What is the difference between a C and Z purlin?

C purlins, as their name suggests, come in the shape of the letter ‘C’ whilst ‘Z’ purlins are manufactured in the shape of a Z. C purlins are typically used to shape a building’s shell structure walls and floor joists, whilst Z purlins are commonly built to shape a building shell structure’s walls and roof joists. C purlins and Z purlins are suitable for residential homes, in sheds as well as commercial buildings.

What are Dynamic Steelform purlins made from?

Dynamic Steelform C purlins and Z purlins are made from G550 Z350 Galvanized steel. They can be cut to size or punched with holes specific to customer requirements.

Purlins

You are welcome to visit our facility or order online - our team is always ready to help

Purlins are structural sections of a roof used to support roof sheeting. They are mostly used in rural, agricultural and industrial structures. There are two main profiles, C purlins and Z purlins. Both can be used in single spans in roof structures. C purlins can continuously span across roof structures whereas Z purlins can also be lapped to increase their capacity and strength.

Dynamic Steelform provides a comprehensive purlin rolling service. We offer a range of sizes and thicknesses to ensure our purlins match your needs exactly. Our purlins are cut to length and available punched or unpunched. Not only does this make installation simple but it also leaves a professional finish.

We manufacture our purlins using high tensile, galvanised steel. A Z350 coating is applied to protect against environmental damage.

C Purlin

Dynamic Steelform C sections are rolled using BlueScope steel. C purlins are best used for single spans construction. Portal frame warehouses and roofing are some examples of their structural application.

C Profile Dimensions:

Catalogue Number	t (mm)	D (mm)	B (mm)	L (mm)	Mass per unit length kg/m
C10012	1.2	102	51	12.5	2.10
C10015	1.5	102	51	13.5	2.62
C10019	1.9	102	51	14.5	3.29
C15012	1.2	152	64	14.5	2.89
C15015	1.5	152	64	15.5	3.59
C15019	1.9	152	64	16.5	4.51
C15024	2.4	152	64	18.5	5.70
C20015	1.5	203	76	15.5	4.49
C20019	1.9	203	76	19.0	5.74
C20024	2.4	203	76	21.0	7.24
C25019	1.9	2.54	76	18.5	6.50
C25024	2.4	254	76	20	8.16

Z Purlin

Dynamic Steelform Z sections are also rolled using BlueScope steel. Z section purlins have two flanges. These are used to lap at the internal supports which allows for continuous span construction. The lapping ability of Z purlins increases their support strength. These are most commonly used on the shell structure of roofs and walls.

Z Profile Dimensions:

Catalogue Number	t (mm)	D (mm)	E (mm)	F (mm)	L (mm)	Mass per unit length kg/m
Z15012	1.2	152	65	61	15.5	2.89
Z15015	1.5	152	65	61	16.5	3.59
Z15019	1.9	152	65	61	17.5	4.51
Z15024	2.4	152	65	60	19.5	5.70
Z20015	1.5	203	79	74	15.0	4.49
Z20019	1.9	203	79	74	18.5	5.74
Z20024	2.4	203	79	73	21.5	7.24
Z25019	1.9	254	79	74	18.0	6.50
Z25024	2.4	254	79	74	18	8.16

Purlins Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of purlins?

Purlins are horizontal beams used along the length of a roof to support the roof’s rafters or decking and are used to prevent a roof from sagging under its own weight.

What is the difference between a purlin and a rafter?

Rafters are sloped beams – usually made from wood or steel – that run from the roof’s ridge to the eaves. They are designed to provide support for the external roofing material.

Purlins are beams that are placed in a perpendicular direction to the rafters.

Please contact Dynamic Steelform on 08 9434 6888 or send an email to sales@dynamicsteelform.com.au for more details and prices.