Free Span Roofing – Commercial Trapezoidal Roofing and Wall Cladding Profile

Free Span roofing is a trapezoidal metal roofing and wall cladding system designed for commercial and industrial buildings across New Zealand. Freeman Roofing’s Free Span profile provides superior spanning capability, structural efficiency, and reliable weather performance suited to large-scale projects.

The system is manufactured custom cut to length (subject to transport and site limitations), allowing sheet lengths to be tailored to project requirements. Free Span is part of Freeman Roofing’s broader range of metal roofing profiles designed for architectural, residential, and commercial applications.

Key Features of Free Span Roofing

Freeman Roofing Free Span offers several advantages for roofing and wall cladding systems:

High-strength trapezoidal rib profile designed for superior spanning performance
Rib height of approximately 40 mm for structural strength and water-carrying capacity
Effective cover width of approximately 910 mm
Twin capillary break and underlap support for improved weather resistance
Suitable for both roofing and wall cladding applications

The deeper rib geometry and wide cover make Free Span a cost-effective solution for large roof areas, reducing the number of sheets and supporting efficient installation.

Minimum Roof Pitch

The minimum roof pitch for Free Span roofing is 3°, when the system is designed and detailed in accordance with Freeman Roofing design details and recognised New Zealand compliance pathways.

For roof runs exceeding 40 metres, the roof pitch should be increased, and additional allowances may be required for rainfall intensity and long-run performance. Longer lengths require project-specific design and detailing.

Typical Applications

Free Span roofing is commonly used for:

Commercial and Industrial Buildings

Warehouses, factories, and large-span buildings where spanning capability and installation efficiency are critical.

Large-Scale Roofing Projects

Projects requiring fewer sheets, reduced structural support, and cost-effective installation.

Residential and Utility Buildings

Free Span can also be used for residential and utility applications where a bold trapezoidal profile and long spans are desired.

For other roofing systems see Freeman Roofing’s full range of roofing styles and profiles.

Important Design Considerations

Correct detailing is essential to ensure the long-term performance of trapezoidal roofing systems.

Spanning Capability

Free Span is designed for increased purlin spacing compared to standard trapezoidal profiles. Purlin spacing and fixing design must be selected in accordance with Freeman Roofing span tables and project-specific loading requirements.

Thermal Movement

Metal roofing expands and contracts with temperature changes. Detailing must allow for thermal movement, particularly for long sheet lengths and darker colours.

Wind Zones and Substrate

Substrate requirements, span capability, and fixing selection may vary depending on wind zone, exposure conditions, material type, and sheet thickness.

Material selection may include products such as COLORSTEEL® or aluminium depending on project requirements and environmental conditions.