Is Corrugated Iron Suitable for High Rainfall Areas? Here's the Explanation

In many regions of Indonesia, particularly mountainous and coastal areas, high rainfall intensity is a major consideration when choosing a roofing material. One of the most widely used materials is corrugated iron, due to its light weight, easy installation, and economical nature. However, is corrugated iron truly suitable for use in areas with high rainfall?

To answer this question, let's look at how corrugated iron performs in heavy rain and what factors need to be considered.

Advantages of Corrugated Iron for High Rainfall Areas
1. Quick Water Drainage
The corrugated iron's wavy shape helps rainwater drain more quickly into gutters without creating puddles. This is especially important in areas with heavy rainfall to prevent leaks or water buildup.

2. Lightweight and Does Not Burden the Structure
Corrugated iron is lighter than other roofing materials such as concrete or ceramic tiles, making it safe for building structures in areas that frequently experience strong winds combined with heavy rainfall.

3. Easy to Install and Maintain
The quick and simple installation process makes the iron easy to repair if damaged by extreme weather.

Important Requirements for Safe Use of Corrugated Iron in Areas with High Rainfall
Although suitable, its use must meet several standards for optimal performance:

1. Minimum Roof Slope of 15°–25°
A proper slope helps water drain smoothly and prevents leaks due to seepage.

2. Sufficient Overlap
Installation standards:

• Horizontal overlap of 1–1.5 waves
• Vertical overlap of at least 20–30 cm

3. Use Roofing Screws with Rubber Washers
The washers ensure tight, watertight joints.

4. Add Ridges and Flashing to Joint Areas
To prevent water from entering through gaps at the roof peak or where walls meet.

5. Choose the Right Thickness of Corrugated Iron
For areas with high rainfall, the recommended minimum thickness is:

• 0.25 mm – 0.35 mm for light buildings
• 0.40 mm and above for stronger and wind-resistant requirements

Advantages and Disadvantages of Corrugated Iron in Rainy Areas

Aspect	Advantages	Disadvantages
Rainwater	Drains quickly and does not easily pool	Can be noisy during heavy rain
Maintenance	Easy to clean and repair	Requires precise installation to avoid leakage
Durability	Long-lasting when using zincalume/galvanized material	May corrode if the quality is low

Conclusion

Yes, corrugated iron is very suitable for use in areas with high rainfall, as long as it is installed using the correct method, using the appropriate thickness, and equipped with supporting accessories such as roofing screws, ridges, and flashing. Choosing quality materials also determines the roof's resistance to water, strong winds, and corrosion.

When installed according to proper technical standards, corrugated iron can be an effective, economical, and durable solution for areas with extreme rainfall conditions.

Need Quality Corrugated Iron for Your Project?
PT Intisumber Bajasakti supplies corrugated iron in various sizes and thicknesses to suit the needs of residential, warehouse, and large-scale construction projects.

📞 Phone: 021-66675999
🌐 Website: intisumberbajasakti.com
✉️ Email: info@intisumberbajasakti.com

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