The roofs are structures that are the most essential part of a building. The main functions of the roofs are the protection of the buildings, against harsh weather. They also perform utilitarian, aesthetic and economic functions. In summary, the roofs must fulfill the following functions:
a) Utilitarian functions: impermeability, lightness, thermal and acoustic insulation.
b) Aesthetic functions: shape and harmonic aspect with the architectural line, texture, and color.
c) Economic functions: the cost of materials.
The most sought out question in the industry of roofing is about materials. Everyone wants to know about the best material in all aspects.
Usually, there are two main categories: Natural material and synthetic material. Natural material includes wood and synthetic material includes PVC, Metal etc.
Given the scarcity of wood, many people choose to build their roofs with metal structures. The art of carpentry has evolved over centuries and its foundations have been transferred from generation to generation. The metal structures are relatively a new material in roofing. That is why many mistakes are made by builders due to lack of clarity in their concepts. This article aims to shed light on these difficulties.
Popularly, it is believed that a metal structure has a longer life than a wooden roof. However, this is not always the case. That is why it is important to know what are different options that are available for metal roofing. One of such options is PPGI material. PPGI stands for pre-painted galvanized iron.
In the popular housing, two metallic materials are generally very popular:
- Steel rods used to reinforce the concrete and
- Cold-formed metal frames, popularly known as “C-frames”.
Although rarely used, square tubes, whether formed coldly (industrial tube) or formed hotly (structural tube), are usually very advantageous.
All these elements have to be painted twice with anticorrosive paint, and after soldering, screwing or bolting, it is necessary to stitch them up twice.
Now we would like to take this opportunity to present steps for installation of the roof made up with PPGI material. PPGI material falls under the main category of corrugated roofs.
Step by Step Procedure to Install a Corrugated Roof
- Choose whether to use corrugated PVC/fiberglass or metal roof.
Remember that the PVC is translucent, allowing the use of sunlight;
At the same time, it will block the heat of the sun, being more effective than the sheet metal and still has a lower price; But they are less durable, noisy in the rain, and break more easily with the wind.
- With a circular saw, cut the panels to length
- Leave one leftover to overlap one sheet over the other.
- Drill the edges using a 3/16 inch drill bit. The perforations should have a separation between 6 to 8 inches;
- Place the panels over the beams, starting with the outer edge.
- Then, at the ends, close with plastic or wooden strips, so that there is no rain or pests that could damage the structure.
- Use 10 × 2-inch screws with polycarbonate washers to secure the panels.
- Adjust all panels in a way that the last panel placed can complete the roof without having to make any longitudinal cuts.
