Six Rib Roofing – Trapezoidal Roofing and Wall Cladding Profile

Six Rib roofing is a trapezoidal metal roofing and wall cladding system designed for residential and commercial buildings across New Zealand. Freeman Roofing’s Six Rib profile provides strong rib geometry, efficient spanning capability, and reliable weather performance suited to a wide range of applications.

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

Key Features of Six Rib Roofing

Freeman Roofing Six Rib offers several advantages for roofing and wall cladding systems:

• Trapezoidal rib profile providing strength and efficient spanning capability
• Rib height of approximately 29 mm for structural performance and water-carrying capacity
• Effective cover width of approximately 735 mm
• Suitable for both roofing and wall cladding applications
• Custom sheet lengths manufactured to suit project requirements

The bold rib shape creates a defined linear appearance, making Six Rib a popular choice for residential, commercial, and utility buildings.

Minimum Roof Pitch

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

Low-pitch roof applications require appropriate detailing and installation to ensure adequate drainage and weather performance.

Typical Applications

Six Rib roofing is commonly used for:

Residential Roofing

Homes where a strong, modern trapezoidal roof profile is desired.

Commercial and Light Industrial Buildings

Medium-scale buildings where spanning efficiency and durability are key design considerations.

Wall Cladding Systems

Six Rib can also be used as wall cladding when installed with an appropriate drainage cavity and support system.

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.

Thermal Movement

Metal roofing expands and contracts with temperature changes. Detailing must allow for thermal movement across the roof system, particularly for longer 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.

Span and Fixing Requirements

Purlin spacing and fixing patterns must be selected in accordance with Freeman Roofing span tables and design guidance to ensure structural performance.

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

Talk to Your Local Freeman Roofing Branch

For product availability, sheet length constraints, and project-specific detailing support, contact your local Freeman Roofing branch.

Our team can assist architects, designers, and builders with selecting the appropriate Six Rib roofing system for their project.

Compliance

Six Rib must be installed in accordance with:

• Freeman Roofing Six Rib design details
• The NZ Metal Roofing Manufacturers Code of Practice
• Relevant New Zealand Building Code compliance pathways

Buildings outside the scope of standard acceptable solutions may require project-specific design and consenting.