What Gauge of Metal Roofing is best For Residential Property
For home owners who are looking to install metal roofing for their residential property they must understand the various types of metal roof gauges. It can be quite challenging to select the proper gauge, particularly if you are unsure of whether you want a heavier or lower weight panel. As a general rule, the thickness will be thinner the higher the gauge number.
Although 26 gauge and 29-gauge metal roofing are often the most common choices, each has merits and drawbacks. Discover which gauge is perfect for your property by reading more!
Paints and Fasteners: The two more important factors for gauge size
Overall, your budget and the manner of design you desire for your home will determine the sort of gauge you select. This comes down to choosing the right painting material and deciding whether you want exposed-fasteners or standing seams.
Exposed Fasteners vs. Standing Seam
You need to decide between exposed fastener and standing seam metal roofing. Standing seam costs twice as much as regular corrugated metal roofing with exposed fasteners.
A standing seam metal roofing system differs in that the sheet metal includes vertical ribs along the panel borders. The screws and clips used to attach the seams are concealed. They give off a more attractive appearance and are ideal for more contemporary homes. In contrast, a metal roofing system with exposed fasteners features panels that are screwed right to the roof. The metal is more obvious, as are other technical details. Roofs with exposed fasteners are widely available. Consequently because of their simpler installation, most homeowners choose them.
A standing seam roof will almost probably need the procurement of 24 gauge steel. However, you will have greater freedom to select 29, 26, or 24 gauge roof metal if your panel has exposed fasteners.
PVDF vs. SMP
The next choice is between an SMP paint system and a PVDF paint system. There are fewer selections and a distinction in that SMP paint colors are lighter and lack metallic or bright sheens; they are better suited for 26 gauge roof metals. While SMP paint solutions fade more quickly, PVDF paint finishes have a wider range and a better durability. However, they will cost you significantly more because 24 gauge steel is required.
Types of metal gauges:
Here are the several types of metal gauges and their benefits and drawbacks now that you know the two main criteria for choosing the gauge type you need!
Gauge | Pros | Cons |
22-GAUGE
| It is the thickest variety and provides better security for particular kinds of structures. It can withstand the weather, including strong winds and heavy snow.
| The most expensive option for gauges. |
24-GAUGE
| It is impervious to bad weather. It maintains the same appearance over time.
| Because it is so thick, a 24-gauge is more expensive.
|
26-GAUGE
| The current standard for the majority of residential and commercial uses is 26-gauge steel. It costs less than 22 and 24 but is stronger and more mechanically robust than 29. | If you reside in a region that frequently suffers strong winds and other severe weather conditions, it is not the greatest option due to its thinner construction.
|
29-GAUGE
| It’s generally the lowest priced since it meets the requirements for a metal roof’s minimum thickness. For residential homes, 29-gauge panels are typically more than sufficient. | For structures in regions with severe weather, it won’t be as tough. |
The standard gauge size–you guessed it, 29!
Most homeowners go for a 29-gauge metal roof as it is sturdy enough to withstand normal weather and also the least expensive. However, homeowners who live in snowy regions tend to push it up to 26-gauge which is the second most popular option. Overall, 26 and 29 are the standard choice and will be enough to protect a home.
Conclusion
The two most crucial elements you must take into account when choosing the proper gauge for your metal roofing are the sort of roofing system you need, such as exposed fasteners or standing seam metal roofing panels. Once you’ve got that covered consider the various options for paint. SMP paint is ideal if you’re searching for a less expensive choice, whereas PVDF paint is preferable if you want greater color diversity and longevity. You should pick the gauge that works best for your house and can provide you with the greatest safety because each form of gauge has advantages of its own and is suitable for particular environments more than others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on where you reside, 29-gauge panels are used on the majority of American homes with metal roofs. The thinnest panels, 29-gauge ones, are typically the least expensive for homeowners.
The thickness of your sheet metal may be determined using a measuring tape and a straightforward conversion method. To start, find the thickness in millimeters using the tape measure. The number of millimeters is then multiplied by 0.03937.
It might be challenging to measure gauge metal panels since the lower the number, the heavier the metal is. To simply put it, 26 gauge is thicker than 29 gauge when comparing the two.
Your requirements will determine what gauge of metal roofing to choose. Your selection about the thickness of your roofing panels will be influenced by a number of factors, including where you live, the construction of your building, the climate in your region, and more.