Corrugated roofing is a low-cost roofing material which comes in large panels that are designed to be easy to install while providing weather resistance. This roofing material is often used on sheds, garages, and other auxiliary structures, and in addition to being used for roofing, it can also be used as siding. Many home supply stores carry corrugated roofing, and it is also possible to order it directly from manufacturers.
Metals and plastics are both used to make corrugated roofing. Metals are very durable, making them suitable for structures in harsh climates, and they can also be painted in a variety of colors, for people who prefer not to look at plain metal roofing and siding. Plastics may be clear or opaque, with some people using clear plastic corrugated roofing as a form of cheap skylights, allowing light into a structure without having to install a skylight.
Greenhouses are sometimes built with corrugated roofing, since this material is very easy to work with. Once a greenhouse has been framed, it can be quickly covered with plastic roofing which admits light in while maintaining high temperature and humidity levels. For people who like to do projects on their own, a greenhouse made from corrugated roofing can be more lasting and durable than a structure covered in plastic sheeting, another common material in greenhouse construction.
In addition to being installed by individuals who are handy with tools, installation can also be handled by a roofing company. For extra insulation, multiple layers cushioned with foam or other insulation materials may be used, and corrugated roofing in heavy weights to conform with strict building codes can also be used. Periodic maintenance in the form of inspections to check for loose sheeting is critical, because high winds can carry off an entire roof in minutes if the wind manages to get a foothold.
For snowy climates, metal roofing tends to be a better choice, because plastic and fiberglass can collapse under the weight of snow. For structures in cold regions where more light is desired, a combination of metal and clear plastic corrugated roofing can be used, with the metal taking most of the weight of the snow so that the plastic does not break. Metal roofing is usually treated to be rust-resistant, although it may require periodic re-treatments, and it is usually necessary to treat openings in the roofing such as holes from nails and screws to prevent the roofing from rusting along the rough edges of such holes.