ISO 6270.
7. Practical Examples and Case Insights
Commercial Warehouse (1.2 m span): 0.6 mm GL sheet with AZ150 coating.
Coastal Resort (strong UV & humidity): 0.7 mm PVDF prepainted sheet.
Interior Wall Panel: 0.4 mm PPGI with polyester coating — economical and decorative.
By optimizing thickness and coating combinations, Hengze Steel customers have reduced material costs by up to 12% while extending roof life expectancy by over 30%.
8. Installation and Handling Tips
Support sheets evenly during transport to prevent edge deformation.
Use EPDM-sealed fasteners and follow correct torque settings.
Ensure end laps ≥ 150 mm and side laps ≥ one full corrugation.
Avoid walking on thin-gauge sheets between purlins — use walkway boards.
Proper installation is as crucial as material selection for maintaining sheet integrity and warranty coverage.
9. Specification Checklist for Procurement
When drafting technical requirements, include:
Product: Corrugated roofing sheet, Galvalume steel.
Base Metal Thickness (BMT): 0.6 mm (min).
Coating: AZ150 / Z275 with topcoat PVDF 25 μm.
Standard: ASTM A792 / EN 10346.
Supplier: Hengze Steel or equivalent approved.
Span and load compliance: per design wind category (EN 1991).
Documentation: Mill certificate, coating test report, QC traceability.
10. Why Choose Hengze Steel Corrugated Sheets
With decades of expertise in coated steel manufacturing, Hengze Steel combines:
Advanced continuous galvanizing and color coating lines
Precision thickness control systems (±0.02 mm)
Customized profile design and OEM service
Global supply to construction, energy, and manufacturing sectors
Whether your project requires lightweight cladding or heavy-duty roofing panels, Hengze Steel delivers consistent quality, technical support, and long-term performance assurance.
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