Top 5 Roofing and Cladding Profiles Made with Roll Forming Machines in the UK

In the UK construction and manufacturing sectors, roll formed metal roofing and cladding profiles are widely used for commercial, industrial, agricultural, and even residential applications. From lightweight agricultural sheds to high-end architectural buildings, these profiles offer durability, speed of installation, and aesthetic appeal.

Below, we explore the top 5 roofing and cladding profiles commonly produced with roll forming machines in the UK, including details on their design, material specs, and industry applications.

Corrugated Panels

Overview:
Corrugated panels are one of the most traditional and widely recognised metal sheet profiles. With a consistent wave-like pattern, they offer flexibility and strength while remaining cost-effective.

Key Features:

• Typically sinusoidal in shape

• Excellent water runoff

• Lightweight and easy to install

• Used for both roofing and cladding

Common Specs:

• Pitch: 76.2 mm

• Depth: 18 mm

• Material thickness: 0.4–0.7 mm

• Width (cover): 914–990 mm

Applications in the UK:

• Agricultural barns and storage units

• Sheds and garages

• Industrial warehouses

• Temporary and site buildings

Materials Used:

• Galvanised steel

• Pre-painted steel (Colorcoat)

• Aluminium (for lightweight structures)

IBR Profiles (Inverted Box Rib)

Overview:
IBR stands for Inverted Box Rib, a high-strength roofing and cladding profile originally developed in South Africa but now widely adopted in the UK for industrial and agricultural buildings. Its deeper rib design provides enhanced load-bearing capacity.

Key Features:

• Trapezoidal rib pattern

• Superior water resistance

• Suitable for longer spans

• Efficient in both roofing and vertical cladding

Common Specs:

• Pitch: 171 mm

• Depth: 36–38 mm

• Material thickness: 0.5–0.8 mm

• Width (cover): 686–890 mm

Applications in the UK:

• Industrial warehouses

• Cold storage units

• Agricultural sheds

• Modular building roofs

Materials Used:

• Galvanised steel

• Pre-coated steel

• Aluminium

Box Profile Panels (Trapezoidal Panels)

Overview:
Box profile panels—also known as trapezoidal panels—are the most common steel roofing and wall cladding profile used in UK commercial and light industrial buildings. They combine strength with a modern, clean appearance.

Key Features:

• Angular, geometric look

• Provides high load strength

• Available with or without anti-condensation backing

• Easy to fix with standard fasteners

Common Specs:

• Pitch: 166 mm or 200 mm

• Depth: 32 mm or 34 mm

• Material thickness: 0.5–0.7 mm

• Width (cover): 1000 mm (approx.)

Applications in the UK:

• Industrial buildings

• Commercial roofs and walls

• Domestic outbuildings

• Educational buildings

Materials Used:

• Pre-painted steel (Colorcoat HPS200 or Prisma)

• Galvanised steel

• Polyester-coated steel

Standing Seam Panels

Overview:
Standing seam profiles are the go-to solution for high-specification architectural roofing. Offering a sleek finish with hidden fixings, they are ideal for projects requiring a modern look and superior weather performance.

Key Features:

• No exposed fixings

• Excellent thermal expansion capability

• Highly waterproof

• Suitable for both low-slope and curved roofs

Common Specs:

• Seam height: 25–65 mm

• Panel width: 300–600 mm

• Material thickness: 0.5–0.9 mm

• Custom seam lock types: snap-lock, mechanical seam

Applications in the UK:

• Public sector and government buildings

• Schools and universities

• Airports and rail stations

• High-end commercial projects

Materials Used:

• Aluminium

• Zinc (VMZinc, elZinc)

• Copper

• Steel (with PVDF or polyamide coating)

Tile-Effect Roofing Panels

Overview:
Tile-effect metal sheets replicate the look of traditional clay or concrete tiles while offering the durability and speed of installation that metal roofing provides. They are popular in residential and light commercial settings across the UK.

Key Features:

• Lightweight and easy to install

• Resistant to cracking and frost

• Low maintenance

• Decorative appearance with fast coverage

Common Specs:

• Tile repeat: 350 mm (approx.)

• Panel width: 1100–1180 mm

• Material thickness: 0.45–0.6 mm

• Profile types: Roman, Bond, Milano, etc.

Applications in the UK:

• Residential homes

• Extensions and garages

• Garden buildings

• Modular and prefab homes

Materials Used:

• Pre-painted steel (polyester or granular finish)

• Aluminium with baked enamel coating

Material Gauges and Industry Usage Summary

How Are These Profiles Made?

All these profiles are produced using roll forming machines that:

• Use decoilers to feed steel or aluminium coil

• Shape the material via progressive roller dies

• Cut to length using hydraulic or servo-driven cutters

• Stack or discharge the panels for handling

Modern UK-based operations are increasingly turning to custom-built roll forming machines to produce these profiles in-house, reducing reliance on third-party suppliers and ensuring profile consistency.

Need a Machine to Produce These Profiles?

At Machine Matcher, we supply UK businesses with brand-new, custom-built roll forming machines designed to produce all the profiles listed above.

We offer:

• ✅ Roofing panel machines (corrugated, box, tile-effect)

• ✅ Standing seam roll forming lines

• ✅ Trim and flashing machines

• ✅ Full setup, training, and UK-wide delivery

• ✅ Expert guidance based on your profile drawings and material specs

Contact Us to Discuss Your Profile Requirements

Send us your panel drawings or tell us which profiles you want to manufacture—and we’ll match you with the perfect machine.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0) 20 3950 2500