When constructing farm buildings for a working farm, it is vital that they offer the best levels of performance – and this means choosing the right materials. The two main options for use on the roof or cladding are fibre cement and box profile cladding, with the latter offering numerous benefits to farmers.

Speaking to Duane Roberts, the Senior Draughtsman at Graham Heath Construction, about this fantastic construction material, we look at the advantages of choosing box profile cladding for your farm building.

What is box profile cladding?

Box profile cladding refers to a specific shape of roofing sheet used on numerous farm buildings. Roofing sheets have a coating and colour on one side and are shaped with small peaks or flutes and come in a range of different cross-sectional shapes. Box profile cladding refers to a trapezoidal shape where no two opposites are parallel.

Advantage: aesthetics

One of the main advantages of box profile cladding is the versatility it offers in aesthetics. Box profile cladding boasts an incredibly varied core range of colours and styles and this gives buyers unbeatable choice over the look of their farm buildings. This is obviously a major benefit for those operating working farms that are open to the public and ensures that style and practicality merge together perfectly.

Advantage: cost

As well as offering a great selection of colours and styles, box profile cladding is also slightly cheaper than other roofing construction materials which make it an obvious choice for those on a budget. Quality is not compromised however, meaning that you get a reliable and sturdy roofing option for your farm without breaking the bank.

Advantage: stability

Due to its metal construction, box profile cladding is also ideal for those seeking stability in their roofing choice. If you needed to walk on the external surface of the roof, for whatever reason, then box profile cladding would be the preferred option to fibre cement as it would not crease or bend – offering greater stability and a uniform appearance.

Additionally, box profile cladding does not have to be insulated which can make it ideal for workshops and outbuildings where you may want to keep heat out while allowing ventilation. For those who want to add insulation, this can be done using a twin skin and suitable installation.

What buildings should it be used for?

The specific benefits of box profile cladding make it an ideal choice for use in workshops and outbuildings that do not contain livestock. This is because the material but may not remove condensation as effectively as something like fibre cement, allowing water to drip back into the internal structure.