IBR Roofing Sheets: The Complete Guide (Dimensions, Materials, Machines)
IBR Roofing Sheets: The Complete Guide
IBR (Inverted Box Rib) is the dominant metal roofing profile in South Africa and across southern Africa, and it is growing across East and West Africa. IBR sheets are roll formed from color-coated or galvanized coil into a profile of wide flat pans separated by narrow inverted ribs. The wide pans shed water fast and the profile suits the high winds and heavy rain of the region. This guide covers IBR dimensions, materials, machines and buying points.
IBR Profile Dimensions
- Cover width: 685 mm per sheet (the standard IBR cover width).
- Development width: about 710 mm of coil is used to form the 685 mm cover.
- Ribs: typically 5 inverted box ribs across the sheet width.
- Thickness: 0.4-0.6 mm for roofing; 0.35 mm economy to 0.6 mm premium.
- Lengths: cut to order from 1 m to 12 m+ on the roll forming line.
Materials for IBR Sheets
IBR is produced mainly from color-coated steel (PPGI/PPGL) in the colors popular in the region — typically shades of red/brown, green and grey zincalume — plus plain galvanized for industrial and farm use. The zinc-aluminum (galvalume) base is preferred in coastal areas of South Africa and neighboring countries for its corrosion life. See how to choose the coil for base and coating details.
IBR vs Corrugated: Which to Produce?
Corrugated 5-wave (about 600 mm cover) is cheaper per meter and the default for economy roofing across much of Africa; IBR sells at a premium with a more modern look and is the standard for quality housing and commercial roofing in southern Africa. Many producers run both on a double layer machine (IBR + corrugated) so they can supply the whole market with one line. Our IBR vs corrugated comparison details the differences.
Machines for IBR Production
IBR sheets are made on an IBR roll forming machine: coil feeds through 10-16 forming stations that shape the pans and inverted ribs, then a hydraulic shear cuts each sheet to the programmed length and a stacker collects it. IBR lines run at 8-20 m/min and can be single-profile or combined as double layer with corrugated. Ridge caps and flashings are produced on companion machines to complete the roof system — see our ridge cap guide.
Buying IBR Sheets: What to Check
- Actual thickness under the paint — check with a gauge, not the label.
- Coating type and film thickness (PE vs PVDF matters in coastal areas).
- Color consistency between batches — order from one coil family for large projects.
- Cut edge protection — specify good edge quality to avoid early rust at the cut.
FAQ
What is an IBR roof sheet?
IBR (Inverted Box Rib) is a metal roofing profile with wide flat pans and narrow inverted ribs, the standard profile in southern Africa with a 685 mm cover width.
What width is an IBR sheet?
Each IBR sheet covers 685 mm, formed from about 710 mm of coil.
What thickness is IBR roofing?
Typically 0.4-0.6 mm color-coated or galvanized steel; 0.35 mm economy to 0.6 mm premium are common.
Is IBR better than corrugated?
IBR sells at a premium with a modern look and is standard for quality roofing in southern Africa; corrugated is cheaper per meter and dominates economy roofing elsewhere in Africa.
Can one machine make IBR and corrugated?
Yes — a double layer machine forms both profiles and switches by button without changing rollers.
How do I start IBR production?
Send your IBR profile drawing and coil details to our sales team for a line quotation.
Related Reading
IBR vs Corrugated | Double Layer Machines | Roofing Sheet Types | Coil Selection Guide | IBR Roll Forming Machine | All Products | Get a Quote
Get a Quote
Contact ZTRFM with your IBR drawing for a quotation.