One of the most crucial choices in any building project nationwide is the type of roofing material to use. GI sheets in the Philippines are a popular option for roofing on residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Despite the abundance of alternatives, galvanized iron, or GI, sheets continue to be the most widely used roofing material throughout the archipelago. This appeal stems from a special blend of robustness, affordability, and dependability, particularly in inclement weather. Homeowners and builders can make wise decisions if they are aware of the unique advantages of GI sheets.
What is GI Sheet Roofing and its Main Benefits?
Steel that has been covered in a zinc protective layer is used to make GI sheets. The metal’s exceptional resistance to corrosion and rust is a result of this galvanization process. By acting as a barrier, zinc prevents oxygen and moisture from penetrating the steel metal underneath. Steel would rust easily in the Philippines’ warm, humid climate, so this procedure is essential. The secret to the material’s long-term success is this straightforward coating.
Durability, affordability, and user-friendliness are the three primary advantages of GI sheet roofing. Because of their high tensile strength, these sheets are able to withstand breaking when subjected to tension from heavy rain and strong winds. Additionally, they weigh less than other conventional roofing materials, which lessens the strain on the building’s main structure.
Why Do GI Sheets Outperform Other Common Roofing Materials?
When comparing GI sheets to other popular roofing materials, their advantages become very clear, especially in the context of the Philippine climate. We can compare them against materials like asphalt shingles and clay or concrete tiles. GI sheets provide a better balance of performance and price for most Filipino builders and homeowners. The extreme weather conditions in the country demand a tough and dependable roofing solution.
Resistance to Weather and Natural Disasters
GI sheet roofing offers superior durability against the Philippines’ challenging weather, which includes both intense heat and powerful typhoons. Unlike asphalt shingles, which are prone to warping, cracking, or breaking down under prolonged sun exposure, GI sheets maintain their shape and integrity. The asphalt in shingles can also promote mold growth in humid conditions, requiring more frequent and costly maintenance. GI sheets are also often installed as long-span sheets, which means fewer seams are exposed to potential leaks. This continuous coverage provides a much stronger defense against high winds and heavy downpours.
In comparison to traditional clay or concrete tiles, GI sheets are much lighter. While tiles offer great thermal mass, their heavy weight requires a significantly stronger and more expensive roof frame. During a strong typhoon or earthquake, heavy tiles can become dangerous projectiles or cause the roof frame to fail completely. The flexibility and lighter weight of GI sheets make the entire roof structure more resilient and less susceptible to collapse from extreme force.
Cost-Effectiveness and Maintenance
One of the biggest advantages of GI sheet roofing is its outstanding affordability, especially the initial material cost. Clay, concrete, and higher-end composite materials are generally more expensive to buy per square meter. The initial savings with GI sheets make them an accessible choice for a wide range of budgets, from simple homes to large warehouses. Even when comparing the long-term cost, GI sheets often prove to be more economical.
GI sheet roofs also require much less maintenance over their long lifespan. With proper installation, a quality GI roof can last for thirty to fifty years or even longer. Asphalt shingles typically have a shorter lifespan of ten to twenty years and often need regular repair or replacement of individual pieces. Clay tiles are durable but can crack from heavy impact or during seismic activity, leading to expensive individual tile replacements. The galvanized coating on GI sheets means very little upkeep is needed to prevent rust, offering homeowners peace of mind for decades.
How to Maximize the Advantages of GI Sheet Roofing
To fully benefit from the advantages of GI sheet roofing, proper selection and installation methods must be followed. Simply choosing the cheapest option may lead to quicker degradation and higher repair costs later. Investing in quality from the start ensures the material lives up to its long-term potential. This involves careful planning before and during the building process to ensure a long-lasting roof.
Choosing the Right Quality and Type
When purchasing GI sheets, builders should pay close attention to the gauge and the zinc coating thickness. Gauge refers to the sheet’s thickness; a lower gauge number means a thicker and more durable sheet, though it will cost more. The thickness of the zinc coating is also a direct indicator of its rust resistance and overall lifespan. Investing in pre-painted galvanized iron (PPGI) sheets can offer an additional layer of protection against the elements and UV rays. PPGI sheets also come in many colors, which can enhance the home’s look without sacrificing the metal’s core benefits.
Focusing on Proper Installation
Proper installation is non-negotiable for any roofing material, but especially for metal. It is essential to use the correct fasteners, such as specialized roofing screws with rubber washers, to prevent water from leaking through the holes. All overlaps and ridge caps must be properly sealed to create a continuous, watertight barrier. Professional installation ensures that the sheets are correctly aligned and secured to withstand high winds and heavy rain. A correctly installed GI roof will provide maximum protection and longevity, truly maximizing the return on investment for the owner.
Key Takeaway
GI sheet roofing provides an exceptional and practical solution for the unique construction needs of the country. GI sheet in the Philippines include a superior balance of low initial cost, minimal long-term maintenance, and reliable durability against strong typhoons and tropical humidity. For any structure in the Philippines, these sheets represent a smart, safe, and cost-effective investment in long-term protection and peace of mind.
