general guidelines on when it’s best to use each panel:
- If the panels are being installed in a climate with extreme weather conditions, you should use 26 gauge metal panels (hail, strong winds, heavy snow).
- Longevity is essential, and you want panels that will last for a long time.
- You want a product that is more resistant to dents and has a better appearance.
Full Answer
What is the best gauge for metal roof?
You need to do and know:
- Make sure that the roof panel being considered is appropriate for and approved by the manufacturer for your roof’s configuration. ...
- Know what sort of finish or coating is on your roof and what its expected performance is.
- Know what warranties you will get with your roof and who they will come from.
What gauge metal roof is the best?
When To Use 29-Gauge Metal Roofs?
- 29-gauge metal roofs are best suited for areas with a moderate climate.
- If you are looking for roofs for the short term, then choose 29-gauge metal.
- If you have a tight budget, then a 29-gauge is ideal.
What gauge metal roofing should I use?
general guidelines on when it’s best to use each panel:
- If the panels are being installed in a climate with extreme weather conditions, you should use 26 gauge metal panels (hail, strong winds, heavy snow).
- Longevity is essential, and you want panels that will last for a long time.
- You want a product that is more resistant to dents and has a better appearance.
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.
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.
What gauge metal should I put on my roof?
While 26 gauge and 24 gauge are generally the standard for most commercial and residential installations, some choose to work with 29-gauge because it is more affordable.
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 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.
Can you walk on a 29 gauge metal roof?
3:544:47Metal Roof: a few details on 29 gauge 5 rib roofs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure to use butyl tape. Make sure to use the polyurethane sealant. Make sure you use the rightMoreMake sure to use butyl tape. Make sure to use the polyurethane sealant. Make sure you use the right gasketed screws it's a very long-lasting. And high quality product.
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.
Is 24 gauge metal roofing hail resistant?
Metal's thickness plays a role in its durability. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the metal. A metal roof in a 29-gauge metal is thinner and therefore more susceptible to dents than a roof in a 24-gauge. For more protection from hail and other elements, we recommend using a thicker gauge such as 24 gauge.
How far can you span 29 gauge metal roofing?
Allowable Uniform Loads in Pounds per Square FootPanel GaugeSpan TypeSpan in Feet29 Ga.3-Span12.3615.504-Span11.5814.5329 more rows
Is 26 gauge sheet metal good?
Property owners choose 26 because: 26-gauge steel is the industry standard for most residential and commercial applications. It's thicker and more structurally sound than 29, but less expensive than 22 and 24.
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.
Are there different grades of metal roofing?
There are three primary Steel Roof types: Galvanized, Galvalume, and Weathering Steel.
Is 22 or 24 gauge thicker?
“Gauge” refers to the thickness of wire. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the metal. For example, 10 gauge would be much thicker than 15 gauge. Most of our earrings have a post, or part of the earring that slips through the ear, between 19 gauge (thickest) to 24 gauge (thinnest).
What is gauge on a roof?
Gauge is the thickness of the metal used for a roof. Metal roof panels are measured by gauge and are usually between 22 and 29. Each number represents a range of inches (0.0179 to 0.0217, for example) so two roofs may have the same gauge but slightly different thicknesses. Any difference is minimal in actual thickness but may have an effect on how ...
What is the benefit of a 29 gauge roof?
The biggest benefit of having a higher gauge roof is that it is less expensive. 29-gauge metal is used on 90% of homes with metal roofs.
Why is thicker gauge better?
Based on gauge alone a thicker metal will be more durable and is more resistant to weather events. A thicker gauge also requires less support from the building because it will remain structurally sound for longer.
What is the best way to secure a roof?
Fasteners. Fasteners secure the roof membrane to the structural roof deck. This improves the durability of the roof overall. These can create a stronger roof despite a higher gauge if placed at specific intervals.
How is steel tensile strength measured?
Steel is measured using grades or units of tensile toughness. For example, a full hard grade 80 steel, or 80,000 psi minimum tensile strength is stronger than a grade 50 or 50,000 psi tensile strength. This is a major factor in determining how tough a roof is. If a roof has a higher gauge but higher-grade steel then it can be more durable ...
What metals cost more than aluminum?
Metal Type. The type of metal used varies in price. Copper and zinc cost more than aluminum or steel. The life expectancy and durability of each type of metal can affect the price. Different types of metals also can use different measuring standards, which means that two different metals that are of the same gauge may not actually be ...
Does thicker gauge help with snow?
While thicker metal may save money in the long run by preventing long-term damage, it may not be necessary for certain locations. Thicker gauge typically helps with the amount of snow a roof can hold up, but we know that isn’t a huge concern here in Florida.
What is a gauge roof?
What Is A Roof Gauge? Gauge refers to the thickness of the metal panel and is represented in number form. Most metal roof and metal siding panels on the market are between 20- 29 gauge, with 20-gauge being the thickest and 29-gauge being the thinnest panels sold. These numbers refer to the decimal thickness of the steel and they have a range. ...
What gauge is best for hail?
If you live in an area that experiences hail often, then an even thicker gauge is a better option for your climate. Heavier material, such as 24-gauge or even 22-gauge, is more suitable for any area that is prone to extreme weather conditions.
What gauge is best for a pole barn?
You are building an open frame structure, such as a pole barn. While 29-gauge can be used for the walls of small barns, 26-gauge is advised for the roof and walls of larger barns.
Is there a difference in the appearance of a roof panel?
Appearance. While there isn’t a noticeable difference in appearance between the panel gauges , the differing compositions of the panels could lead to some aesthetic changes. When it comes to installation, simple errors can ultimately compromise the roof’s appearance.
Is 29 gauge stronger than 26 gauge?
This is why 29-gauge is thinner than 26-gauge. Since the product is thinner, it’s not as strong as 26-gauge. When it comes to harsh weather elements like snow, high winds or hail, a thinner material could become a problem. If a structure is located in a climate that has snowfall regularly, 29-gauge is not recommended.
Is 29 gauge metal roof safe?
If a structure is located in a climate that has snowfall regularly, 29-gauge is not recommended . The weight of the snow could be too much for the roof to handle, resulting in leaks or even causing the roof to cave in. Homeowners in areas that experience high winds also want to stay away from thinner metal.
Is 26 gauge or 29 gauge better?
A 26-gauge roof is not only thicker but also heavier than 29-gauge. The added weight gives the roof a greater chance of staying intact in the event of a very heavy wind storm. 26 gauge will out-perform any 29 gauge material. In hail prone areas, a heavier gauge will make sense due to impact-resistance.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
What do you need to know about metal roofs?
You need to do and know: Make sure that the roof panel being considered is appropriate for and approved by the manufacturer for your roof’s configuration. As an example, many metal roofs have minimum pitch requirements. Never allow a product to be installed at a lower pitch than its manufacturer specifies.
Does paint make a difference in metal roofing?
Paint, though, will make a difference to the thickness and, if you truly want to compare metal thickness “apples to apples” of various metal roofing products, you need to specify whether it is with or without the paint or another coating.
What gauge is better for a copper roof?
For example, a 26 gauge copper roof is a different weight than a 26 gauge steel roof. Another factor to keep in mind when selecting a suitable metal gauge is the profile of your roof. Lighter gauges (higher numbers) work better on roofs with smaller or more complex shapes.
Is 22 gauge metal thicker than 28 gauge?
When considering metal gauges, it is important to note that the higher the number, the thinner the metal. For example, 22 gauge metal is nearly twice as thick as 28 gauge. And to complicate things just a little further, measuring standards vary based on the metal.
