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- Single skin vs insulated
Single skin vs insulated: which roof do you need?
The two kinds of roof we build, side by side — what they are, how they feel underneath and what they cost.
Single skin
- The lowest-cost option
- Spans up to about 5 m between beams
- Can be built as close as 450 mm to a boundary (with approval)
- Hotter and louder in rain than insulated
- No downlights or fans in the roof
Best for: Carports, flyovers with good air flow, and budget builds.
From underneath you see the ribbed roof sheets and the steel purlins that hold them. Lights and fans fix to the beams.
Quote a single skin roof
Insulated panel
- Keeps the heat out — noticeably cooler underneath
- Quiet in rain
- Finished white (or coloured) ceiling, no visible purlins
- Downlights and ceiling fans built in
- Longer spans, fewer beams
Best for: Patios and outdoor rooms you will sit under and use all year.
From underneath you see a flat, finished ceiling, usually Surfmist, with downlights and a fan set straight into it. Thicker panels span further and insulate better.
Quote a insulated panel roof
What you see when you look up
The biggest everyday difference is the ceiling. Tap a photo to see it full size.
Our insulated roofs use Australian panels from our trusted partner Superior Panel. Thinking of a shade sail instead? Read shade sail or patio roof first.
The full comparison
| Single skin | Insulated panel | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | One sheet of Colorbond steel | Two steel skins with an insulation core |
| Heat underneath | Hot in summer sun | Much cooler — the core blocks radiant heat |
| Rain noise | Loud | Quiet |
| Ceiling | You see the roof sheets and purlins | Flat, finished ceiling (white or coloured) |
| Lights & fans | Not in the roof | Downlights and ceiling fans built in |
| Distance to boundary | Can go to 450 mm (with approval) | Can go to 900 mm (with approval) |
| Cost | Lower | Higher — most people find it worth it for a patio |
| Best for | Carports, flyovers, budget builds | Patios and outdoor rooms used all year |
A quick rule of thumb
- Sitting under it? Go insulated.
- Parking under it? Single skin is plenty.
- Flyover with good air flow? Single skin works well.
- Want downlights or a fan? Insulated.
We price both for your size at the on-site quote.
Is an insulated patio worth the extra cost?
For a patio you sit under, usually yes: a cooler, quieter space with a finished ceiling, downlights and a fan. We price both for your size at the on-site quote.
Is single skin good enough for a carport?
Yes. For cars, single skin Colorbond is strong, keeps the sun and hail off, and is the best value. Flyover carports also let the hot air escape.
Can I add lights to a single skin roof?
Not in the roof sheets. Lights can be fixed to the beams. With insulated panels, downlights and fans go straight into the ceiling.
Free on-site quote
Tell us what you’d like built, the size and the address. We call you back within one business day, then the builder comes out and measures up.