Introduction
In the roofing and construction materials industry, IBR (Inverted Box Rib) roof sheeting is one of the most widely used steel roofing solutions in residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Known for its strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness, IBR sheeting has become a top choice across Africa, Asia, and many international markets.
One of the most important factors buyers, contractors, and wholesalers consider when choosing IBR roof sheeting is its sizes—including thickness, cover width, length, and rib height. Selecting the right size ensures structural stability, reduces material wastage, and achieves cost efficiency in large-scale projects.
This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the commonly used IBR roof sheeting sizes, their applications, and practical considerations for global importers and wholesalers.
What is IBR Roof Sheeting?
IBR (Inverted Box Rib) sheeting is a cold-rolled, trapezoidal profiled steel roofing sheet. It is manufactured from galvanized steel, galvalume, or color-coated steel. Its distinctive box-rib design provides:
- Excellent water drainage
- Superior load-bearing capacity
- Resistance to corrosion and weathering
- Aesthetic appearance for both residential and industrial roofing
Because of these properties, IBR sheets are commonly used in:
- Warehouses
- Factories
- Residential houses
- Schools and hospitals
- Agricultural structures (barns, storage units, sheds)
Standard Sizes of IBR Roof Sheeting
The sizes of IBR roof sheets are determined by cover width, sheet thickness, length, and rib height. Below is a detailed breakdown:
2.1 Cover Width
- 686 mm cover width (IBR 686) – Most commonly used in Southern Africa.
- 890 mm cover width (IBR 890) – Preferred in certain international projects requiring wider coverage.
- Other variations: Some manufacturers produce 762 mm, 914 mm, and 1000 mm wide IBR profiles for custom orders.
👉 Why it matters: A wider cover width reduces overlapping, saving material and installation costs.
2.2 Thickness (Gauge)
IBR sheeting thickness usually ranges from 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm.
- 0.4 – 0.5 mm: Economical, lightweight, used in residential or temporary structures.
- 0.6 – 0.8 mm: Standard for commercial and industrial roofing, balancing cost and strength.
- 1.0 – 1.2 mm: Heavy-duty roofing for factories, warehouses, and high-load applications.
👉 Why it matters: Thicker sheets offer greater durability and wind resistance but increase cost and weight.
2.3 Length
IBR roof sheeting can be cut to custom lengths, usually between 1.8 meters and 13 meters.
- Short lengths (1.8 m – 3 m): Ideal for small structures, carports, and verandas.
- Medium lengths (3 m – 6 m): Common for residential and commercial roofing.
- Long lengths (6 m – 13 m): Used in warehouses and large-span industrial projects.
👉 Why it matters: Longer sheets reduce overlaps, improving water tightness and reducing installation time.
2.4 Rib Height and Pitch
- Rib height: Usually 36 mm to 40 mm
- Pitch (distance between ribs): Approx. 171 mm
This rib design provides structural strength, allowing IBR sheeting to span longer distances without sagging.
Commonly Used IBR Sheeting Sizes (Summary Table)
| Specification | Common Range | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Cover Width | 686 mm / 890 mm | Residential, Industrial, Commercial |
| Thickness | 0.4 – 1.2 mm | Light to Heavy Duty |
| Length | 1.8 m – 13 m (custom cut) | Small to Large Span Projects |
| Rib Height | 36 – 40 mm | Structural Stability |
| Pitch | ~171 mm | Uniform Profile |
Applications of Different IBR Sizes
4.1 Residential Roofing
- Thickness: 0.4 – 0.6 mm
- Length: 3 – 6 m
- Cover Width: 686 mm
👉 Used for houses, carports, garages, and verandas.
4.2 Industrial Roofing
- Thickness: 0.6 – 1.0 mm
- Length: 6 – 12 m
- Cover Width: 686 mm or 890 mm
👉 Ideal for warehouses, factories, and workshops.
4.3 Agricultural Structures
- Thickness: 0.5 – 0.7 mm
- Length: 3 – 9 m
👉 Common in barns, sheds, grain storage units.
4.4 Large-Span Commercial Projects
- Thickness: 0.8 – 1.2 mm
- Length: 9 – 13 m
- Cover Width: 890 mm
👉 Airports, stadiums, shopping centers, and logistics hubs.
Materials Used in IBR Roof Sheeting
The sizes of IBR sheets are closely linked to the material used:
Galvanized Steel (GI) – Affordable, widely used, corrosion-resistant.
Galvalume (GL) – Aluminum-zinc coating provides longer durability.
Color-Coated Steel (PPGI/PPGL) – Aesthetic finish for modern construction projects.
Aluminum IBR Sheets – Lightweight, anti-rust, but higher cost.
Factors Influencing the Choice of IBR Sizes
Structural Load Requirements – Heavier roofs require thicker sheets.
Weather Conditions – Areas with strong winds or heavy rain need longer and thicker sheets.
Budget – Thinner sheets are cheaper but may not last as long.
Span and Roof Design – Wide-span projects need longer sheets to minimize overlaps.
Aesthetic Preferences – Some clients prefer wider sheets for modern appearance.
Market Trends in IBR Roof Sheeting Sizes
Customization Demand: Buyers increasingly prefer tailor-cut lengths to reduce wastage.
Sustainable Solutions: More demand for lighter gauges (0.5 – 0.6 mm) with protective coatings.
Global Export Growth: African, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern markets show increasing demand for 686 mm and 890 mm sizes.
Color-Coated IBR Sheets: Growing popularity in residential and commercial projects due to aesthetic appeal.
Advantages of Choosing Standard IBR Sizes
Compatibility – Matches most construction designs and installation systems.
Cost-Effectiveness – Standard sizes reduce production costs and lead times.
Efficiency – Pre-cut lengths minimize on-site cutting and wastage.
Wide Availability – Easy to source from international suppliers.
Buying Guide for Importers and Wholesalers
When sourcing IBR sheeting internationally:
Confirm standard cover width (686 mm or 890 mm).
Specify thickness according to end-use application.
Order custom lengths to reduce overlaps.
Verify coating type (GI, GL, or PPGI/PPGL).
Request mill certificates to ensure quality compliance.
Conclusion
IBR roof sheeting remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective roofing materials worldwide. The commonly used sizes—cover widths of 686 mm and 890 mm, thicknesses between 0.4 mm and 1.2 mm, and lengths ranging from 1.8 m to 13 m—make IBR sheets suitable for diverse applications, from small residential houses to massive industrial warehouses.
For importers and wholesalers, understanding these standard sizes is crucial for selecting the right product, reducing costs, and meeting client expectations. As global demand for durable, aesthetic, and affordable roofing continues to rise, IBR roof sheeting in standard sizes will remain a dominant choice in the international market.
