Box Profile vs Corrugated Roofing Sheets: Which Is Right for Your Kenyan Home?

When building a home in Kenya, one of the biggest roofing decisions you'll face is choosing between box profile and corrugated roofing sheets. Both are popular, durable, and widely available — but they serve slightly different needs.

Box Profile: The Modern Choice

Box profile sheets feature a trapezoidal (square-edged) wave pattern that gives buildings a clean, contemporary look. The flat sections of the profile make it easier to walk on during installation and maintenance, and the design sheds water efficiently even on lower-pitch roofs.

Box profile is the preferred choice for modern bungalows, commercial buildings, and warehouses across Kisii, Nairobi, and most urban centres in Kenya.

Corrugated: The Time-Tested Classic

Corrugated sheets use a rounded wave pattern and have been the backbone of Kenyan roofing for generations. The continuous curve distributes stress evenly across the sheet, making it extremely resistant to wind uplift — a major consideration in open, windy areas like parts of Narok and the Rift Valley.

Our Recommendation

For urban and peri-urban homes with standard roof pitches, box profile gauge 30 offers the best balance of cost and modern appearance. For rural homesteads, farm structures, or high-wind areas, corrugated gauge 28 remains a rock-solid choice.

Whichever you choose, always confirm the gauge (thickness) matches your roof's span — thinner gauges need closer purlin spacing to avoid sagging.

Need help deciding? Use our free roof calculator or request a quotation and our team will recommend the right profile and gauge for your specific roof.