There is no standard gauge for metal roofing. However, 24-gauge and 26-gauge are the preferred metal roofing thickness for most residential and commercial applications. There are times when one metal roofing gauge thickness is a better choice than the other.
Full Answer
What is the best gauge for metal roofing?
What gauge metal roof is best? With metal, the higher the gauge number, the thinner the material. So 29 gauge is thinner than 26 gauge. For residential roofing, 29 gauge is the minimum recommended, while 26 gauge is suitable for most applications. In areas with high winds, incidence of hail or severe weather, 24 gauge is advisable.
What are the different gauges of metal roofing?
- Steep slope application: Method of installing roofing material on roof slopes greater than 21 inches per foot.
- Normal slope application: Method of installing roofing materials on roof slopes between 4 inches and 21 inches per foot.
- Low slope application: Method of installing roofing materials on roof slopes between two and four inches per foot.
Do you need heavy gauge metal roofing?
When you choose metal roofing for your project, you need to decide which gauge (thickness) you need, from the thinnest 29-gauge to heavy duty 22-gauge. Heavy gauge metal roofing is stronger, thicker, and more expensive, while the thinner gauges are more cost effective in certain applications. So, which gauge do you need?
How to pick the best gauge metal for your project?
- A 14-gauge stainless steel sheet has a decimal equivalent of .0751.
- Moving down to a 13-gauge stainless steel sheet, the decimal equivalent is 0.0900
- Moving up to a 16-gauge stainless steel sheet, the decimal equivalent is 0.0595
Which is better 24 or 26 gauge metal roofing?
A 24 gauge metal roof has more strength, is more impact resistant to hail, can handle higher winds, and heavier snow loads compared to a 26 gauge metal roof. If you are installing a metal roof in a milder climate, using a 26 gauge metal is more appropriate.
What is good thickness of metal roof?
Homeowners choose 29 because: Since it's the minimum thickness for a metal roof, it's usually the least expensive. 29-gauge panels are usually more than adequate for residential homes.
How long will a 26 gauge metal roof last?
Other benefits of standing seam and metal roofs include: Durability — Unlike other roofing materials, standing seam roofs use 26- or 24-gauge metal which does not crack or corrode. Many standing seam roofs can withstand winds up to 140 mph and can last 50 or more years. They quickly shed ice, snow and rain.
Can you walk 29 gauge metal roof?
You cannot walk on a metal roof.
Is 26 gauge metal roofing hail resistant?
When it comes to protecting a roof, the thickness of the metal panel is a key factor to resisting large-sized hail stones. Bridger Steel recommends a minimum of a 26 gauge steel roofing panel to survive a harsh hail storm. A thicker metal panel will resist punctures and impacts, plus form stronger seams between panels.
What is the difference between 26 and 29 gauge metal roofing?
The lower the number, the thicker the metal. How much thicker? In general, a 26-gauge piece of metal is about 25 percent thicker than a 29-gauge. For this reason, it's better able to tolerate strong winds and hail.
What color of metal roof is best?
The best matches include black and red, as well as bare metal. Yellow buildings are beautiful and sunny, but the roof needs to contrast with the bright color. Muted shades are going to be the best bet here, so stick with things like black, brown, and gray. Blue is also a good option, but don't choose bright shades.
Is it OK to put a metal roof over shingles?
In almost every case, the answer is yes, you can lay down a new metal roof over an existing shingle roof. This is one of the many reasons metal roofs keep growing in popularity – their installation doesn't require completely tearing off the existing roof, which is a time-consuming and expensive job.
What are the disadvantages of metal roofing?
Disadvantages of metal roofsAffordability. Metal roofs can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials. ... Noisiness. ... Expansion, contraction and fasteners. ... Inconsistency of color match. ... Performance.
How far can you span 29 gauge metal roofing?
2'6”29 gauge corrugated metal roofing is often referred to as barn metal or pole barn metal. It is a very common type of screw down metal that is easy to install and easy to purchase at most lumber yards. It can span 2'6” over open wood purling making it a great metal roofing for post frame buildings.
Is there plywood under metal roof?
Be sure to use plywood that is thick enough. The plywood or OSB you use for a base underneath your metal roofing should be at least 7/16 inch thick. This thickness will ensure that the wood is sturdy enough to hold the screws in place and support the metal roofing.
What gauge metal does Morton buildings use?
Morton uses prime steel manufactured at our own plants—pre-engineered commercial quality Hi-Rib™ steel. Steel panels used by many other builders are formed from 29-gauge, full hard steel, which has a higher tensile strength. But, with Morton's higher rib height and thicker gauge, our Hi-Rib™ panels are stronger.
What gauge is copper roofing?
The thickness of copper is different than for steel. The most common gauges for metal roofing are 29, 26, 24, and 22 gauge. The vast majority of what we sell is either 26 gauge metal roofing or 24 gauge metal roofing. Low end agricultural jobs are normally 26 gauge or 29 gauge. While a beautiful new home with a standing seam roof would likely be 24 ...
What is the best metal roofing system?
Standing seam is the best metal roofing system. The main advantage of this panel is that the fasteners are concealed making it the most weathertight roofing panel. However, it is also the most expensive option and it will only be available in 24 gauge or heavier.
What is the best paint finish for a Kynar 500?
PVDF/Kynar 500® is the best paint finish and it is not available in light gauge steel. If you want a Kynar paint finish you will nearly certainly be purchasing 24 gauge steel. You will have a greater selection of colors including bright and vibrant colors, matte finishes, and designer paint finishes.
What is the difference between 24 gauge and 29 gauge?
The higher the number of the gauge, the thinner the thickness of the metal roofing. For example, 29 gauge is thinner than 26 gauge and 24 gauge is heavier than 26 gauge. Then it gets even more complicated because different metals have different measuring standards. The thickness of copper is different than for steel.
Is 24 gauge steel better than 26 gauge?
When the metal roofing sits on a solid wood substrate a 26 gauge material is appropriate and a good value. However, there are instances in which a 24 gauge material would be a better choice. If you live in an area with high winds and a lot of snow than spending the additional money on 24 gauge would make sense. In addition, if you want a Kynar paint then you will nearly certainly need to purchase a 24 gauge steel.
What gauge is used for metal roofing?
The most common gauge types for metal roofing are 22, 24, 26, and 29 gauge. 22 gauge is a lower number and a thicker metal than 29 gauge.
How much heavier is a 24 gauge metal roof?
Since 24-gauge is the thicker material, it’s also the heavier material compared to 26-gauge. A 24-gauge roofing panel weighs approximately 30% more than a 26-gauge panel. Just like with thickness, the weight of each gauge also has a range.
How much does 24 gauge metal roofing cost?
24 gauge metal roofing prices range anywhere from $1 to $5 per sq. ft. The price depends on the type of panel and finish you choose. Below is a price breakdown of each category.
What gauge is SMP?
If you decide to save some money and buy SMP painted panels, they are normally available in 26 gauge only. If you’re able to find 24 gauge metal roofing in an SMP paint finish the selection of colors is normally limited.
What is the difference between 24 gauge and 26 gauge?
When it comes to 24-gauge and 26-gauge, there is an approximate 30% difference in thickness between the two metals. When you apply a paint finish to the base metal it will increase the overall thickness of the metal.
What gauge is a standing seam roof?
When you buy a standing seam roof, you’re getting a panel that’s designed to be a lifetime roof. Therefore, it’s normally in 24 gauge.
Is oil canning a metal roof?
While oil canning is unavoidable in metal, using a thicker gauge that is less malleable helps keep it from being as easily apparent as the thicker panels are stronger. The appearance of a 26-gauge roof is usually more affected by oil canning compared to a 24-gauge metal roof.
What is the thickest metal panel?
U.S. manufacturers express the thickness of metal panels as their ‘gauge’, with 22-gauge being the thickest and 29-gauge the thinnest of traditionally-sold metal roof and wall panels. Each gauge represents a nominal decimal range.
How thick is a 26 gauge panel?
This means that while a 26-gauge panel from one manufacturer could measure 0.027 in. thick, a 26-gauge panel from another manufacturer could measure only 0.0179 in., but both are sold as 26-gauge panels. Although those seem like small numbers, they represent a noticeable difference in panel stiffness and strength.
What is the first decision to make when choosing metal panels?
One of the first decisions they’ll make is what gauge or thickness they need. There are a variety of metal roof and wall panel profiles to choose from, and they are all available in several gauge thicknesses …
What is the job of a 29 gauge metal panel?
The metal panels are affixed to the sheathing and serve no structural role in these instances; their job is to keep the sheathing dry. A quality 29-gauge panel is more than adequate for this—which is why it’s used on nearly 80 percent of homes with metal panels.
When ordering inventory, should you look beyond the gauge number to the manufacturer’s specifications on metal thickness?
When ordering inventory, you should look beyond the gauge number to the manufacturer’s specifications on metal thickness. This will give you peace of mind that you’re providing your customers with the gauge they’re paying for and the quality they need to get the job done.
Is 22 gauge sheeting thicker than 29 gauge?
Because 22-, 24- or 26-gauge sheeting is thicker, and will, therefore, remain more structurally sound over a longer span than a 29-gauge, the building needs fewer supports, which saves your customers money. For post-frame structures like this, it is important for your customers to consider the potential snow load the roof may need to support ...
Is 29 gauge metal UL?
A 29-gauge metal panel can have the same impact-resistance rating from Underwriters ’ Laboratory (UL) as a 26-gauge panel ; the advantage of thicker metal panels in this case is that they are less prone to denting.
How to Choose the Right Gauge for Your New Metal Roof
As a metal roofing company, we field inquiries pretty regularly about the “best" metal roof or the “best gauge” for a metal roof. While it would be wonderful to have a pat answer for these questions, it's not that simple. That's because different gauges work best for different metals, applications, and profiles.
Choosing the RIght Gauge
Higher-end projects with a tougher specification - think very steep roofs or vertical walls - tend to be handled best by the heaviest gauges. On the opposite end of the scale are thinner gauges for projects and features like agricultural, exposed fastener, and low-end jobs.
The Profile Effect
To further complicate the issue, remember that the profile into which the metal is formed also affects the suitability of various metal gauges. You can use a piece of paper to illustrate this. Hold the piece of paper between your fingers so that it hangs down toward your desk or counter.
Metal Roofing Materials
Before we get to the styles, it is essential to discuss the different metal roofing materials. When most people hear the term metal roof, they almost always think about steel. And they are usually right in most cases. Steel is the most common type of roofing material, but it is certainly not the only one.
What Other Types of Roofing Metals Exist?
Steel is popular for its durability and low maintenance. But it is its cost-effectiveness that gives it an edge over other metals. Otherwise, most of them outshine it in various aspects. The rest include:
5 Types of Metal Roofing
With the subject of metal roofing materials out of the way, we can now discuss the different types of metal roofs available.
Conclusion
Metal is arguably the superior roofing material despite its drawbacks (which are few). Its durability and versatility are unmatched. Metal roofs can last for 50+ years when properly installed and maintained. They are also energy efficient and are available in different styles, colors, and finishes.