Selecting the profile

What will best fit your needs? Structural or Non-Structural? Exposed fastener or Non-Exposed fastener?

Structural metal roofs are able to span over an open framed building. These systems include the R/PBR panel and most Standing Seam panels. R/PBR panels are 26 GA, have exposed fasteners, and are typically used in commercial applications. This panel will also perform as a wall panel. The Standing Seam panels are 24 GA, have non-exposed fasteners, and painted with a Kynar 500 finish.

A Non-Structural metal roof requires a solid substrate (plywood or fiberboard). These systems include the AG Panel and the 5V Crimp. Both panels have exposed fasteners and are painted with a Silconized Modified Polyester finish. The AG Panel is 29 GA and the 5V Crimp is 26 GA.

(Profile drawings)

Paint System

Metal warranties vary depending on the type of metal finish. Most 29 GA and 26 GA metal has a Siliconized Modified Polyester finish. All colors for the 24 GA metal have a Kynar 500 finish. The finishes add aesthetics to the finished product as well as added protection to the bare steel and initial cover. SMP and Kynar 500 finishes are both baked-on-paint systems. All Kynar 500 finishes and some SMP finishes are Energy Star rated.

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About Steel

Steel metal panels are measured by gauge. A steel panel with a smaller gauge indicates a thicker panel (i.e., a 24 GA panel is thicker than a 29 GA panel). When bare steel is exposed to the elements, it will rust quickly. Because of this, a mill finish is applied, which will be either bare galvanized or bare galvalume. The mill finish covers and protects the bare steel even before it is painted. Bare galvanized finishes consist of zinc. Zinc works well as a cover because of its “self healing” properties. Bare galvalume is a combination of 80% Zinc, 20% Aluminum.

If a foreign substance should scratch your metal panels, it is crucial to touch up the spot with an approved paint.

Aluminum

Most of the profiles offered in steel are also offered in aluminum. Aluminum is used mostly on the coast because its properties make it more resilient to salt. Compared to steel, aluminum is lighter and more expensive. The two are installed the same way and like steel, aluminum is measured by gauge thickness. In contrast to steel, a larger number indicates a thicker panel (i.e., a 060 Al panel is thicker than a 032 Al panel).

How long will metal last?

A lifetime, if it is installed properly and maintained by the homeowner. The most important thing to remember is that a roof is meant to keep the water out. Installing the correct trim pieces with the correct fasteners and sealants will ensure a water-tight metal roof system. Maintenance for a metal roof is minimal. As mentioned above, any scratches need to be touched up immediately. Maintenance includes washing the roof, however, do not pressure-treat your metal roof. Use only mild soap and water from your garden hose. Also, do not apply with a galvanized screw into treated wood. The copper salts in treated wood will cause the screw to corrode, leading to corrosion of your metal panels.

Availability

We are here to make sure you get exactly what you need. If you supply us with field measurements, we will do the take off for you. If you have a drawing that is to scale, we can do a take off for you as well. However, because of changes from blueprints to the construction site, a field measurement is required in order to have an accurate quote.

We do not stock fabricated metal panels in our warehouse. All panels are ordered specific to each job, and pre-cut to the inch. The normal rate of delivery is 3-5 business days.

Please contact us for more detailed information.