When purchasing roofing sheets for shade sheds, carports, or carport kits, many Australians assume that the company building their shed also manufactures the roofing sheets. In reality, this is not how the industry operates.

Understanding where roofing sheets come from, the different thicknesses available and which option is best for your project can help you make a more informed buying decision.

Who Manufactures Roofing Sheets?

One of the biggest misconceptions in the Australian shed and carport industry is that shed manufacturers produce their own roofing sheets.

The reality is that they do not.

Companies that fabricate shade sheds, carports and carport kits purchase their roofing materials from specialist roofing sheet manufacturers and suppliers. These suppliers operate large roll-forming facilities that manufacture roofing sheets before supplying them to shed builders, fencing companies, hardware stores and construction businesses.

A carport factory is responsible for designing, cutting, welding and assembling steel structures. They manufacture the structural framework - the posts, rafters, beams and brackets, but they purchase roofing sheets from dedicated roofing sheet manufacturers.

Roofing Sheet Thicknesses

The two most common thicknesses used for residential roofing sheets are:

• 0.35mm Base Metal Thickness (BMT)
• 0.42mm Base Metal Thickness (BMT)

Both products are manufactured using steel and are designed for different applications.

0.35mm Roofing Sheets

The 0.35mm roofing sheet is the most commonly used roofing profile for residential sheds, garages, pergolas, patios and carports.

They provide excellent strength when installed correctly over the recommended roof batten spacing.

For most backyard structures, including:

• Shade sheds
• Garden sheds
• Carports
• Garages
• Pergolas
• Workshops

0.35mm roofing sheets provide outstanding performance while remaining economical.

These sheets are easier to transport, handle, and install, making them an excellent choice for DIY projects as well as professionally installed carport kits.

0.42mm Roofing Sheets

The 0.42mm roofing sheet offers additional rigidity and strength.

It is commonly selected for:

• Larger commercial buildings
• Industrial structures
• Agricultural sheds
• Buildings with wider support spacing

The BMT provides resistance during installation and offers slightly greater stiffness across longer spans.

For many residential applications, however, the additional thickness is not necessary.

Is 0.35mm Roofing Sheet High Quality?

Quality is determined by much more than thickness alone.

High quality 0.35mm roofing sheets are manufactured using coated steel and strict roll-forming processes. When installed according to the manufacturer's span tables and installation guidelines, they provide excellent long term performance for residential structures.

Thousands of Australian homes feature 0.35mm roofing sheets on:

• Carports
• Shade sheds
• Garden sheds
• Patio roofs
• Garages

Every day, these roofs successfully withstand Australia's harsh climate, including strong sun, heavy rain and varying weather conditions.

For standard residential applications, 0.35mm roofing sheets are a proven, reliable, and widely accepted solution.

Why Many Shed and Carport Manufacturers Use 0.35mm Roofing Sheets

There is a simple reason why many manufacturers choose 0.35mm roofing sheets for their products..

Benefits include:

• Excellent durability
• Easier installation
• Reduced overall structure weight
• Cost-effective without compromising performance
• Ideal for residential sheds and carports
• Proven performance across Australia

Using 0.35mm roofing sheets allows manufacturers to provide reliable products while keeping projects affordable for homeowners.

Whether you purchase from a local shed supplier or a large carport factory, the roofing sheets are typically sourced from specialist roofing sheet manufacturers.

The process generally works like this:

1. Roofing sheet manufacturers produce steel roofing profiles.
2. Shed and carport factory businesses purchase these roofing sheets.
3. The factory fabricates the steel frame.
4. The roofing sheets are installed onto the completed structure.
5. The finished carports, sheds or carport kits are supplied to customers.

This specialised supply chain ensures each manufacturer focuses on what they do best.  Roofing suppliers manufacture roofing sheets, while shed and carport manufacturers fabricate strong, engineered steel structures.

Choosing the Right Roofing Sheets

When selecting roofing sheets, it is important to consider the intended application.

For most residential projects, including shade sheds, carports and carport kits, high-quality 0.35mm roofing sheets provide an excellent balance of strength, durability, ease of installation, and value.

If your project involves larger industrial buildings, wider roof spans or specialised engineering requirements, 0.42mm roofing sheets may be recommended.