Corrugated Metal Panels

A corrugated metal panel, as described here, is not a single product. These units are manufactured all around the world and are common as low cost roofing solutions. Though often referred to locally as iron, aluminum, or metal sheets, typical corrugated roofing sheets are made of steel. Not all are galvanized, and they vary from 27 gauge to 10 gauge. A standard sheet is one meter wide with a corrugated wave period of approximately 15cm, and a peak to peak amplitude of 5cm. Sheets typically come in three lengths: 3 meters, 2.5 meters, and 2 meters. There are many companies and distributers, therefore the links provided here are for example only.

Most urban centers have the resources to cut and mold such simple roofing sheets. The rolls of raw steel are often imported.

Standard corrugated roofing panels are available in every urban center in the world. Less expensive options include organic roofing material such as banana leaves or thatch. These options have shorter effective life spans and are vulnerable to fire. Stronger, more resilient options such as concrete roofs and clay tiles are time consuming to manufacture or are cost prohibitive for the slimmest of budgets. Other metal options include standing seam metal roofing of interlocking metal strips, or interlocking metal shingles or modular panels. The other metal options are less available in most developing contexts, but are becoming an opportunity for innovation.

Consumers, developers, or international aid organizations seeking inexpensive shelter solutions. Low income housing owners, as well as affordable realty developers are one of the main users of this product. International non-government organizations often use metal panels in construction of school and community scale building projects.