Metal Roofing Gauges: What Gauge is Best For Residential?
After researching different roofing options, you may be considering the advantages of a metal roof. With various choices in gauges, colors, and panel types, the decision can feel daunting. At NC Metal Roofing Experts, we can assist in guiding you through the process, starting with determining the appropriate gauge for your needs.
It’s important to consider that before selecting the thickness of your metal roofing, you should determine the type of metal roofing panel and the paint finish. We will explore the factors that will impact this decision and aid you in selecting the appropriate gauge for your metal roof.
Choose the appropriate metal roofing panel for your specific application, taking into consideration the types of paint systems available and the best gauge for installation over a solid wood substrate or metal purlins. When comparing different gauges for both applications, it’s important to consider the specific requirements and advantages of each option.
What’s The Best Gauge For Residential Metal Roofing?
In this article, we aim to clarify the situations in which it is appropriate to use a heavier or lighter gauge of metal roofing. It can be hard to select the right gauge, as the higher the gauge number, the thinner the metal roofing. For instance, 29 gauge is thinner than 26 gauge, and 24 gauge is heavier than 26 gauge. Additionally, the measuring standards for different metals can add to the complexity, as the thickness of copper differs from that of steel.
Metal roofing comes in a variety of gauges, with 29, 26, 24, and 22 being the most common. At our company, we primarily sell 26 and 24 gauge metal roofing. For low end agricultural jobs, 26 or 29 gauge is typically used. On the other hand, a high-end home with a standing seam roof would likely use 24 gauge. If the same home is done with an exposed fastener panel, gauges 29, 26, or 24 would be the most suitable.
Different types of metal roofing panels will have varying gauge options available.
First, you need to decide on the type of metal roofing panel you want before choosing the gauge for your metal roofing. This involves answering two basic questions.
Do you want an exposed fastener metal roofing panel?
Will you be purchasing standing seam metal roofing?
Exposed Fastener Panels
Exposed fastener panels, including ⅞” Corrugated, PBR panel, and 7.2 panel, are typically much more cost-effective options compared to concealed fastener panels like standing seam. In fact, standing seam metal roofing can be up to twice as expensive as corrugated metal roofing.
26 Gauge Corrugated Metal Roofing
If you are looking for a cost-effective metal roofing panel, then standing seam may not be the most suitable choice for you. Instead, you may want to consider a 26 gauge exposed fastener panel with an SMP paint finish, as it offers the best value. It’s important to note, however, that an exposed fastener panel means that you will have numerous screws penetrating the panel, which could potentially result in leak points in the future.
The price of a corrugated panel with a 26 gauge SMP paint finish will range from $1.00 to $1.25 per square foot.
For more information on exposed fastener and concealed fastener panels, we recommend reading the article titled “Exposed Fastener Metal Panels v. Standing Seam Systems For Metal Roofs.”
24 Gauge Standing Seam Metal Roofing
The standing seam metal roofing system is often considered the best option due to its concealed fasteners, providing excellent weatherproofing. It is important to note, however, that this system tends to be more costly and is only available in 24-gauge or heavier. Additionally, it comes with an expensive PVDF paint finish.
The price for standing seam metal roofing with a 24 gauge PVDF paint finish is typically between $2.60 and $3.65 per square foot.
When opting for a standing seam roof, it’s highly likely that you’ll be investing in 24 gauge steel. On the other hand, if you decide on an exposed fastener panel, you’ll have the flexibility to select from 29, 26, or 24 gauge roof metal.
The available gauges are influenced by the type of paint system used.
There are two choices when you are choosing a paint system
PVDF painted metal.
Silicone-modified polyester which is referred to as SMP.
The different paint finishes can be categorized as good, better, or best, with PVDF being the best and SMP being better. While PVDF is considered the best paint finish available, it may not necessarily be the best choice for every roof.
Roof Metal Gauge For SMP Paint
SMP paint is a cost-effective option compared to PVDF and provides a high-quality finish. It is commonly used for agricultural applications and metal siding.
The main drawback of SMP paint is its inability to maintain color integrity for as long as a PVDF paint system.
SMP paint colors tend to be light or neutral, with metallic or bright and vibrant colors being rare. Light colors are less noticeable when they fade over time, which is why SMP paint choices are primarily light or earth tones.
Metal roofing with a SMP paint finish is typically available in 26 gauge roof metal, but it is also possible to find SMP colors in 24 gauge or 29 gauge.
Gauge Of Metal Roofing With A PVDF Coating
PVDF paint finish is not available in light gauge steel, so if you want this type of finish, you will likely need to purchase 24 gauge steel. The benefits of using PVDF paint finish include a wide range of colors, including bright and vibrant options, as well as matte and designer finishes.
PVDF paint systems have the advantage of retaining color integrity for longer periods of time compared to SMP paint systems.
“If you choose to utilize a PVDF paint system, we are unable to provide you with light gauge steel and instead you will need to purchase a minimum of 24 gauge steel. Additionally, it is recommended to only purchase bright colors in PVDF.”
What is the recommended gauge thickness for metal roofing panels that will be installed over a solid wood substrate?
When a metal roofing panel is installed over a wood substrate, the strength of the panel becomes less critical because it does not need to span from support to support. Most metal roofing that attaches to a wood substrate is typically 29, 26, or 24 gauge.
26 Gauge Metal Roofing vs. 29 Gauge Metal Roofing
We do not recommend using 29 gauge panels as they are flimsy and can be easily damaged during a hail storm. They also have lesser snow load and wind uplift values. Additionally, if you have long panel lengths, there is a greater risk of damaging the panels due to expansion and contraction.
Living in an area with high winds or heavy snowfall means that it is not recommended to use 29 gauge materials. Despite the minimal cost savings, opting for 29 gauge over 26 gauge only results in a 10-20% difference in material cost. It’s important to consider the potential risks and choose the appropriate gauge for your specific environment.
The overall installed cost of a metal roof may not show significant cost savings. For example, a typical 25 square metal roof can range from 10K to 20K installed. The difference in cost between using 29 gauge and 26 gauge is only $500-$1,000. Due to this minimal cost difference, we do not sell 29 gauge metal roofs and consider it a less favorable investment.
24 Gauge Metal Roofing vs. 26 Gauge Metal Roofing
When installing metal roofing on a strong wood base, a 26 gauge material is typically sufficient and cost-effective. However, in certain situations, such as high wind and heavy snow areas, opting for a 24 gauge material may be more suitable. Additionally, if you require a PVDF paint, it is highly likely that you will need to invest in a 24 gauge steel for your roofing.
A 24 gauge steel metal roof will typically weigh about thirty percent more than a 26 gauge steel roof, resulting in a similar price difference. If you choose both 24 gauge steel and PVDF paint, this price difference will be even greater. For an average size roof of 25 squares, the cost of installation will range between 10K and 20K. However, the cost savings of using 26 gauge steel instead of 24 gauge steel is only $1,000-1,500.
When installing an exposed fastener panel, you’ll typically have a wide range of options available to you. These can include choosing between 24 gauge in PVDF or various gauges in SMP paint systems. However, if you are installing standing seam panels, your options are more limited, typically only allowing for 24 gauge PVDF.
Making a decision between 24 gauge and 26 gauge steel for your metal roofing can be complex. If you live in an area with heavy snow or high winds, or if you prefer a PVDF paint finish, it might be worth investing in the 24 gauge steel, despite the higher cost. However, if budget is your main concern and you like the SMP colors, a 26 gauge steel could be a sensible choice, as long as you don’t expect high winds or heavy snow on your roof. Despite being thinner, 26 gauge steel still offers good quality at a more affordable price.
What is the recommended gauge thickness for metal roofing panels that will be installed over metal purlins?
It is crucial to consider the strength of metal roofing panels when they are installed over metal purlins. The panels must be able to span the distance between the purlins and handle both the load and wind uplift. You can find load charts and uplift charts online that will provide you with information about the capabilities of the panels.
Different panel profiles will have varying engineering values. For instance, the load chart for ⅞” corrugated panels will differ from the load chart for a PBR panel. It is advisable to consult with an engineer to determine the suitable span between metal purlins and the gauge of metal to be used.
What is the most suitable metal roofing thickness for panels spanning from purlin to purlin?
This conversation begins with the gauge that is not recommended for use. When it comes to metal roofing, 29 gauge is too flimsy for this application. The suitable gauge for metal roofing ranges from as light as 26 gauge to as heavy as 20 gauge. The longer the span between each support, the heavier the gauge needs to be.
For spans of four feet or less, a lighter gauge like 26 gauge may be suitable. Spans between four and six feet may require a 24 gauge, while spans longer than six feet may need a heavier gauge steel (22 gauge or thicker). Keep in mind that every job has unique requirements for uplift and load capabilities. It’s important to consult an engineer to determine the right panel type, panel gauge, and the appropriate distance between metal purlins.
It is crucial to carefully consider the gauge of steel being supplied when comparing bids from metal roofing contractors. A metal roof made from a heavier gauge steel will offer greater strength, better resistance to foot traffic and wind, and will ultimately last longer.
How to Choose A Perfect Metal Roof
When choosing a metal roof for your home, it’s important to start by determining the panel type. To help you with that decision, here is an article comparing Exposed Fastener Metal Panels and Standing Seam Systems for Metal Roofs.
Next, it is important to establish the gauge of the steel. This article will help you understand the appropriate gauge to consider for your home.
Once you have chosen the type of paint system and the color of your metal roof, the next step is to determine the best metal roofing color for your home.