Corrugated roofing is a hardy and versatile option for your home, and is more popular than ever – with your choice of traditional iron, as well as in polycarbonate and fiberglass corrugated roofing varieties.

"The main benefit of corrugated roofing is that it requires less maintenance," says roofing retailer Ian Earl. In addition to this, corrugated iron roofing (particularly if it is galvanised to prevent rust) generally lasts for decades, making it a wise investment.

As a building material, it is lightweight, which means it doesn’t put too much stress on the home’s structure. It’s also non-combustible and able to withstand extreme weather conditions such as heat, rain, snow and strong winds.

So, are there any downsides to corrugated iron roofing? "Really, no," says Ian. "As long as you’ve got insulation blankets in your roof, it’s fine, as they deaden the noise of rain and stop heat getting in and cold getting out, and vice versa in the cooler months."

According to Ian, corrugated iron roofing can be used on all types of homes. And he reveals that there has been a recent surge in its popularity for residential use. "It’s really taken over the market now," he says.

As well as iron roofing, corrugated fiberglass roofing is also available – although this is generally used in commercial buildings as a way to let in more natural light and cut down on electricity costs. "In domestic settings, people are more likely to use polycarbonate corrugated roofing," says Ian. "For example, someone might want a bit more light in the bathroom, so instead of using a conventional skylight, they might put polycarbonate sheeting on the roof to let light into the room." Polycarbonate sheeting doesn’t last as long as iron sheeting – it generally needs to be replaced every 10 years.

While adventurous home handymen might fancy having a go at laying corrugated roofing, Ian believes the job is best left to the professionals. "I don’t think people should attempt it," he says. "You’ve got the height issue, you’ve got to secure the sheets correctly, and a lot of home handymen use a grinder to cut the sheeting, which you shouldn’t do – you should use a hand saw or Excalibur cutter."

To get a corrugated roof over your head, find a local roofing professional.