What is a Purlin?
A purlin is a horizontal beam or bar that provides structural support for buildings, typically beneath the roof. Steel purlins are very popular architectural material that mostly used in the construction industry.Although they are most used in metal building, sometimes they are used to replace closed spaced rafters in wood-frame structures. They are roof framing members to support the weight of the roof deck which includes the hardwood panel, plyboard or sheet metal that forms the roof surface.
Types of Steel Purlins
Nowadays, two types of steel purlins- C section steel purlins and Z section steel purlins
C Purlin:
As the name suggests, C purlins are shaped like C alphabet. They are typically support for beams used for flooring and walls. Besides roofing, C purlins are ideal for floor joints and given structural support in walls. C purlins are easy to handling and storage.
Advantages of C purlins
1. Ability to span length
2. Assured straightness
3. Durable
4. No side drilling required
1. No cutting requirement
Z Purlin:
Just like C purlin, Z purlins are known as Zee Purlins. They are named from the shape of the letter Z.M ost often, cold-formed or rolled sheets are used to create them.Compared to hot-rolled angles, Z purlins are known to save up to 50% on structural sheets.
The Z shape of purlins helps in overlapping the joints that make them sturdier and stronger compared to C purlins. They are most frequently used for large structures such as agricultural and industrial structures.
Advantages of Z purlins
1. Superior strength
2. Z purlins can be overlapped
3. Significantly saves material by reducing the height of purlins.
