Horizontal beams used to a house structure are called purlins. They are commonly used under the roof and are connected to the walls or rafters. Therefore, they strengthen a structure or enhance the frame by bringing rafters together. Steel purlins are usually standard in metal buildings, but they can be used on wood-frame structures to replace rafters.

Metal bar manufacturers usually produce two types of purlins, Z and C purlin, which have different layouts and applications. Therefore, contractors and DIY construction enthusiasts must understand the difference between C and Z bars and when to use each. This article explains the differences to help s make the most out of the purlins when constructing metal structures or buildings.

Cross-Sectional Design

The cross-section shape determines the name of the purlins. C purlins have a C-shaped cross-section and right-angled pieces that are perpendicular to the base. The Z-purlins have a base bar with two grooves connected at an acute angle. Z-purlins have a Z-shaped cross-section and are suitable for building long-term structures.

With the primary difference between C and Z purlins in mind, contractors can choose the right one for their project. To find local suppliers of C and Z purlins, contractors only need to search phrases like steel near me on their search engines. The search results will provide a list of local steel suppliers with quality purlins for different applications.

Load Capacity

Although C purlins are firm and stable, they cannot bear as much weight as the Z purlins. Therefore, C purlins are ideal for short-term structures with uniform load distribution. Understanding this difference can help constructors avoid pushing C purlins beyond their limits.

Z purlins can bear more weight than C purlins due to their design. They provide relatively high resistance to bending or torsion and can bear greater loads with fewer points. So, they are suitable for heavy long-term structures.

Installation Method

C purlins need basic components because they are usually installed on walls or a structure or on steel columns. They use bolts, brackets, and purlin seats to fasten the C purlins. However, Z purlins require additional components due to their overlapping design.

These components give Z purlins additional stability and increase their load capacity. Z purlins also require angle steel connectors and overlap bolts to enhance stability at the overlap points.

Uses

C purlins can be used to construct the walls and roofing of lightweight buildings such as warehouses, machine rooms, residential houses, and small factories. They are suitable for short-term uses and are cost-effective compared to the Z purlin structures. Therefore, people who need short-term structures and have a tight budget can use C purlins for their projects.

Z purlins, on the other hand, are suitable for large buildings such as industrial plants, exhibition centers, sports halls, and factories. Since Z purlins offer from different directions, they provide outstanding stability and improve structural safety.

Z purlins can create structures that can withstand harsh weather conditions and disasters such as earthquakes and storms. However, Z purlin is expensive and requires advanced skills.

Roof Sloping

C and Z purlins can be used for walls and roofing, but they have different applications. C purlins are suitable for roofing structures with small slopes, while Z purlins are used on structures with steep slopes. It is crucial to involve a competent engineer or contractor to determine when to use either depending on the roofing slope and the weight of the roofing materials.

Roofing

Purlins provide structural in different sections of a building. C purlins are often used in the construction of floors to the bars that bear the weight of the flooring. C purlins can also be used on the roofing to metal bars but not the roofing materials.

Z purlins, however, roofing sheets directly and distribute the weight of the sheet across the roof. Therefore, Z purlins roofing materials directly, while C purlins strengthen the beams that the roofing materials.

Ease of Installation

Another noteworthy difference between C and Z purlins is that C purlins are easy to install. Due to their simple cross-section design, C purlins are easy to cut, drill, or modify during construction. This makes C purlins ideal for small projects that need quick installations.

Ease of installation also leads to reduced labor costs and shorter project duration. Besides, C purlins do not require advanced skills, which further cuts installation expenses.

Although Z purlins are not too complicated to install, they require more time and advanced skills during installation. They have an interlocking design that should be maintained to provide continuous structural . Therefore, they require precise alignment when welding or bolting to create a firm structure.

Corrosion Resistance and Durability

Steel is a durable construction material that can withstand weather elements, especially when protected from corrosion. C purlins are usually treated to prevent rusting, but they can still rust when exposed to extreme environments over a long time. However, additional anti-corrosion treatment can increase durability and extend the useful life.

Z purlins are designed for long-lasting structures. Steel Z purlins are galvanized to create a corrosion-resistant zinc coating, which forms a barrier to shield steel from corrosive materials such as chemicals and moisture. Therefore, Z purlins can handle harsh weather, including extreme temperatures, salty air, high humidity, and acid rain, for a longer period before corroding.

These qualities make Z purlin ideal for constructing structures exposed to challenging conditions. They do not require frequent inspections, repairs, replacements, or maintenance, which cuts costs in the long run.

These are the primary differences between C purlin and Z purlin. Both provide for flooring, walls, and roofing but are used differently because they have different designs, load capacities, installation procedures, durability, and cost.

C purlins are ideal for short-term, lightweight structures that need quick and inexpensive installation, while Z purlins are ideal for large, long-term structures that require stability and durability. Contractors and DIY enthusiasts should understand these differences to use the right purlin for their projects. It is also crucial to buy these steel purlins from reputable suppliers who guarantee quality.