Do You Need to Weld Corrugated Metal Sheets?

corrugated metal sheets

When working with corrugated metal sheets, one question often sparks debate among builders and homeowners alike, do you actually need to weld them? Whether you’re building a shed in Alberta, roofing a cottage in Toronto, Ontario, or putting up siding in British Columbia, the method you choose impacts cost, strength, and long-term durability.

Let’s explore when welding makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how Canadian weather, building codes, and materials influence your choice.

What are Corrugated Metal Sheets and Their Uses

Corrugated metal sheets are thin, wavy-patterned steel or aluminum panels known for their strength, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. The rippled design increases rigidity while keeping weight low, perfect for roofing, siding, fencing, and even modern interior designs.

In Canada, corrugated steel is especially popular for:

  • Residential roofing and siding – handles snow, wind, and temperature swings.
  • Agricultural buildings – barns, storage sheds, and stables.
  • Commercial and industrial structures – warehouses, workshops, and factories.

Because Canada experiences extreme weather conditions, from icy winters to coastal salt air,. choosing the right material and installation method is key to preventing leaks, rust, or premature wear.

Welding vs. Non-Welding Installation Methods

What Welding Means in This Context

Welding fuses metal sheets together by heating them until they melt and bond. Common methods for corrugated steel include MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and arc welding. Welds create strong, permanent joints ideal for structural or load-bearing applications, such as steel frames or industrial supports.

However, welding corrugated sheets is tricky. The thin gauge (usually 26-gauge to 29-gauge) means they can easily warp, burn through, or distort under heat if not done precisely. It also requires skill, special equipment, and safety precautions.

Alternative Fastening Methods

For most Canadian construction projects, welding isn’t necessary. Instead, contractors use:

  • Self-drilling screws with rubber washers (most common).
  • Rivets for tight seams or decorative finishes.
  • Clips and brackets for metal-to-frame installations.
  • Sealants or adhesives in weatherproofing and lightweight applications.

These methods are faster, safer, and easily reversible, allowing for maintenance or panel replacement without cutting or re-welding.

Cost, Time, and Labour Comparison

Method

Skill Level

Labour Time

Cost

Best For
Welding Advanced High $$$ Structural frames, thick panels
Screws / Fasteners Beginner–Intermediate Low $ Roofing, siding, walls
Rivets Intermediate Medium $$ Decorative, detailed joints
Adhesives / Sealants Beginner Low $ Temporary or interior installs

In short: for most Canadian homeowners, welding isn’t worth the extra time or expense.

Do You Need to Weld Corrugated Metal Sheets?

The short answer: rarely.

Welding corrugated metal sheets is typically reserved for heavy-duty industrial or structural applications. For roofing, siding, or fencing, you’ll almost always use fasteners instead.

When Welding Makes Sense

  • Building structural frameworks or supports.
  • Repairing thick steel panels or joining to beams.
  • Working on custom fabrication (like welded art or industrial decor).

When You Don’t Need Welding

  • Installing roofing panels (standard for homes across Canada).
  • Building sheds, barns, or garages using pre-drilled sheets.
  • Projects involving galvanized or pre-painted panels (heat damages the finish).

Canadian building codes don’t require welding for metal roofing or siding. Instead, they emphasize secure fasteners, correct overlaps, and proper sealing to withstand snow loads and moisture.

Practical Insights for Canadian Installers and Homeowners

  • Choose the right gauge – For roofing, 26-gauge corrugated steel is ideal; it’s durable enough to handle snow yet light for easy installation.
  • Pick weather-resistant coatings – Galvanized or galvalume coatings help prevent rust in humid or coastal regions.
  • Mind the overlap – Panels should overlap at least one ridge horizontally and six inches vertically.
  • Fasten correctly – Always drive screws through the flat section of the panel, not the ridge, to prevent leaks.
  • Avoid welding galvanized steel – It releases toxic fumes; always work in ventilated spaces if welding is absolutely required.
  • Inspect yearly – Check screws, washers, and sealant lines after each winter to prevent rust or loose panels.

Pro Tip: For quick, professional results, most Canadian contractors use self-sealing screws and avoid welding altogether. It’s faster, cleaner, and safer, especially in cold weather.

Where to Buy Corrugated Metal Sheets in Canada?

If you’re wondering where to buy corrugated metal sheets in Canada, you’ve got plenty of reliable options. Many suppliers offer custom cuts, color finishes, and nationwide delivery.

Listed below are some reputable Canadian suppliers of corrugated metal sheets worth checking out, each delivers across various regions and offers profiles suitable for roofing, siding, and more: You can also find corrugated metal sheets suppliers near me in your areas.

Supplier

Location / Region

Why They Stand Out
Fouillard Steel Supplies Ltd. (Manitoba) St. Lazare, MB Family-run since 1982, large in-stock inventory of corrugated metal roofing & siding across Canada. (Fouillard Steel Supplies)
Westman Steel Western Canada & Eastern branches Offers 7/8″ corrugated galvanized panels in multiple gauges (22–28) for roofing and siding. (Westman Steel)
Phoenix Metals Ltd. Alberta & Western Canada Specialises in corrugated roofing & siding sheets, with a broad colour/finish range and custom options. (Phoenix Metals)
Metal Experts Alberta, BC, SK, MB Manufacturer & supplier across Canada, offering corrugated panels in 24–28 gauge with high-quality coatings. (Metal Experts)
Premier Metals Atlantic Canada Produces 7/8″ corrugated panels (26 gauge) with Canada-wide shipping from Nova Scotia. (Premier Metals)
Pillars Metal Western Canada & national shipping Provides corrugated metal siding/roofing with custom sizing, expert support, and fast shipping. (Pillars)
Dura Shelter Buildings Ontario, Quebec & Eastern Canada Offers corrugated steel panels for siding/roofing, emphasising durability and cost-effectiveness. (Dura Shelter Buildings)
Ontario Metal Roofing Sales Ontario Local manufacturer & supplier of metal roofing and siding including corrugated profiles, no minimums. (Ontario Metal Roofing Sales)
CanaArch Building Solutions Ontario & nationwide Specialist in corrugated metal wall panels and roofing panels designed for Canadian climate. (CanaArch Solutions)
Five Star Metals Atlantic Canada & shipping nationally Factory-direct metal roofing panel supplier; includes corrugated (ribbed) profiles. (Five Star Metals)

When buying, always compare panel gauge, finish type (galvanized, painted, weathering steel), and shipping availability, especially if you’re in remote areas.

Cost & ROI Considerations

Here’s what to expect when budgeting your project in Canada: (rough estimates)

  • Corrugated steel sheets: CAD $5 – $10 per sq ft (depending on gauge and finish)
  • Installation with fasteners: CAD $2 – $5 per sq ft
  • Welding labour (if used): CAD $70 – $120 per hour

While welding may seem stronger, the return on investment is usually higher with non-welded installations. Corrugated panels fastened correctly can last 40–60 years, withstand harsh Canadian winters, and require minimal maintenance.

Expert Opinions & Real-World Example

According to Forma Steel, a leading Canadian metal manufacturer, “Corrugated panels are designed for easy installation using exposed fasteners, making welding unnecessary for most architectural or agricultural uses.”

In Alberta, one commercial farmer replaced old wood siding with corrugated galvanized panels using only screws and sealant. After six years, the structure remains watertight with no corrosion, proving that proper fastening beats welding for long-term reliability.

Is Metal Fabrication and Welding Same?

metal fabrication vs welding

If you’ve ever needed custom metal work—whether it’s a railing for your storefront, parts for a machine, or a large-scale structural project—you’ve probably come across the words metal fabrication and welding. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but are they really the same thing?

The short answer? Not exactly.

While metal fabrication and welding often go hand-in-hand in many industrial and commercial projects, they are two unique processes with different roles in the manufacturing and construction areas.

Let’s discuss in detail down here.

What is Metal Fabrication?

Metal fabrication is the broader process of creating metal structures and components by cutting, bending, and assembling raw metal materials. Think of it as the entire journey of taking raw sheet metal or steel and transforming it into a usable end product.

A metal fabricator works with a variety of materials—such as aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, or copper—and uses tools like shears, laser cutters, press brakes, and CNC machines to shape the metal according to the desired specifications.

Some common examples of metal fabrication are:

  • Sheet metal ductwork for HVAC systems
  • Custom steel railings and staircases
  • Industrial frames and supports
  • Machinery components
  • Structural beams and enclosures

In short, metal fabrication is the full-cycle process that includes everything from design to production.

What is Welding?

Welding, on the other hand, is a specific process within the broader scope of metal fabrication. It focuses solely on joining metal parts together using high heat to melt and fuse them. There are various types of welding, including:

Welding services in Toronto and the GTA are often offered as part of a complete fabrication package, but they can also be hired separately for repairs, joist reinforcements, or on-site installations.

Key Differences Between Metal Fabrication and Welding

Aspect Metal Fabrication Welding
Scope Full process: cutting, shaping, assembling Specific process: joining metals
Tools Used CNC machines, shears, press brakes Welding torches, electrodes, fillers
Skillset Broad manufacturing knowledge Deep expertise in weld techniques
Application Product creation Metal fusion and structural connection
Common Providers Metal fabricators Welding contractors or mobile welders near you

So, while a metal fabricator in Toronto may perform welding as part of their job, not all welders are fabricators—and vice versa. It depends on experienced and skilled they acquired.

Do I Need a Metal Fabricator or a Welder?

Again it depends on your project. Here’s a simple breakdown:

  • If you need something built from raw metal (e.g., a gate, bracket, or enclosure):
    You need sheet metal fabrication services or a full-service metal fabrication company.
  • If you have broken metal parts that need to be fixed or joined:
    You need professional welding services.
  • If you need both (such as a custom-built metal product that requires assembly):
    Look for a welding and metal fabrication company near me in Toronto that offers complete solutions under one roof.

Why Choose a Local Welding Shop with Custom Metal Fabrication Expert?

If you’re in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area, working with a local welding shops near me or metal fabricator brings several benefits:

  • Faster turnaround times with onsite visits and mobile welding services.
  • Custom solutions tailored to meet building codes and industry standards in Ontario.
  • Better communication with face-to-face consultations.
  • Support local trades and get emergency welding or fabrication help when needed.

Whether it’s commercial sheet metal fabrication, residential aluminum welding, or industrial structural steel work, local welder providers understand the demands and regulations of the GTA.

Final Thoughts

So, is metal fabrication the same as welding? No—but they often work hand in hand. Think of fabrication as the full symphony and welding as one of the most important instruments. Both are critical in building everything from skyscrapers to kitchen hoods.

If you’re looking for custom metal fabrication or welding services in Toronto, choose a company that offers both under one roof. That way, you get precision, durability, and expert craftsmanship—without needing to coordinate multiple contractors.

Need Expert Welding or Metal Fabrication Services in the GTA?

Whether you need sheet metal fabrication, structural welding, or mobile welding solutions, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free quote or on-site consultation.For businesses and projects across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Oakville, and the entire GTA, understanding this difference is paramount.

Knowing whether you need the full capabilities of a metal fabricator or the focused expertise of a welding services provider ensures you find the right partner, saving time, money, and ensuring your project. Whether it’s a custom architectural feature, critical machinery, or essential structural – is built to last, safely with precision.

When seeking solutions, be specific, ask about their full range of capabilities, and choose the expertise that truly matches your project’s scope. Get in touch to discuss about your requirement.

Difference Between Metal Fabrication and Welding?

welding and fabrication

From towering skyscrapers to everyday kitchen appliances, metal is the unsung hero of modern construction and design. But behind every sturdy metal structure lies a precise and skilled process: metal fabrication and welding. Though often used interchangeably, these two disciplines serve unique, essential roles in shaping the world around us. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between custom metalwork and metal welding, and explore how each contributes to creating durable, functional, and custom-designed metal products.

Metal Fabrication vs Metal Welding – Key Difference

Metal Fabrication is used on sheet metal and other flat metals to form specific shapes for specific applications. To make a product or structure from metal, metal fabrication processes are utilized. Custom metal work is often a combination of multiple operations, such as cutting, welding, bending, shaping, and assembling.

Metal welding, on the other hand, is a single process that is also a part of the metal fabrication process. It uses an extreme amount of heat to join two pieces of metal. Today’s construction and building infastructure stands on the foundation of steel, aluminum, and countless other metals. Starting from the high-rise buildings to your car frame and your kid’s toys, metal fabrication and welding metal fabrication and welding process play multiple key roles.

Metal Fabrication

Custom metalwork is a multi-faceted process of bringing a metal design to life. Our skilled workers use the best quality tools and machines to cut, bend, drill, and put together all the individual pieces, providing custom metal fabrication. Developing a piece of equipment made of metal through this process is like art. Metal fabrication forms the backbone of how we make things—it transforms ideas on paper into solid, metal realities.

Metal Welding

The welding process is like the super-glue of the metal world. It’s a specific, incredibly important skill within fabrication, the art of permanently joining metal parts together. Using targeted and strong heat with pressure, and sometimes special filler materials, welders join pieces of metal into one solid, strong unit. The process goes beyond just melting and combining; you need to know different kinds of metals, their characteristics, how much heat they will require in what case, and so on.

The welders and fabricators develop skills like super steady hands and a real understanding of how things are designed to fit together. Welding service providers are the ones who ensure that metal structures are not just shaped right, but also strong and safe.

Fabrication is the core process of making everything that requires metal structures. This includes electronics like super-smart robots and laser cutters, to giant yet sleek spaceship bodies, to metal-based furniture.

Welding’s core feature is to combine those components permanently to make a final product. Fabricators shape the metal, and welders put it all together, so these two abilities are insaperable. Additionally, the demand for these skills is only increasing as technology advances, and the use of metal also goes up.

Learn how custom metal fabrication and welding work to truly appreciate the strong, metal world around you. Whether you’re curious about how things are made or planning to enter the trades, understanding these processes is the first step.

Need of Professional Services

At Minhas Mobile, we provide welding services and custom metal fabrication accurately and suiting to our clients’ needs. Our ability to reach out to you makes us more reliable and efficient. An experienced welder, with their skills and experience, can help you fix anything from metal-based balcony grills to handrails. Our services will take care of your metal equipment with excellent fabrication and welding processes.

It’s the entire construction project, starting with the blueprints and involving all the steps needed to get there. These steps often include cutting the pieces, bending them into shape, drilling holes, and finally assembling everything.

Welding process, on the other hand, is a specific, essential technique used within that fabrication process. It’s like one of the key tools in the fabricator’s toolbox, focusing specifically on how to permanently join those shaped metal pieces together to create a strong, unified structure.

Wrapping up

In a world built on steel, aluminum, and countless alloys, understanding the difference between metal fabrication and welding helps us value the craftsmanship behind everything from industrial machines to artistic metalwork. Fabricators bring the design to life, shaping and preparing each piece, while welders ensure those pieces unite to form a strong, lasting structure.

Whether you’re exploring career options in the trades or simply curious about how things are made. Learning about these essential processes offers a deeper appreciation of the metal world that surrounds us through skilled welders near you who make it all possible. Contact Minhas if you require custom metal fabriction works or welding services in your areas.