Metal Roofing Options

Nail Fin/Strip

• Panel Profile: Typically 1″ in height with a nail fin or screw strip.
• Installation: Panels are snapped together and screwed through an attached nail fin.
• Also Known As: Standing Seam with Nail Strip

Snap Lock

• Panel Profile: Usually 1.5″ or 1.75″ in height without a screw strip.
• Installation: Panels are joined by snapping them together and then fastened with clips.
• Also Known As: Clip Panel

Ribbed Panel:

• Panel Profile: Features a ridged shape and has exposed fasteners.
• Uses: Primarily used for residential, commercial, and agricultural buildings.

5V Crimp Panel:

• Panel Profile: Features a V shape and has exposed fasteners.
• Uses: Commonly used in coastal areas and historic districts like Roswell and agricultural, and light commercial buildings.

Metal Gauge/Thickness

Metal gauge refers to the thickness of metal sheet used in roofing panels. A lower gauge number indicates a thicker metal, generally providing better durability and resistance to impact damage. For example, 24-gauge metal is thicker than 29-gauge the thinnest metal. While thicker metal is generally desirable, it’s important to balance thickness with other factors like the type of metal and its protective coating, as these can significantly impact the overall performance and lifespan of the roof.

• Ribbed panels: Panels are available in 26 gauge and 29 gauge
• Standing Seam Nail Fin: Typically comes in 26 gauge
• Standing Seam Snap Lock: Comes in 26 gauge and 24 gauge

Types of Metal 

With so many options available, it’s important to understand each metal material’s unique properties and benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the most common metal roofing materials:

• Galvalume Steel is a common and economical choice for metal roofing used in most of the beams and commercial metal you see. However, it requires a protective coating to prevent corrosion. It’s versatile and suitable for most roofing applications.
• Aluminum is an excellent choice for coastal areas due to its high resistance to corrosion and relatively lower cost compared to copper and zinc. While it often requires painting to enhance its appearance, unlike steel, aluminum doesn’t need a protective coating.
• Copper is a popular metal for roofing, particularly for its aesthetic appeal and use in accent pieces. However, its premium price often limits its use in full roof installations. Like zinc, copper naturally forms a patina that protects it from corrosion. Both metals are also resistant to mold and mildew, ensuring environmentally safe runoff.

Aluminum

Copper

Galvalume

Metal Coating

All steel panels, regardless of their intended use, require a protective coating. This coating, typically galvanized or Galvalume, safeguards the metal from corrosion and ensures its longevity. While many homeowners focus on the metal gauge, the coating is often the more critical factor in determining a roof’s durability and lifespan.

Think of it like a sandwich: the steel is the filling, and the coating is the bread. The coating protects the steel from the elements, just as bread protects the filling from contamination.To further enhance the durability and appearance of Galvalume roofing, various paint systems can be applied. Two popular options are Kynar 500® and Silicone Modified Polyester (SMP).

Galvalume – a durable and cost-effective steel sheet coated with a 55% aluminum and 45% zinc alloy, offers excellent corrosion resistance. This makes it a popular choice for roofing and other outdoor applications. While often painted or coated for aesthetics, the underlying Galvalume layer provides significant protection. When selecting metal roofing, prioritize the coating, like Galvalume, over the steel gauge.

Metal Paint Systems

One of the most important factors in choosing paint for metal roofs is its ability to resist chalking, oxidation, and fading. If you search the Internet, you will find a multitude of paint options with different brand names and confusing numbers.
Technically, these aren’t paints but coatings. To make things less confusing, we refer to them as paint. This guide will help you understand the basics of metal roof paint and make an informed decision about which system is right for you.

Dark Bronze

Gallery Blue

Exposed Fastener

Black

Decking

Roof decking is the foundational structure to which your roofing materials are attached. It may not be the most visible part of your home, as it’s generally only visible in your attic, but it’s crucial for the integrity of your roofing system. Just like a sturdy foundation is essential for a house, a solid roof deck is vital for a reliable roof.

Tear-Off vs. Roof-Over

When replacing a roof, the decision to tear off the old roofing or roof over it is crucial. While roofing over can be tempting as a cost-saving measure, there are better choices than roofing over. We recommend using a solid decking material, such as 7/16 OSB when replacing an old roof. This solid foundation ensures optimal support for your new roofing system. Inspecting your existing decking for signs of rot or damage, especially before installing a metal roof. If the decking is compromised, the screws used to fasten the metal panels may not hold securely, leading to potential leaks and other issues.

Underlayment

Underlayment is a vital component of your roofing system, often overlooked despite its critical role. It is a protective layer between your roof deck and the primary roofing material, whether asphalt shingles or metal panels. Contrary to popular belief, underlayment is not a waterproof barrier. Its primary functions include:

• Water Resistance: Provides additional protection against water infiltration, especially during heavy rainfall or storms.
• Protection of Metal Panels: Prevents damage to the underside of metal panels from potential impacts or debris.
• Temporary Protection: Offers temporary protection in storm damage, reducing the risk of water intrusion.

Felt Underlayment

Synthetic Underlayment

Metal Roof Accessories and Flashing

Metal roofing systems, renowned for their durability and aesthetic appeal, rely on various accessories and flashing to ensure optimal performance and longevity. These components are crucial in preventing leaks, protecting the roof structure, and enhancing the overall appearance of your home or building.

Flashing seals joints and penetrations in a metal roof, effectively preventing water infiltration. Several key types of flashing serve specific purposes: Step flashing is utilized to flash vertical surfaces such as walls and chimneys, consisting of pieces of metal bent and overlapped to create a watertight seal. Counter flashing is installed on top of step flashing to provide additional protection and enhance the security of the seal. Valley flashing is designed to seal the intersection of two roof slopes, while roof jacks seal around pipes and vents penetrating the roof. Together, these flashing types ensure the integrity and durability of the roofing system.

Valley Metal

Ridge Cap

End Wall Flashing

Side Wall Flashing

Drip Edge

Rake Flashing

Valley Flashing

Metal Ridge Cap

Essential Metal Roofing Accessories

• Ridge Cap: Protects the roof’s highest point, the ridge, from water infiltration and weathering.
• Gable Trim: Covers the exposed edges of the roof at the gable ends, providing a finished look and additional protection.
• Drip Edge: Installed at the eaves and rakes, it directs water away from the roof and wall, preventing damage and water stains.
• Valley Flashing: Seals the intersection of two roof slopes, preventing water from entering the roof system.
• Chimney Flashing: Seals the area around chimneys to prevent water penetration.
• Vent Pipe Flashing: Seals around vent pipes to prevent leaks.
• Skylight Flashing: Seals around skylights to prevent water intrusion.
• Hem Trim: A decorative and functional component that covers the exposed edges of metal roofing panels, providing a clean and finished appearance. It also helps to protect the edges of the panels from damage.