Roofing and sheets — price, types and what to check
Metal sheets, polycarbonate, clay tiles and cool roofs.
Most Indian homes have RCC flat roofs, but sheds, terrace covers and top-floor extensions use sheets, and high-rain regions still favour sloped tiled roofs.
The basics
- Sheet options: galvalume metal, polycarbonate, UPVC and fibre cement.
- Mangalore and clay tiles suit Kerala, Konkan and the Northeast.
- Cool-roof coatings lower top-floor temperature on RCC terraces.
Roofing and sheets types and price ranges in India
| Type | Specification | Best used for | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colour-coated galvalume sheet | 0.40–0.50 mm | Sheds and terrace covers | ₹55–110 |
| Polycarbonate sheet | Multiwall / solid | Skylights and balcony covers | ₹70–250 |
| UPVC / ASA roofing sheet | Corrosion-free | Cooler covered areas | ₹60–120 |
| Fibre cement sheet | Non-asbestos | Budget sheds | ₹30–60 |
| Mangalore / clay tile | Interlocking | Sloped roofs | ₹25–60 |
| Sandwich puff panel | 30–100 mm | Insulated roofs | ₹150–300 |
| Cool-roof coating | Heat-reflective | RCC terraces | ₹25–60 |
Quality checks before you accept delivery
- Check actual sheet thickness with a micrometer — suppliers often shave 0.05 mm.
- Look for AZ150 coating mark on galvalume.
- Screws should have EPDM sealing washers.
- Coating colour should be uniform with no scratches.
- Brand and thickness should be printed on the underside.
- Check purlins for rust and straightness.
Pro tips
- Metal sheets need at least a 10° slope and 1.5-corrugation side laps.
- Cool-roof coatings can lower top-floor temperatures by a few degrees.
- Add a ridge vent or turbo ventilator under large sheet roofs.
- Space purlins as per the sheet maker's table.
- Add gutters and down pipes to every sheet roof.
- Add insulation under metal sheets to cut heat and rain noise.
- Keep a generous overhang to protect walls.
Mistakes to avoid
- Screws without sealing washers.
- Walking directly on polycarbonate.
- Too flat a slope.
- Mixing metals like copper and galvalume that corrode each other.
- Leaving ridges and eaves open to birds and rain.
Where you can save
- Colour-coated galvalume outlasts cheap GI sheets.
- A few translucent sheets cut daytime lighting.
How much you need
Roof plan area × 1.1 for slopes and overlaps.
Brands to know
Tata BlueScope, JSW Colouron+, Everest, Visaka, Hindalco Everlast