Corrugated Metal Roofing
Corrugated metal has been used to cover roofs for generations, and metal roofing remains a popular solution to this day. If you’re searching for a roofing panel that’s relatively inexpensive and simple to install, then a corrugated metal roof could be a great choice for your commercial building application, carport, garage, barn, or other outdoor structure. Corrugated metal is more durable and long-lasting than asphalt shingles, and it can also reflect away a lot of sunlight and heat. The metal roofing pros at Skywalker Roofing are happy to serve your needs in NC and VA!
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How is Corrugated Metal Produced?
Let’s start by taking a closer look at corrugated metal. Corrugated simply describes any durable substance which has been shaped into alternating ridges and grooves. Just as corrugated cardboard is used to create sturdy boxes and packing materials, corrugated metal offers some impressive structural strength for lots of roofs and exterior siding applications. Corrugated metal is typically composed of either galvanized steel, galvalume steel, or aluminum, depending upon the intended usage. The coils of metal are placed into a roll-forming machine, which then shapes the metal panels into a preset corrugated pattern of wavy grooves and ridges. The corrugation or metal folding process takes a light gauge metal and turns it into an exterior covering that’s both strong and durable.
Corrugated Metal Roofing Panel Options
As is also true for standing seam metal panels, corrugated roofing doesn’t just come in one style or profile. In fact, you can have your own custom corrugated panel solution that’s tailored to be the best fit for your particular roof’s design, slope, and appearance. Here are some popular corrugated roofing panel options:
• 7/8” Structural Corrugated
The largest commercially-available corrugated panels for roofing are the 7/8” structural corrugated panels. These heavy-duty 22-gauge panels are particularly strong and rugged, and work well for commercial or industrial environments. This is a truly unique corrugated metal roofing sheet option that should be able to weather most any storm, as long as it’s installed correctly by a professional like Skywalker Roofing.
• Traditional 3/4” Corrugated Roof Panels
When you think of corrugated panels for metal roofing, chances are good that you’re thinking about a 3/4” design. This is the most popular style in America, and we’ve worked with it extensively at Skywalker. 29-gauge is a standard thickness for this type of corrugated metal, but we can also provide you with a sturdier 26-gauge panel if you prefer.
• 1/2” and 1/4” Corrugated Roof Panels
Popular due to its more subtle corrugation profile than larger paneling alternatives, 1/2” corrugated is a favorite for accent roofs and low-slope porch roofs. And if you want an even lower profile, you can go with an even smaller 1/4” corrugation which creates even more subtle repeating lines. Just note that both 1/2” and 1/4” are only recommended for small roofs and accent features.
Common Material Options for Metal Roofing
Most types of light-gauge metal which is commercially produced in large coils can be corrugated into roofing panels with the help of a roll-forming machine. Here’s some more information about three popular materials for corrugated metal roofing:
• Aluminum
The days of tin cans and tin roofs are now a thing of the past. Aluminum has been shown to be a preferable metal over tin for many applications. It’s more readily available, more lightweight, more malleable and easier to work with, won’t rust, and is very affordable. One key downside to aluminum is that it’s a soft metal which can be easy to ding or bend.
• Galvanized Steel
Galvanized metals have been around for over 300 years, and the galvanizing of materials became widespread in the early 1800s. In terms of metal roofing, galvanization is when a protective zinc coating is applied to a steel substrate through a hot-dip galvanizing process. When installed in drier climates, galvanized roofs have been known to last for decades. However, most manufacturers don’t offer warranties on galvanized products.
• Galvalume Steel
The Galvalume coating was introduced to the construction industry in the 1970s, and has become one of the most popular materials in the modern roofing market. Galvalume roofing material is comprised of steel, aluminum, zinc, and silicone in a manner which combines some of the best properties of each. Galvalume can last up to twice as long as conventional galvanized steel, while still coming in at a similar price point. Galvalume comes in an array of attractive colors, as well.
Things to Like About Corrugated Metal Roofing
Standing seam metal roofing has become increasingly popular for residential applications in recent years, and for a good reason. Here a few specific benefits that come along with choosing a standing seam metal roof from Skywalker Roofing:
• Durable
Metal roofing, and especially Galvalume steel in particular, is much more durable than some other roofing material options. Corrugated metal roofs are considerably more resilient than asphalt shingles, for example.
• Lightweight
Because corrugated metal is a lighter material than slate or heavy tiles, it adds less stress to your roof’s support infrastructure. The lightweight nature of corrugated roofing can add to the overall longevity of your roof system.
• Fire-Resistant
As you’re probably aware, metal is inherently non-combustible by nature. Because that’s true, there’s less danger of a fire threat penetrating through the exterior of your roof surface if you choose a corrugated metal roof.
• Reflectivity
Another property of metal which makes it worth considering as a roofing option is its reflectivity. Corrugated metal roofing is known to reflect a significant amount of both light and heat, so this can serve to help save on your air conditioning costs.
• Many Profile and Color Choices
Metal offers plenty of roof design choices, and corrugated panels come in a wide variety of colors and finishes. There are literally hundreds of corrugated metal roofing colors available, in fact. Want to help your roof blend in? Or perhaps you’d really prefer to make it stand out? Either way, there’s a custom metal roofing look for that.
• Price Point
One of the things that really helps to draw people towards corrugated metal roofing is its more attractive price point. Corrugated metal isn’t necessarily the cheapest roof out of all available roofing material possibilities, but it is certainly the most affordable metal roofing option.
Corrugated Metal Roofing Cost
Let’s look a little closer at corrugated metal roofing cost. It’s not just about cost; it’s also about cost-effectiveness. You should factor in the fact that metal is a more durable substrate than many other roofing materials, and that a metal substrate itself needs less maintenance than other comparable products.
So, what will a corrugated metal roof cost? The final price of your metal roof will really depend upon a few key variables, including the particular metal product you chose, the square footage of your roof surface, your roof’s pitch, and any roof features present which need to be worked around (like chimneys or vents).
Standing Seam vs. Corrugated Metal
But while there are things to like about corrugated metal for certain applications, Skywalker Roofing doesn’t recommend corrugated metal for primary residential roofs. Why not? One key liability is that corrugated metal roofing is secured with hundreds of exposed fasteners. While coated fasteners and washers can help, regular inspections are still required, and fasteners still need to be replaced on a regular cadence. And the other issue with exposed fasteners is that each can develop into a potential leak source over time.
As metal roofing solutions go, a standing seam metal roof has some clear advantages over corrugated metal. A standing seam system is comprised of wider, flatter metal panels with vertical legs or ribs on each end. These panels lock together, and are then mounted to the roof with hidden clips underneath. No exposed fasteners or seams means greatly reduced opportunity for leak development, and standing seam roofs generally require much less maintenance, too. In addition, many homeowners prefer the visual appeal of a standing seam roof, with its smooth panels and sleek lines. You can’t beat the longevity factor, either – a standing seam roof can easily last 75 years, or longer!
Corrugated Metal Panels vs. Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Skywalker Roofing is the Metal Roofing Expert You Can Trust in Both NC & VA!
While there are likely quite a few roofers in your local area who may be able to nail a shingle, there are precious few who possess all the needed tools, training, and expertise to be able to both fabricate and apply a metal roof correctly. If you’re looking for a trusted local metal roofing contractor who serves both NC and VA, then Skywalker is a clear choice!
Got some specific questions about corrugated metal, or about metal roofing in general? Then give one of our experts a call at +1 (336) 627-5596. We’ll take the time to listen, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Schedule your FREE home or business inspection and personal consultation with Skywalker today, and experience the Skywalker difference for yourself!