In areas with harsh weather, roofing materials face tough challenges. These include intense heat, damp air, strong sunlight, and sudden storms. For buildings like factories, farms, and storage spaces, regular roofing options often fail over time. This is where materials like UPVC and GI sheets become useful.
UPVC, PVC, and ASA synthetic resin tiles are made from a plastic called polyvinyl chloride. This material is great at keeping out heat and noise. It also never rusts and resists chemical damage. On the other hand, GI sheets are metal-based and commonly used in older building styles.
This article compares UPVC roofing sheets and GI sheets. It aims to help you choose the best option for your industrial or commercial project.
Roofing materials affect how cool a building stays and how much energy it uses in hot weather.
UPVC is a fantastic heat blocker. Its ability to conduct heat is very low, at 0.325 W/(m·K). This is about 1/2000th that of a metal sheet. As a result, UPVC roofing sheets take in less heat during the day. This keeps the inside of buildings cooler. It also reduces the need for air conditioning.
GI sheets, however, are made of metal, which carries heat quickly. On hot days, they warm up fast. This makes the inside of buildings hotter. Without good insulation, cooling costs rise, and workers feel uncomfortable.
UPVC roofing sheets save energy, which is a big advantage in places like the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. These regions have intense heat. UPVC’s ability to keep buildings cool cuts down on electricity bills.
Moisture and salty air can damage roofs, especially in coastal or tropical areas. Knowing how materials handle corrosion is key.
UPVC roofing sheets don’t react with chemicals. They resist rust completely. These sheets stand up to acid rain, ocean salt, and factory pollutants. They stay strong in tough conditions.
GI sheets, however, often rust when exposed to moisture or pollutants. Even with protective layers, tiny holes or flaws appear. Over time, water gets through these weak spots. This causes pitting and damage that weakens the sheets.
UPVC needs little upkeep because it resists chemicals. On the other hand, GI sheets require regular checks. They may need repainting or recoating every few years, especially in harsh areas. This increases costs over time.
Sunlight doesn’t just bring heat—it also harms materials through ultraviolet (UV) rays.
UPVC roofing sheets have a special layer called ASA on their surface. This layer blocks UV rays effectively. It keeps the color bright for 8 to 10 years, even in strong sunlight. This makes UPVC long-lasting and attractive.
GI sheets, however, have painted surfaces that fade quickly under UV rays. Often, their color dulls within months. This makes buildings look worn and can lower their value.
Industrial buildings need roofs that can handle physical stress, like falling objects or storms.
UPVC roofing sheets with fiberglass reinforcement are very strong. They have better tensile strength and can bear heavy loads. The fiberglass layer makes them tough against impacts.
These reinforced UPVC roofing sheets can withstand falling debris or accidental hits. They don’t crack easily, which is perfect for busy places like warehouses or factories.
GI sheets are strong at first. However, rust can weaken them over time. To stay durable, they need careful maintenance.
A good roof must handle more than just heat. It needs to resist moisture, fire, and extreme weather.
UPVC roofing sheets don’t absorb water. They also prevent mold growth. This makes them ideal for damp climates where mold is a problem.
UPVC roofing sheets are hard to set on fire. They stop burning on their own and have a B1 fire rating. While GI sheets don’t burn easily, their coatings may catch fire or weaken in high heat if not properly treated.
UPVC roofing sheets with fiberglass are 50% stronger against impacts. They perform well in storms or heavy snow, making them suitable for tough weather areas.
Noise from rain or storms can be a problem in industrial areas, especially for workers or animals.
UPVC is excellent at reducing noise. It can lower sound levels by 25-30 dB. This keeps buildings quiet, even during heavy rain.
Metal GI sheets, however, make noise louder because of their stiff structure. In places like workshops or farms, this can disturb workers or animals, affecting comfort and productivity.
The upfront cost of roofing matters, but the total cost over time shows the real value.
UPVC roofing sheets cost more at first. However, they save money in the long run. They keep buildings cooler, lowering cooling bills. They also need fewer repairs and no repainting. Over 10–15 years, UPVC is often cheaper than GI sheets.
GI sheets seem affordable initially. But they come with extra costs. Rust treatment, repainting, and even replacing panels add up, especially in harsh conditions.
Jieli is a top name in roofing solutions:
Started in 1992, Jieli is a leading maker of UPVC roofing sheets in China.
Jieli has its own advanced testing lab, certified by CMA. Its products are approved by CNAS and UL.
The fiberglass-reinforced UPVC sheet is a unique, patented product.
Jieli has supplied major projects, such as the Venezuela housing project (1,100,000 m²), Olympic venues (2008 & 2022), and the Agrosuper pig farm in Chile. It has worked with Sodimac in Latin America since 2012.
With 22 production lines, Jieli ensures quick delivery.
UPVC roofing beats GI sheets in key areas like heat control, rust resistance, UV protection, and noise reduction. The fiberglass reinforcement makes Jieli’s UPVC roofing sheets especially strong for tough industrial settings. Choosing Jieli’s UPVC roofing ensures lasting performance and efficiency. Always consider your local weather when picking a roofing material. Jieli offers advice tailored to your region’s challenges.
Q1: Why is UPVC roofing good for hot climates?
A: UPVC has very low heat conductivity (0.325 W/(m·K)). It keeps buildings cool in hot weather. This reduces the need for air conditioning and lowers energy costs.
Q2: How long does UPVC roofing sheet’s color last compared to GI sheets?
A: UPVC’s ASA layer protects against UV rays, keeping colors bright for 8–10 years. GI sheets’ paint often fades in months due to sunlight damage.
Q3: Is installing UPVC roofing sheets difficult?
A: No, it’s simple. UPVC roofing sheets are installed like metal sheets. They overlap and are fixed with screws. This makes them easy and secure for large projects like warehouses or farms.
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