Types of Metal Roofing Panels

Metal roofing panels are available in a variety of profiles and materials. The most common materials used are steel (painted or unpainted), aluminum and copper. Considerations when choosing metal roofing panels include aesthetics, climate and environmental conditions, complexity of installation, desired life of roof, and budget.

For residential metal roofing projects standing seam panels, ribbed panels, and panels with interlocking seams are most often used.

• Standing Seam Panels: Standing seam panels are easily identified by the presence of a vertical rib which is perpendicular to the roof deck. Standing seam metal panels are sleek and aesthetically pleasing and provide a continuous watertight seal since a hidden or concealed fastening system is used for attachment to the roof deck.
• Ribbed panels: Ribbed panels are available in several profiles (cross-sectional geometries). The raised ribs provide stiffness and strength along the width of the panel. Symmetrical corrugated panels can be considered as a ribbed panel, but usually considered a style of their own simply termed as “corrugated”.
• Interlocking seam panels: Interlocking seam panels, often known as snap-lock or mechanical-lock have ribs as well. However, they differ from classic ribbed panels, as their adjacent panel edges interlock with one another. The resultant lock provides a very durable and highly wind resistant roofing panel system.

Although aluminum and copper panels exist, however the most popular material choice of metal panel roofing for residential applications is steel. Metal roofing panels manufactured of steel are generally sized to offer 16”, 24” or 36” wide coverage. Thickness of steel panels range from 22 (.034”) , 24 (.028”), 26 (.022”), 28 (.019”) and 29 (.017”) gauges. Metal panel lengths are offered in stock sizes of 8’, 10’, 12’ and 20, but are often cut to project specific lengths by the metal panel manufacturer.

All steel roofing panels are coated with a zinc (galvanize) or zinc-aluminum (Galvalume®) coating to provide corrosion resistance. Galvanized or Galvalume® unpainted panels are common in certain types of buildings, namely agricultural, and shade & shelter applications. When color is desired, steel metal roofing panels are commonly coated with either polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or siliconized polyester (SMP) colored coatings (paints) which add to the variety of metal roofing options.