Corrugated Aluminum Roofing Sheets

Corrugated aluminum roofing sheets are a type of profiled sheet made by roll-forming aluminum sheets into various wave shapes, also known as aluminum tiles, corrugated aluminum sheets, or profiled aluminum sheets. With their unique wave-shaped structure and aluminum alloy properties, these materials are widely used in the construction field, especially suitable as roofing and wall cladding materials.

Core Advantages of Corrugated Aluminum Roofing Sheets

Lightweight and High Strength: Corrugated aluminum roofing sheets are lightweight yet very strong. This helps reduce the overall load on the building structure, lowers construction costs, and makes them easier to install and transport.
Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum itself has good rust resistance, and with surface treatments (such as anodizing or PVDF coating), corrugated aluminum sheets are highly resistant to humid conditions, acid rain, and even coastal salt spray environments, ensuring long service life.
Good Durability: They can withstand extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, and snow, and have strong resistance to UV radiation, remaining resistant to fading or aging over long-term use.
Aesthetic and Customizable: Corrugated aluminum sheets not only have a distinctive appearance but also offer a wide range of color options (such as RAL standard colors or custom colors). Their shapes can also be customized to meet different architectural styles.
Heat Dissipation and Reflectivity: Aluminum has excellent thermal reflectivity. Its high reflectance helps reflect sunlight during summer, reducing indoor temperature and thereby lowering air conditioning energy consumption.
Eco-friendly and Recyclable: Aluminum is a recyclable material that meets environmental requirements. When buildings are demolished or renovated, these materials can be recycled and reused, reducing resource waste.
Easy Installation: Corrugated aluminum roofing sheets usually adopt modular designs, making installation quick and simple, which shortens construction time and reduces costs.

Material Basics of Corrugated Aluminum Roofing Sheets

The base material of corrugated aluminum roofing sheets is aluminum alloy, mainly from the 1000 series (pure aluminum), 3000 series (aluminum-manganese alloy), and 5000 series (aluminum-magnesium alloy). Among them, 1060 and 3003 are the most commonly used alloy grades:

1060 Pure Aluminum: With an aluminum content of more than 99.5%, it has good ductility and corrosion resistance. It is relatively low in price and is the most widely used choice.
3003 Aluminum-Manganese Alloy: With the addition of manganese, this alloy has higher hardness and rust resistance, making it suitable for applications requiring higher strength.
5052 Aluminum-Magnesium Alloy: Offers higher hardness, but is less commonly used in aluminum roofing tiles.

Characteristics of Corrugated Aluminium Roofing

Physical Properties

Lightweight and High Strength

The primary characteristic of corrugated aluminum roofing sheets is their lightweight yet high-strength nature. The density of aluminum is about 2.71 g/cm³, only about one-third that of steel, making the weight of each square meter of aluminum tiles less than one-third of stainless steel, greatly reducing the overall load of the building structure.

Despite being lightweight, the special wave-shaped structural design gives corrugated aluminum roofing sheets high rigidity and compressive strength. The wave-shaped cross-section design not only increases bending stiffness but also disperses load pressure, allowing the sheets to withstand strong wind pressure and snow loads.

Thermal Performance

Corrugated aluminum roofing sheets are good conductors of heat, but their high reflectivity compensates for this drawback. New corrugated aluminum sheets can achieve a reflectivity of 75–80% for radiant heat and light, and even after several years of use, the reflectivity can still remain around 60%.

In high-temperature environments, corrugated aluminum sheets perform well, able to withstand temperatures above 300℃, making them suitable for long-term use in high-heat conditions.

Chemical Properties

Corrosion Resistance

Corrosion resistance is one of the most notable chemical properties of corrugated aluminum sheets. Aluminum easily reacts with oxygen in the air, forming a dense oxide film on the surface. This oxide layer prevents further oxidation of the inner aluminum.

Experiments have shown that in a 70-hour corrosion test in an environment containing 3% sodium chloride and 1% hydrogen chloride, the average weight loss of aluminum was only 0.675 mg per square centimeter, while the average weight loss of steel was 11.07 mg per square centimeter, proving that aluminum’s corrosion resistance far exceeds that of ordinary steel.

Enhanced Weather Resistance with Surface Treatments

Although the natural oxide film of aluminum already provides some protection, its corrosion resistance can be further enhanced by chemical oxidation or electrochemical oxidation treatment. Corrugated aluminum sheets treated in this way can have a service life of over 60 years.

In addition, corrugated aluminum sheets can undergo surface treatments such as painting, powder coating, or fluorocarbon spraying to further enhance their weather resistance and decorative appeal.

Mechanical Properties

Processability

Corrugated aluminum sheets have excellent processing properties, making them easy to bend, cut, and form. This allows them to adapt to various architectural design needs, including complex curved shapes. High-precision profiling technology enables corrugated aluminum sheets to achieve complex curved constructions, adapting to architectural designs as flexibly as "metal origami."

Durability

Corrugated aluminum sheets have excellent durability, with a warranty period of up to 15 years under normal use. With proper surface treatment, the service life of corrugated aluminum sheets can reach 50–70 years.

Corrugated aluminum sheets also have excellent wind resistance. Due to their thinness, they offer very little wind resistance, maintaining stability even in strong winds. In addition, corrugated aluminum sheets also have good fire resistance, meeting building fire safety standards.

Common Specifications of Corrugated Aluminium Roofing

Thickness Specifications

The thickness range of corrugated aluminum roofing sheets is usually between 0.15mm and 1.5mm. The specific thickness depends on the application scenario and load-bearing requirements. Common thickness specifications include 0.2mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, 0.5mm, 0.6mm, 0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm, and 1.5mm.

Width and Length Specifications

The width of corrugated aluminum roofing sheets is generally between 600mm and 1500mm. Standard widths include 600mm, 750mm, 820mm, 840mm, 850mm, 900mm, 1000mm, 1220mm, and 1500mm. In terms of length, standard lengths usually range from 1m to 12m, with customized lengths also available.

Corrugation Model Specifications

The corrugation models of aluminum roofing sheets are classified based on wave shape design and dimensions. Different models have different effective widths, wave heights, and wave pitches.

Common corrugation models include:

Model	Wave Height (mm)	Wave Pitch (mm)	Effective Coverage Width (mm)
HM35-125-750	35	125	750
HM25-205-820	25	205	820
HM23-210-840	23	210	840
HM14-65-850	14	65	850
HM15-225-900	15	225	900

Surface Treatment Methods of Corrugated Aluminium Roofing

Anodizing Treatment

Anodizing is a treatment method that forms an oxide film on the aluminum surface through electrolysis. The oxide film thickness is generally between 10μm and 25μm, with characteristics such as high hardness, tight bonding with the base material, and the ability to be dyed.

Painting Treatment

Painting treatment involves applying paint evenly on the surface of the corrugated aluminum sheet through brushing or spraying. In painting, fluorocarbon paint demonstrates particularly excellent performance, containing fluorocarbon bonds that resist ultraviolet degradation, with a service life of over 20 years.

Powder Coating Treatment

Powder coating treatment uses electrostatic spraying equipment to evenly spray powder coating onto the pretreated surface of the corrugated aluminum sheet, followed by high-temperature baking and curing. The coating from powder spraying has good adhesion, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and is environmentally friendly.

Other Special Treatment Methods

In addition to the above three main surface treatments, corrugated aluminum sheets can also undergo special treatments such as hot-dip galvanizing, wood grain transfer, stone pattern treatment, brushing, film covering/lamination, and enamel treatment to meet different architectural requirements.

Color Options for Corrugated Aluminum Roofing Sheets

Standard Color Series

Corrugated aluminum roofing sheets offer a wide range of color options. Common standard color series include basic colors, metallic colors, bright colors, natural colors, and special effect colors. Different surface treatment methods affect the presentation of these colors.

Special Color Customization

In addition to the standard color series, many manufacturers also provide special color customization services to meet personalized needs. Such customization is usually based on international standard color charts, such as the RAL color chart, Pantone color chart, and the China Building Color Chart (CBCC).

Factors Affecting Color Selection

When choosing the color of corrugated aluminum sheets, factors such as architectural style, surrounding environment, functional use, regional climate, maintenance cost, and energy efficiency need to be considered. By comprehensively evaluating these factors, the most suitable color scheme can be chosen to meet aesthetic needs while improving the functionality and cost-effectiveness of the building.

Color Options for Corrugated Aluminum Roofing Sheets

Application Scenarios of Corrugated Aluminum Roofing Sheets

Industrial Building Applications

Corrugated aluminum sheets are widely used in the field of industrial buildings, mainly including industrial plants and warehouses, cold storage and logistics centers, chemical plants and pharmaceutical factories, refineries and power plants, as well as agricultural facilities.

Commercial and Public Building Applications

Corrugated aluminum sheets are also widely used in commercial and public buildings, including commercial buildings, transportation hubs, cultural buildings, sports venues, and educational and medical buildings.

Residential Building Applications

Corrugated aluminum sheets are also widely used in the residential building sector, suitable for private houses, villas and resorts, carports and garages, sunrooms and greenhouses, as well as temporary buildings.

Special Application Scenarios

In addition to the main application scenarios mentioned above, corrugated aluminum sheets can also be used in container houses and modular buildings, temporary exhibition halls and on-site facilities, agricultural facilities, decorative and artistic installations, as well as acoustic applications.

Application Scenarios of Corrugated Aluminum Roofing Sheets

Technical Parameters and Key Selection Points of Corrugated Aluminium Roofing

When choosing corrugated aluminum roofing sheets, you need to pay attention to some key technical parameters and selection points to ensure that they are suitable for your project.

Common Aluminum Alloy Grades and Their Characteristics

The commonly used aluminum alloy grades for corrugated aluminum roofing sheets are mainly 3003, 3004, 5052, etc. The following table compares the characteristics of these common aluminum alloys to help you make a better choice:

Alloy Series	Representative Grade	Main Composition	Main Characteristics	Ideal Application Scenarios
3xxx Series	3003	Al-Mn (Manganese)	Higher weather resistance, good weldability, 15%~20% stronger than pure aluminum	Building curtain walls, roof panels, marine interior decoration
5xxx Series	5052	Al-Mg (Magnesium)	Excellent seawater corrosion resistance, high plasticity, good stability at low temperatures	Marine engineering, pressure vessels, shipbuilding, suitable for highly corrosive environments
8xxx Series	8011	Pure Al (≥99.6%)	Good formability and corrosion resistance	Various roofing applications

Key Considerations for Selection

Thickness: The common thickness range is between 0.25mm and 1.5mm. Thicker sheets are usually more durable, but also more expensive. For roofing applications, the appropriate thickness should be selected based on the spacing of the supporting structure and the expected loads (such as wind and snow).

Coating & Surface Finish: The surface treatment process directly affects the weather resistance, aesthetics, and service life of the sheets. Common options include:

Anodizing: Enhances corrosion resistance and appearance.

PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride) Coating: Excellent UV resistance and weather resistance, not prone to fading and chalking, suitable for long-term outdoor use.

PE (Polyester) Coating: Provides good color options and weather resistance with high cost performance.

Embossed Surface: Adds texture.

Profile & Size: Common profiles include sinusoidal wave, trapezoidal wave, U-shaped wave, etc. Different profiles vary in drainage efficiency, structural strength, and aesthetics. The width, wave height (commonly 17mm-35mm), wave pitch (commonly 76mm-110mm), and length (customizable) should be chosen according to the roof size and design.

Color Options: In addition to the common metallic natural color, corrugated aluminum sheets can usually be customized according to the RAL color chart or other standard color charts to meet the overall color requirements of architectural design.

Installation and Maintenance Notes

To ensure that corrugated aluminum roofing sheets perform at their best and extend their service life, correct installation and maintenance are important.

Installation Key Points:

Professional installation: Although corrugated aluminum sheets are relatively lightweight and easy to install, it is recommended to have them installed by professional contractors to ensure waterproofing, wind resistance, and correct installation of fasteners.
Use appropriate fasteners: Be sure to use matching, corrosion-resistant fasteners (such as stainless steel screws) with waterproof gaskets to prevent galvanic corrosion or leakage at fastening points.
Pay attention to overlapping and drainage: During installation, ensure sufficient overlap between sheets as per design requirements and make sure the wave direction facilitates smooth drainage of rainwater to prevent water accumulation.

Maintenance Recommendations:

Corrugated aluminum roofing sheets usually require little maintenance. Daily care mainly involves regularly cleaning leaves and debris, keeping the surface clean, and ensuring smooth drainage.

For cleaning, generally rinse with water or mild neutral detergent along with a soft cloth or soft brush. Avoid using strong acids, strong alkalis, or abrasive cleaners to prevent damage to the surface coating.

Regularly check (especially after severe weather) for visible scratches, deformations, or loosened fasteners, and handle them promptly.

Core Advantages of Corrugated Aluminium Roofing Compared with Traditional Materials

Indicator	Corrugated Aluminum Roofing Sheet	Color Steel Sheet	Asphalt Shingles
Weight	Light 35-40% (approx. 8-12kg/㎡)	15-20kg/㎡	25-30kg/㎡
Corrosion Resistance	Service life over 50 years in coastal areas	Requires galvanizing, service life 20 years	Easily ages, service life 15 years
Fire Resistance	Class A non-combustible (composite panels certified by UL 723)	Class B1 flame retardant	Flammable, low fire resistance
Installation Efficiency	Modular construction, construction period shortened by 50%	Requires on-site cutting, complex process	Manual laying, low efficiency
Environmental Friendliness	Recyclable, the proportion of recycled aluminum is increasing year by year	Contains heavy metals, difficult to recycle	Non-recyclable, landfill pollution

Tips for Choosing the Right Corrugated Aluminum Roofing Sheets

When selecting corrugated aluminum roofing sheets, it is essential to consider your usage environment, budget, and aesthetic requirements comprehensively.

Determine key parameters:

For general residential or commercial roofing, sheets made of 3003 or 5052 alloy are common choices.
Thickness should be selected based on purlin spacing and load requirements, commonly around 0.6mm–1.0mm.
Regarding coating options: if long-lasting weather resistance and color retention are priorities, PVDF is the preferred choice; if the budget is limited and the environment is not particularly harsh, PE coating can also meet the requirements.
Color and profile are mainly determined by the building design aesthetic.
Choose a reliable supplier: look for suppliers who can provide quality assurance, complete certifications, and technical support. For large projects, customized services are also very important.
Plan installation and maintenance properly: ensure installation by an experienced team, and understand the simple maintenance requirements for later use.

Define usage scenarios and needs: Consider the climatic conditions of your building location (whether it is coastal, has heavy rain or snow, strong UV exposure, etc.), the requirements for thermal insulation performance, as well as the type and style of the building.