Metal Building Roofing: Understanding Strength & Durability

Metal Roofing

So, You’ve decided to purchase a metal building! That’s great! Metal carports, garages, and buildings are fantastic places to store your stuff, protect your vehicles, and so much more. However, let’s assess your knowledge of prefab metal roofing. The roof is what really sets metal buildings apart from their competition. Strong metal roof panels protect you and your belongings from heavy precipitation, strong winds, falling debris, UV rays, and extreme weather.

You are probably wondering, “how do metal building roofs protect me from so much?”, and we are so glad you asked. Metal roof panels, and all metal building components, are made from steel. Steel is one of the highest quality building materials available. No matter what you build, steel is durable and long-lasting. It is impervious to moisture, impenetrable to pests, and even fire-resistant. Steel is, simply, the best.

The Different Roof Style Options

While all metal roof panels keep you safe and secure, they are not all the same. Metal building companies commonly sell three different prefabricated metal roofing styles: Regular, A-Frame, and Vertical. Each one has its own unique advantages.

1. Regular Roof

The Regular roof is the most common roofing style because it is the most economical option. It is made of horizontal panels in a sloped formation. This style mimics the look of a traditional barn, adding old-world charm to any location, which is another reason it is a popular metal roof style. This style is recommended for buildings that are 30’ or fewer in width, and only for construction in areas that experience mild weather conditions.

2. A- Frame Roof

A-Frame horizontal roofs are an excellent option for the customer seeking a more modern silhouette. A-frame metal roofing has the same look as most modern houses, peaked in the center. However, this roofing style still uses horizontal paneling. This means that the roof is ideal in areas that experience moderate weather and in buildings that are fewer than 36’ wide.

3. Vertical roof

The Vertical roof is the best overall prefab metal roofing. It is peaked in shape, like the A-frame horizontal roof, but is dramatically different because of the paneling design. Vertical roofs use vertical paneling. This paneling runs from the top of the roof to the bottom, allowing precipitation and debris to flow off with ease. These roofs are the strongest roofs available and are well suited for severe weather conditions and buildings larger than 36’ in width. Metal Garage Central highly recommends this roof style for all its metal buildings.

12x19 Steel Garage

Screw-Down or Standing Seam?

Prefab metal roofing is clearly the best roofing for your metal buildings, but did you know that there are multiple types of metal roofing? Most metal building manufacturers offer two metal roof panel types. The first type is Screw-Down metal roofing, and the second type is Standing Seam metal roofing.

• Screw-Down Metal Roofing

Screw Down Metal roofing is the most common option. Metal roof panels are screwed together, as the name suggests. These fasteners are visible and can take away from the overall aesthetic appeal of a building. These screw-based connections are also not ideal for metal buildings that will be used for living or working spaces. You do not want to use Screw-Down metal roofing for buildings that will have heating and air conditioning. However, this is a great option for metal garages and storage buildings because it is more economical.

• Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Standing Seam metal roofing, on the other hand, is the overall best choice. It is formed by panels with slightly hooked edges that interlock. These interlocking panels are fastened together with screws, but the screws are not visible. This makes Standing Seam metal roofing a much more attractive option. Additionally, Standing Seam metal roofing is a better option for metal buildings that will be inhabited. They do not react negatively to the expanding and contracting caused by heating and air conditioning. No matter what you plan for your building, this is the best roof style option.

It is important to note that both prefab metal roofing styles are extremely durable. Steel roofing can withstand high winds and extreme weather. While there are no “hurricane-proof” buildings, these steel roofs are as close as you can get.

Here’s How You Maintain Your Roof

While metal buildings and metal roof panels require much less maintenance than other building options, there is still some maintenance that needs to be done. By taking a few steps once a year to keep your metal roof maintained, you’re ensuring that it will last a lifetime. Keep in mind that screw-down roofs require more frequent maintenance than standing seam roofs because their penetration points are exposed to the elements.

Here are the basic maintenance steps to maintain your prefab metal roofing panels:

  1. Clean off your metal roof panels; use dish soap and a microfiber towel to gently scrub away dirt and grime. This time-consuming process can easily be done by a professional.
  2. Keep snow and ice off your roof. It goes without saying that water and metal do not mix well for long periods of time. To avoid damage from rust, remove snow and ice from your roof as soon as possible. Make sure you do not use metal tools, as those could scratch the roof panels.
  3. Keep an eye out for damage. While most people do not see their metal building’s roof very often, try to examine the metal roof panels at least once a year for any visible signs of damage. Once again, this can be done by a professional.
  4. Finally, fix any damage you see. It is especially important to fix loose or separating panels, as this could allow water into the structure and cause even more problems. Consult a professional for major issues.

26x36 Steel Garage

Understanding Expansion & How It Affects Your Roof

One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing which roof style is right for your metal building is the principle of expansion, more commonly known as thermal expansion. Metal expands when it is exposed to hot temperatures and contracts when exposed to cold temperatures. It’s a simple concept, but do not let the simplicity fool you. This can cause major stress in your metal building.

• Standing Seam Metal Roofs

Standing seam metal roofs are well suited for expanding and contracting. This is because they are interlocked with space for the panels to move. This means the metal roof panels are well suited for environments that will experience frequent changes in weather and temperature. It also means they are the best option for living spaces where the internal temperature will be drastically different than the external temperature. If you plan on using heating or air conditioning systems in your metal building, you need to use standing seam metal roofing.

• Screw Down Metal Roofs

Screw down metal roofing experiences more negative effects from expansion than standing seam roofing does. This is because its fasteners lock in place and prevent it from moving when the metal expands and contracts. This creates strain on the metal paneling, as well as the fasteners themselves. Eventually, the expanding and contracting could strip the screws. The only way to keep your roof intact is to replace the screws on your metal roof panels every five to ten years. Be sure to replace the screws with the next size up to prevent leaks.

Choose the Right Roof from Metal Garage Central

No matter what you need your metal building for, a metal roof is the best option. You should purchase a strong vertical, standing seam roof. This roof will best protect you and your belongings no matter what the weather and no matter the climate.

Are you ready to purchase the metal building of your dreams? If so, call Metal Garage Central today! Our metal building experts are ready to answer all your questions and make your dreams come true. We are the top metal building provider in the nation, so don’t wait! Call us today +1 (980) 321-9898!