Overview

ZED Purlins are cold-formed steel sections shaped like the letter “Z,” which allows them to interlock and provide continuous support for roof and wall cladding systems. Typically manufactured from galvanized steel, they offer excellent structural strength while minimizing material usage, making them lighter than traditional rolled steel beams without compromising load-bearing performance.

These purlins are available in a variety of gauges, spans, and lengths to meet diverse architectural and structural requirements. Their Z-shape facilitates overlapping connections at supports, improving rigidity and reducing deflection under both live and dead loads. Additionally, galvanized coatings or pre-painted finishes protect against rust and extend service life, particularly in humid or coastal areas.

2024 Building Code Compliance

ZED Purlins comply with the National Building Code of Kenya (NBC) 2024, including sections on steel framing, load-bearing structures, and corrosion protection. When installed per recommended spacing and fastening guidelines, they meet safety standards for wind uplift, seismic resistance, and roof load distribution, ensuring both residential and commercial projects adhere to modern building regulations.

Proper specification of ZED purlin size, gauge, and spacing is critical to achieve compliance, especially for industrial or high-rise applications. Engineers should verify load charts against roof type, pitch, and local environmental conditions.

Durability in Kenyan Environmental Context

ZED Purlins are designed to withstand Kenya’s diverse climate conditions:

• Coastal Regions (Mombasa, Malindi, Voi): Galvanized or pre-painted coatings protect steel against salt-induced corrosion.

• Highland Regions (Nairobi, Nakuru, Kericho): Strong, lightweight design handles heavy rainfall without sagging.

• Semi-Arid Regions (Isiolo, Kitale): Minimal thermal expansion ensures roof stability under temperature variations.

The combination of high tensile strength steel and protective coatings ensures long-term structural integrity, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight, reducing structural load on walls and foundations.

• High strength-to-weight ratio, ideal for long spans and large roofs.

• Quick and easy installation due to interlocking Z-shape design.

• Durable and corrosion-resistant for Kenya’s varied climates.

Cons:

• Requires precise cutting and alignment for optimal structural performance.

• Galvanized coatings may need touch-up after cutting to prevent localized rusting.

• Slightly higher cost than standard C Purlins but compensated by structural efficiency.

Comparative Analysis

ZED Purlins vs. C Purlins:
While both are cold-formed steel sections, ZED Purlins interlock for continuous spanning, offering superior strength and rigidity, especially for long roof spans. C Purlins, shaped like a “C,” are simpler but less load-efficient and often require additional bracing.

ZED Purlins vs. Timber Rafters:
Compared to timber, ZED Purlins are lighter, more durable, and less susceptible to warping, termite attack, or moisture damage. They are ideal for large-scale industrial and commercial roofing projects, providing consistent performance over decades.

FAQs (High-Intent)

1. What span can ZED Purlins support for a typical roof in Nairobi?
Span depends on gauge and purlin size; standard ZED purlins can handle spans up to 6–8 meters with proper spacing.

2. Are ZED Purlins suitable for Kenyan coastal buildings?
Yes — galvanized or pre-painted ZED Purlins resist corrosion in high-salinity coastal environments like Mombasa or Malindi.

3. How are ZED Purlins fastened to roof trusses?
They are typically fastened with self-drilling screws or bolts through overlapping sections, ensuring structural continuity and rigidity.

4. Can ZED Purlins be painted or powder-coated?
Yes — additional protective or aesthetic coatings can be applied for enhanced corrosion resistance or design requirements.

5. Do ZED Purlins comply with Kenyan building codes?
Yes — when installed as recommended, ZED Purlins meet the National Building Code of Kenya 2024 for structural steel.

 2026 Compliance & Trust Signals

All purchases of ZED Purlins from BHD are supported by valid eTIMS electronic tax invoices, mandatory for claiming business expense deductions as per 2026 KRA guidelines.
These steel purlins also comply with the KEBS Standards Levy 2025, assuring contractors of high-quality, regulatory-compliant products.

Product Details (Hyperlinked Table)

Related Products (Internal Linking)

• C Purlins for Standard Roof Framing

• MS ZED Bars for Structural Projects

• HR Beams for Heavy-Duty Construction

• MS Plates for Reinforcement and Fabrication

Contact Details (Hyperlinked)

 Visit: Burhani Hardware Dealers, Industrial Area, Funzi Road, Nairobi
 Email: burhanihardwaredealers@yahoo.com
 Phone: +254 731 217 462 | +254 704 606 131
 Website: www.bhd.co.ke
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm | Sat: 8am–1pm | Sun: Closed.

Delivery Locations (Shuffled for Uniqueness)

We deliver to: Meru, Kisumu, Nakuru, Voi, Kakamega, Malindi and beyond.

More From BHD (Internal Guides/Blogs)

• A Guide to TMT Bars in Kenya: Ductility & Earthquake Resistance

• Structural Steel vs. Timber: Why Kenyan Developers Are Shifting

• PVC Gutters and Rainwater Harvesting Essentials

• Choosing the Right Purlin for Your Roof

• Cleaning and Maintaining Steel Roofing in Coastal Kenya