Metal Roofing

Know the difference

There are three basic types of metal roofs going on houses here in West Tennessee: agricultural, residential and commercial. There is a significant difference in method of application and the quality of material.

Agricultural metal roofing is by far the most commonly used metal roof panel because of the low price. It is made of a lightweight 29 gauge galvanized metal and can be nailed or screwed over existing shingle roofs. The wide panel makes for quick and easy installation. The metal panels can be ordered and shipped as soon as one to two weeks. The paint finish on most agricultural panels have a siliconized acrylic or siliconized polyester paint finish that carries a ten to twenty year paint finish warranty. Very low maintenance is required, only once or twice a year.

Residential metal roof panels are used on homes where looks and long term value are desired. The residential panel is made of a heavy 26 or 24 gauge steel and can be screwed to the roof decking or purlins over a single layer of shingles. The most noticeable difference is there are no screws showing through the roof panel. The panels are made in twelve inch wide widths and any length needed. This makes a very strong panel that can be handled and installed easily without the need to splice panels. The panels are made on the job site as needed, one to three days on orders. The paint finish on residential metal panels is a fluoropolymer. The metal panels carry guarantees of twenty, thirty and fifty years. The key to these warranties is found in the paint finish. It is a carbon / fluoride bond, one of the strongest chemical bonds known, very similar to Teflon. No maintenance is required on a residential snap seam panel.

Commercial roof panels are not widely used in residential roofing due to the high cost. The panels are made of heavy 24 gauge steel and are installed over wood decks or steel framing. The panels can be fabricated to custom widths and are more difficult to handle. The panels are made on the job site to any length. They are installed with hidden clips that are screwed to the deck. The seams are then crimped or rolled together with a seaming robot. The paint finish is the same fluoropolymer that is used on the residential panel. The noticeable difference in a commercial panel is that it can be used on roofs with less than a 3:12 slope because of its high rib profiles.

Not all metal roofs are the same. Agricultural panels are intended for use on barns, sheds and utility buildings. Residential is designed for use on homes, light commercial buildings and mechanical screens. Commercial roof panels are designed for use on airports, schools, government buildings and other commercial uses. Choosing the right metal roof reflects to everyone who passes, the pride you have in your home.

A practical alternative to screw down metal roofing.

Few products have obtained as much notoriety in recent years as metal roofing. Metal is not a newcomer to the roofing market.

Metal is the oldest continually used roofing material. For years metal roofing has been nailed and screwed down on homes. Now homeowners have a choice; a new snap seam roof panel with no screws or nails showing through to cause leaks.

The standing seam panel is a 24 gauge corrosion resistant steel. The metal panels come in 23 standard colors with custom colors available upon request. Made of high performance Kynar 500 finish, the ultimate in resistance against fading and weathering.