Abstract: A roof bow comprising an elongate member formed of sheet metal having an elongate intermediate reach and integral end reaches. The elongate member is formed to have in transverse cross-section a central web, side flanges integral with the web and lips integral with the side flanges at free edges of the side flanges. The flanges, in the intermediate reach of the elongate member, extend upwardly from the web, and the lips, in the intermediate reach, extend inwardly toward one another from the flanges and are generally coplanar. The portions of the flanges in each end reach of the roof bow are deformed with respect to the portions thereof in the intermediate reach to have a gradual transition from their upwardly extending disposition with respect to the web to a laterally outwardly extending position generally coplanar with the web. Portions of the lips along the end reaches lie generally flat against respective outer surfaces of the flanges.