PEB Materials Guide: Steel Grades, Sheeting & Insulation Options
Quick Answer
PEB structures typically use high-strength low-alloy steel (commonly grade Fe 345/E350 or similar) for primary framing, galvanized or galvalume-coated profiled sheets for roofing and cladding, and optional PUF (polyurethane foam) sandwich panels or glasswool insulation depending on thermal requirements.
Structural Steel Grades
Primary framing in Indian PEB structures commonly uses high-strength steel in the Fe 345/E350 grade range, chosen for its favourable strength-to-weight ratio that helps keep overall steel tonnage — and cost — down. Secondary members like purlins and girts typically use cold-formed, galvanized light-gauge steel sections.
Roofing and Wall Sheeting Options
- Galvanized (GI) sheets — cost-effective, standard corrosion protection
- Galvalume (aluminium-zinc coated) sheets — better corrosion and heat-reflectivity performance than plain GI
- Color-coated sheets — pre-painted for aesthetics and additional weather protection
- PUF sandwich panels — insulated roofing/wall panels for thermal control, common in temperature-sensitive facilities
Insulation Considerations
Steel conducts heat far more readily than masonry, which matters for buildings with temperature-sensitive processes, occupied office space within the shed, or simply worker comfort in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh's summer heat. Options range from simple under-deck glasswool insulation to full PUF sandwich panel roofing, with cost and thermal performance scaling accordingly.