Summary
- The main types of roofing sheets used in India are metal (GI and Galvalume), polycarbonate, PVC, asbestos cement, and FRP.
- Metal sheets are the strongest and most widely used. Polycarbonate lets in daylight.
- PVC offers good insulation. Asbestos cement is the cheapest but carries health risks.
- Sheet costs range from ₹30 per sq ft for asbestos cement to ₹250 per sq ft for polycarbonate. These are indicative figures as of 2026.
The 6 types of roofing sheets used in India are metal (GI and Galvalume), polycarbonate, PVC, asbestos cement, FRP, and bitumen sheets. Each of them is suitable for a different requirement.
This guide will compare all types of roofing sheets used in India so you can pick the best for your home roof.
What Are Roofing Sheets?
Roofing sheets are lightweight panels fixed over a frame to cover a sloped roof. They run between the purlins or rafters and cover large areas quickly.
- Purlin
- A horizontal beam that supports the rafters in a roof frame. Roofing sheets are fixed to the purlins using self-drilling screws.
Roofing sheets are easier to install and cost less than clay tiles or an RCC slab. On the other hand, tiles can be heavy and cost more. An RCC slab is permanent but costs more than both sheets and other materials.
There are two types of roofing sheet profiles:
- Corrugated sheets that have a wavy cross-section.
- Trapezoidal or ribbed sheets that have flat tops with raised ribs.
Both profiles make the sheets stiffer, helping them span between purlins without sagging.
Tiles are heavier and more expensive. Read our Tiled Roof House guide if you are considering tiles instead of sheets.
How to Read This Comparison
The table below compares all six roofing sheet types. Use it to quickly find the option that suits your project, then read the section for more details.
All ₹ figures are indicative as of 2026. The pricing includes the sheet material only, per sq ft of roof area.
| Sheet Type | Durability | Heat Performance | Lets Light In? | Indicative ₹ per sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GI metal (corrugated) | High | Gets hot without insulation | No | 40 to 90 |
| Galvalume metal | Very high | Better than plain GI | No | 60 to 120 |
| Polycarbonate | Medium to high | Can heat up in direct sun | Yes | 90 to 250 |
| PVC or plastic | Medium | Good insulation | No | 50 to 120 |
| Asbestos cement | Medium | Cooler than bare metal | No | 30 to 60 |
| FRP (fibreglass) | Medium to high | Translucent options available | Partly | 60 to 150 |
1. Metal Sheets (GI, Galvalume, Corrugated)
Metal roofing sheets are the most widely used roofing material in India for sheds, factories, warehouses, and garages. They are strong, long-spanning, and fast to install.
- GI (Galvanised Iron): Steel sheets coated with zinc to protect against rust. The zinc coating is measured in GSM (grams per square metre). A higher GSM means a thicker coating and a longer service life.
- Galvalume: Steel sheets coated with a zinc-aluminium alloy. The aluminium improves corrosion resistance compared with plain GI, making Galvalume a better option for coastal and humid climates.
- GSM
- Grams per square metre. The measurement used for the zinc or zinc-aluminium coating on metal roofing sheets. Ask your supplier for the GSM rating before buying.
Metal sheets come in corrugated and trapezoidal profiles. They are available colour-coated for residential use.
Bare metal sheets absorb sunlight and transfer heat into the space below. This may be fine for a shed or factory, but it can make a home uncomfortable. Adding insulation or an air gap between the sheet and ceiling can help keep the space cooler.
Metal sheets can also be noisy during heavy rain. An insulation underlay can help reduce the noise.
Best for: Factory and warehouse roofs, sheds, garages, covered car parking, large-span structures.
- Buyer tip
- Ask about the sheet's gauge and GSM coating before buying. A thicker sheet or coating costs more but can last longer.
2. Polycarbonate Roofing Sheets
Polycarbonate sheets are a good choice when you want natural daylight indoors. They come in transparent or tinted options, with solid and multiwall types available.
- Multiwall polycarbonate
- Polycarbonate sheets with hollow channels inside. The trapped air helps with insulation and makes the sheets lighter than solid polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate transmits light but also traps heat if used in direct sun without shading. Tinted and UV-coated grades help. In Bengaluru's summer, a fully polycarbonate roof over a living space will get warm. Over a carport or patio, it is more comfortable.
These sheets scratch more easily than metal. Lower-grade polycarbonate can yellow and become brittle after several years in direct sun. UV-protected grades are worth the higher cost for any permanent installation.
Best for: Skylights, carports, balconies, patios, atriums, and terrace shade structures where natural light is needed.
3. PVC or Plastic Roofing Sheets
PVC and uPVC sheets are a low-maintenance alternative to metal for homes, sheds, and utility buildings. They do not rust or need painting.
Multi-layer uPVC sheets handle heat and humidity better than single-layer PVC. The layers trap air and help keep the space below cooler.
PVC sheets cannot span as far as metal sheets of the same thickness and can crack more easily when hit or walked on.
Best for: Residential sheds, home extensions, poultry and dairy buildings, and structures where metal sheets may corrode.
4. Asbestos Cement Sheets
Asbestos cement sheets are corrugated cement sheets reinforced with fibres. Modern fibre-cement sheets use synthetic or cellulose fibres instead of asbestos, so they do not carry the same health risks.
For new roofing, choose non-asbestos fibre-cement sheets. Asbestos cement sheets are heavier and more brittle than metal or polycarbonate. They can crack if walked on or hit and cannot be bent or curved.
Old asbestos sheets need careful handling during removal. Do not cut or drill them without proper dust protection. Dispose of them safely according to local requirements.
Best for: Low-cost utility sheds, warehouses, rural structures. Choose non-asbestos fibre-cement for any new installation.
5. FRP (Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic) Sheets
- FRP sheets
- Fibreglass-reinforced plastic panels used as translucent skylight strips in metal or fibre-cement roofs. They let natural light into sheds and factories without needing a full skylight.
The sheets are made to match the profile of the surrounding metal sheets, so they fit neatly into the roof.
FRP is lightweight and resistant to corrosion. Some grades can discolour and lose translucency over time, while better-quality FRP with a gel-coat surface stays clearer for longer.
The structural strength of FRP is lower than metal. FRP sheets are not intended to take foot traffic or concentrated loads.
Best for: Skylight strips within factory and shed roofs, covered walkways, and poultry farm roofing where diffused light is needed.
6. Other Roofing Sheets
- Bitumen or asphalt corrugated sheets
- These sheets are waterproof, lightweight, and have a longer lifespan than bare metal sheets. They last for a moderate number of years and are often used for garden sheds and small buildings.
- Metal tile-profile sheets
- Metal sheets pressed to look like clay tiles. They give a tiled-roof look at a lower cost and weight. They are popular for home front elevations and porches.
- Step-tile and mini-profile sheets
- Decorative metal sheets used for home roofs, porches, and front elevations. Modern fibre-cement sheets use synthetic or cellulose fibres instead of asbestos.
Read our guide on Roof Waterproofing Chemicals for sealing overlaps and fixing leaks in any sheet roof.
Cost of Roofing Sheets in India
All prices below are for sheet material only, per sq ft of roof area. They exclude purlins, fasteners, ridge caps, and labour. These are indicative 2026 rates and can vary by brand, city, and sheet size.
| Sheet Type | Indicative ₹ per sq ft | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Asbestos or fibre-cement | 30 to 60 | Cheapest |
| GI metal corrugated | 40 to 90 | Low |
| PVC or plastic | 50 to 120 | Low to mid |
| Galvalume or FRP | 60 to 150 | Mid |
| Polycarbonate | 90 to 250 | Premium |
What affects the price: Sheet thickness or gauge, GSM coating, profile, brand, and whether ridge caps and fasteners are included. Always ask for a per-sq-ft quote based on your actual roof area before finalising the budget.
How to Choose the Right Sheet for Indian Conditions
- For heat
- Bare metal gets very hot. Insulated uPVC, a colour-coated metal sheet with an insulation layer underneath, or a lighter sheet colour all reduce heat gain. Never use bare GI on a living space without insulation.
- For daylight
- Polycarbonate gives clear or tinted light. FRP gives softer, diffused light. Both can be used as strips within a metal roof rather than for the entire roof surface.
- For large spans and industrial use
- GI or Galvalume metal with proper purlin spacing is the standard choice. It spans farther than plastic or fibre-cement at the same thickness.
- For lowest cost
- Non-asbestos fibre-cement is the cheapest option for sheds and utility roofs.
Always match the sheet profile to the slope of the roof. Use self-drilling screws with EPDM sealing washers at each fixing point to help prevent leaks.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
- Installation
- Maintain the correct overlap between sheets. At least one corrugation or rib on the sides is the standard minimum. Fix at every purlin with self-drilling screws. Use ridge caps at the apex sealed with a suitable sealant.
- After the first monsoon
- Check all fastener points for leaks. Screws that are over-tightened can crack fibre-cement or polycarbonate. Screws that are under-tightened will let water in.
- Ongoing care
- Clear debris from the roof surface after each monsoon. Moss grows on fibre-cement and PVC in humid conditions and can be cleaned with a mild wash. Replace any cracked or rusted sheets early. Read our Roof Repair Guide for step-by-step guidance on fixing leaking and damaged roof sheets.
Add insulation underlay under metal sheets if heat or condensation is a problem. This is easier to do during installation than as a retrofit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which roofing sheet is best for a house in India?
For homes, colour-coated Galvalume or insulated PVC/uPVC sheets are practical options. They resist corrosion, handle heat better than bare metal, and give the roof a cleaner finish. Polycarbonate works well for carports and patios where you want natural daylight.
How much do roofing sheets cost per sq ft?
Asbestos and fibre-cement sheets start from around ₹30 per sq ft. GI metal sheets cost ₹40 to ₹90. PVC sheets cost ₹50 to ₹120. Galvalume and FRP range from ₹60 to ₹150. Polycarbonate is the most expensive at ₹90 to ₹250 per sq ft. These are indicative figures as of 2026 for material only.
Which roofing sheet is best for heat?
For hot areas, insulated uPVC sheets or colour-coated metal with an insulation underlay are better options. Bare GI and Galvalume can get very hot in direct sunlight, while polycarbonate sheet flooring can also heat up. For living spaces, an insulation layer is worth adding whatever sheet you choose.
Metal vs polycarbonate vs asbestos: which should I choose?
Choose metal (GI or Galvalume) for strength, large spans, and long life. Choose polycarbonate where natural daylight is needed inside the covered space. Choose non-asbestos fibre-cement for the lowest cost on utility sheds and warehouses. The right answer depends on your use case and budget.
Are asbestos cement sheets safe to use?
Old asbestos cement sheets pose a health risk when cut, drilled, or broken because the fibres become airborne. Modern fibre-cement sheets use synthetic fibres and are safe to handle and install. For any new installation, choose non-asbestos fibre-cement rather than traditional asbestos-cement sheets.
Which roofing sheet lasts the longest?
Galvalume metal sheets have the longest lifespan among common roofing sheet types, often lasting 25 to 40 years with proper installation and maintenance. GI sheets last 15 to 25 years depending on coating quality. Polycarbonate lasts 10 to 20 years with UV protection. Fibre-cement lasts 20 to 30 years in dry conditions.
Choose the Right Sheet for Your Roof
No single sheet type is the best for every job. Metal suits large industrial spans. Polycarbonate suits spaces that need daylight. PVC and uPVC suit homes and livestock buildings. Fibre-cement suits low-cost utility structures.
Decide on use case first, then consider heat, cost, and span. The sheet cost is only part of the total. Factor in fasteners, ridge caps, structure, and labour before comparing options.
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