Buying Guide
How to Choose Roofing Sheets in Kenya
A practical Mabati Gauge Guide for homeowners, contractors and hardware buyers — so you buy the right profile, thickness and accessories the first time.
Start with climate and location
Coastal sites favour aluzinc or high-quality coated sheets. High-rainfall inland areas need good overlapping profiles and correct pitch. Hot regions benefit from lighter colours that reflect heat.
Choose the right roofing profile
Box profile suits warehouses and modern homes. Roman tile suits villas. Corrugated remains the value workhorse. Add ridges, valleys and roofing nails to finish the system.
Match gauge and structure
Wider purlin centres need thicker gauges (28). Standard residential centres often work with gauge 30. Never under-spec gauge to save a few shillings.
Plan cement, steel and mesh together
Slabs need the right cement grade, rebar diameters and BRC fabric. Ordering structure and roof from one yard cuts delivery cost and coordination risk.
Quick gauge reference
| Gauge | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | Commercial / long spans | Thickest common residential/commercial option |
| 30 | Homes & estates | Most popular balance of strength and price |
| 32 | Stores & budget cover | Lighter — check purlin spacing carefully |
Browse our roofing profiles
- Box Profile Mabati — from KES 550 per metre
- Roman Tile Mabati — from KES 720 per metre
- Corrugated Iron Sheets — from KES 480 per metre
- Aluzinc Sheets — from KES 690 per metre
- Black Sheet — from KES 400 per m²
- Plain Sheet — from KES 400 per m²
- Roofing Ridges — from KES 350 per piece
- Roofing Valley — from KES 350 per piece
- Ridges, Gutters & Nails Pack — from From KES 250 per piece
- Cypress Roofing Timber — from KES 90 per foot
Also stock cement, steel & rebar, brc mesh, wire, fencing & nails, square tubes. See the Materials Price Guide.