Search through these images and descriptions of metal roofing materials to learn about or identify the one you may be inspecting
R Panel and PBR Panel are the most common metal roofing material that we come across. Both of these roofs of an identical appearance, the difference is the PBR Panel’s under-lapping rib is a full rib that extends under the next panel to give more structural integrity. The panels are typically 36″ wide with raised ribs that are around 1 1/4″ high with two small ribs in between each of the larger ribs (These dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer of the metal panels). The most common gauge for these roofs is 26 gauge. Minimum pitch 1:12
U Panel roof. The panels are 36″ wide, they have seven ribs that are 3/4″ tall and separated by six inches on center.This roofing is usually 26 gauge. Minimum pitch 2:12.
Standing Seam and Snap-Lock a.k.a. InstaLoc have a very similar appearance with the fundamental difference being that the Standing Seam “seams” are mechanically crimped. The Snap-Lock panels are manufactured to snap together. The Snap-Lock panels usually have raised ribs in the middle of the panel (as in the picture below). These roof panels are manufactured with varying widths and seam heights. Instaloc minimum pitch 3:12. Standing Seam minimum pitch 1:12.
Five V Crimp Metal Panels are most common in agricultural applications such as barns, lean to roofs, and sheds. This style of metal is becoming more popular for residential roofing. The panels are 24″ wide with five “V shaped” ribs that are 1/2″ tall. Most commonly 29 gauge, these panels are also available in 26 gauge. Minimum pitch 3:12.
Corrugated Metal Panels. The panels are most commonly 26″ wide with 1/2″ high ribs. These panels vary vastly in width rib height and gauge but are easily identified by their appearance.
Stone Coated Metal a.k.a. Decra Roofing. These roofs have many different styles and compositions. The metal used is usually steel or aluminum. While the steel roofs can support weight without taking damage, the aluminum stone coated roofs will dent fairly easily. These metal sheets are manufactured to resemble the look of flat tile, barrel tile, shake, and even architectural shingles.
Stamped Metal a.k.a. Stamped Panel Roofs a.k.a. Pressed Metal. These metal roof panels are most commonly made of galvanized metal but may also be aluminum or copper. The metal panels are stamped with a design and are made to interlock on all four sides. These panels can have many different designs, widths, and exposures. Minimum pitch 4:12.
Soldered Metal Panels. This roofing method is typically used on low slope roofing surfaces. By soldering the panels together, a leak proof seam is created. These seams are vulnerable to stress cracks even more so on longer seams. This method also used on older standing seam roofs. These roofs have mechanically crimped seams (same as a standing seam roof) and the separate panels, that are shorter than the newer standing panels (typically about 24″ long) are soldered together.
