Tips for Installing Corrugated Iron to Prevent Leaks and Make it Last Longer

Corrugated iron is one of the most widely used roofing materials in residential and industrial buildings. Besides being affordable, this material is also lightweight and easy to install. However, installation errors are often the main cause of leaks, rust, and a shortened lifespan.

Here are some important tips to ensure a neat, strong, and long-lasting corrugated iron installation.

1. Choose the Right Roof Slope
The slope of the roof significantly affects rainwater flow.
To prevent water from pooling and seeping in:

• Use a minimum slope of 15°.
• For areas with high rainfall, use a slope of 20–30° for added safety.

2. Ensure the Roof Frame is Correct and Level
Uneven frame structures can cause the iron to undulate or become loose, creating water gaps.

• Use a lightweight steel or wood frame that is perfectly straight.
• Check the frame connections before installation.

3. Use the Right Screws
Using regular nails is one of the most common mistakes and often leads to leaks.

Use roofing screws that have:

• Rubber washers (seals) to prevent seepage.
• A rust-resistant coating.
• A diameter appropriate to the thickness of the zinc and frame.

Make sure the screws are installed at the crest of the wave, not the valley.

4. Arrange the Zinc Overlap Correctly
An under-width overlap can allow rainwater to easily enter through the gaps.

Recommended overlaps:

• Side: 1–1.5 waves.
• Top–bottom: 20–30 cm.

The steeper the roof, the smaller the overlap can be. For sloping roofs, make it wider.

5. Install from the Upwind Direction
The installation direction affects the potential for water to enter through gaps.

• Start installing the zinc from the direction opposite the dominant wind direction.
• This prevents the wind from lifting and damaging the sides of the zinc overlap.

6. Avoid Stepping on Wave Valleys
During installation, stepping on wave valleys can dent or crack the zinc surface.

Tip:

• Step only on the wave crests.
• Use a baseboard when walking on corrugated iron.

7. Add a Roof Trim and Ridges
Flats and ridges protect the edges and peaks of the roof to prevent water from entering.

• Use ridges that match the shape of the corrugated iron for a tighter fit.
• Ensure tight installation with more screws at the ends.

8. Use Sealant in Leak-Prone Areas

Add a quality sealant to strengthen the joints, especially at:

• Roof-wall joints
• Roof ridge areas
• Around gutters
• Frame edges

Avoid using cheap sealants that crack easily when heated.

9. Choose Quality Corrugated Iron
The quality of the corrugated iron significantly determines the final result. Choose one that:

• Meets standard thickness
• Galvanized or galvalume-coated
• Rust-resistant and resistant to extreme weather
• Produced by a trusted manufacturer

Conclusion
Proper installation of corrugated iron not only makes the roof more durable but also protects the building from leaks and long-term damage. From material selection and installation techniques to proper screw usage, everything plays a crucial role.

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PT Intisumber Bajasakti (ISBS) supplies various types of high-quality corrugated iron, including galvanized and galvalum, directly from the best factories in Indonesia.

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