Exploring the Different Metal Roofing Panel Systems: The Ultimate Guide

March 18, 2024

Metal Roofing Guide from R-panel Systems to Double Lock Standing Seam Roofing Systems

Primrose Metal roof install Frisco Texas

Exploring the Different Metal Roofing Panel Systems: The Ultimate Guide

Deciding on the best metal roofing panel system can be daunting. This article dives into exploring the different metal roofing panel systems, comparing their performance, cost, and design features. Find the metal roofing that aligns with your needs as we examine various systems from standing seam to ribbed panels.

Snapshot of Top-Tier Metal Roofing Panels

To navigate the landscape of metal roofing panels, here’s a quick rundown of some top-tier options:

Best for Overall Performance: Standing Seam Panels
Best for Budget: Ribbed Metal Roofing Panels
Best for Aesthetics: Master Panels with Striations
Best Classic Design: R-Panel from McElroy Metal
Best Leak Protection: Double-Lok® Panels from MBCI
Best Retrofit Solution: McElroy Metal’s Recovery System
Best Architectural Detail: Zee-Lock Panel from Berridge
Most Versatile Profile: FW-120 Panels from MBCI

Best Overall Performance - Standing Seam Panels

Price: Varies

Specifications:

Material: Galvalume or galvanized steel
Fastening: Concealed

Pros:

Exceptional durability
Resistance to harsh weather conditions
High customization options

Cons:

Higher upfront cost

The robustness of Standing Seam Panels and their ability to endure severe weather conditions are well-known. The benefits of Standing Seam Panels include:

Enhanced sleek appearance due to concealed fasteners
Improved overall performance by eliminating potential water penetration points
Increased durability and weather resistance

While the higher cost may be a deterrent, the long-term savings through these benefits make Standing Seam Panels a worthy investment.

Rating:

Price: 3/5
Design: 5/5
Durability: 5/5

Most Budget-Friendly - Ribbed Metal Roofing Panels

Price: $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot (free estimate)

Specifications:

Material: High-quality steel
Lifespan: Up to 40 years

Pros:

Cost-effective
Robust design, suitable for heavy rain
Excellent water shedding capabilities

Cons:

Need to replace screws every 10 years

Striking a balance between cost-effectiveness and robust design, ribbed metal roofing panels provide a reliable choice. Made of high-quality steel, these panels last up to 40 years and resist rust for up to 25 years. Despite their affordability, these panels provide practical benefits such as excellent water shedding capabilities. The need to replace screws approximately every 10 years is a minor inconvenience when considering the overall benefits and savings.

Rating:

Price: 5/5
Design: 4/5
Durability: 4/5

Premium Aesthetic Choice - Master Panels with Striations

Price: Varies

Specifications:

Design: Linear grooves parallel to the standing seams
Purpose: Minimize visibility of oil canning

Pros:

Enhanced visual appeal with a new roof
Smooth roofing surface

Cons:

Possibly higher cost due to premium aesthetic

Offering not just functionality but also a premium aesthetic choice, Master Panels with Striations are an impressive option. The striations, or linear grooves, contribute to a clean and defined appearance, minimizing the visibility of oil canning and maintaining the flatness of the roofing surface. While these panels might come with a higher price tag due to their premium aesthetic, the visual appeal and high-end finish they offer make them a worthy investment for homeowners seeking to increase their property’s curb appeal.

Rating:

Price: 4/5
Design: 5/5
Durability: 4/5

Most Classic Design - R-Panel from McElroy Metal

Price: Varies

Specifications:

Design: 1 1/4” major ribs on 12-inch centers
Material: Thinner metal gauges

Pros:

Classic corrugated appearance
Enhanced support with optional Purlin Bearing Leg

Cons:

Less durable and weather-resistant compared to thicker gauges

With its bold traditional corrugated appearance, the R-Panel from McElroy Metal is particularly favored for residential roofs in the Southwestern United States, including North Richland Hills, and highly sought after. Incorporating modern elements, the R-Panel can be enhanced with an optional Purlin Bearing Leg, which adds support and aids in fastening the panel lap during installation.

While the thinner metal gauges provide less durability and weather resistance than thicker gauges, the classic appeal of the R-Panel makes it an attractive option for those seeking a traditional look.

Rating:

Price: 5/5
Design: 4/5
Durability: 3/5

Best Leak Protection - Double-Lok® Panels from MBCI

Price: Varies

Specifications:

Design: Continuous panel lengths up to 40 feet
Application: Large-scale projects

Pros:

Superior leak resistance
Seamless installation

Cons:

Higher cost for smaller projects

Providing superior leak resistance due to their continuous panel lengths up to 40 feet, Double-Lok® panels from MBCI ensure seamless installation and reduced potential leak points. While the system is highly regarded for its reliable foundation for proprietary roofing systems, it may be more costly for smaller projects. However, the exceptional performance, dependable water-tightness, and the ability to keep project timelines on track make Double-Lok® panels a reliable choice for those requiring superior leak protection.

Rating:

Price: 4/5
Design: 5/5
Durability: 5/5

Best Retrofit Solution - McElroy Metal's Recovery System

Price: Varies

Specifications:

Design: Retrofitting directly on top of existing shingle roofs
Application: Various existing roof types

Pros:

Diminishes labor costs
Reduces waste
Energy efficient

Cons:

Dependence on building’s structural integrity

With the potential to diminish labor costs and reduce waste, McElroy Metal’s Recovery System permits retrofitting directly on top of existing shingle roofs. While the system can be applied over various existing roof types, it’s crucial to ensure the structural integrity of the building can sustain the additional weight of the metal roof. Despite this consideration, the system offers an excellent retrofit solution for those seeking to upgrade their existing roofing without a complete teardown.

Rating:

Price: 4/5
Design: 4/5
Durability: 4/5

Best Architectural Detail - Zee-Lock Panel from Berridge

Price: Varies

Specifications:

Design: 2-inch standing seam and 16-inch panel coverage
Material: 24 and 22-gauge steel or 0.032 and 0.040 aluminum

Pros:

Elegant visual profile
Suitable for both straight and curved surfaces

Cons:

Possible higher cost due to premium aesthetic

The Zee-Lock Panel from Berridge offers the following features:

Elegant visual profile that enhances architectural details
Designed to work with both open framing and solid sheathing, demonstrating its adaptability for varying structural requirements
Available in sturdy 24 and 22-gauge steel, or 0.032 and 0.040 aluminum, providing material flexibility to cater to different application needs and preferences
Despite the possible higher cost due to its premium aesthetic, the architectural detail offered by the Zee-Lock Panel makes it a top pick for those seeking to create visually appealing structures.

Rating:

Price: 4/5
Design: 5/5
Durability: 4/5

Most Versatile Profile - FW-120 Panels from MBCI

Price: Varies Specifications:

Design: Three distinct profiles
Material: Various gauges available

Pros:

Versatile profile suitable for diverse applications
Extensive spanning capabilities

Cons:

Incompatibility of FW-120 clip with 20-gauge panels

Offering a versatile profile, FW-120 panels from MBCI are suitable for various applications, including composite wall applications. They are favored across architectural, commercial, and industrial markets for their extensive spanning capabilities. The FW-120 panel system offers three distinct profiles—a flat profile, a profile with one bead, and a profile with two beads—and can be custom-tailored with options such as smooth or embossed finishes and a variety of colors. Despite the incompatibility of the FW-120 clip with 20-gauge panels, the versatility of these panels makes them a top pick for those seeking a versatile profile.

Rating:

Price: 4/5
Design: 5/5
Durability: 4/5

Selecting Your Ideal Metal Roofing Panel

The process of choosing the ideal metal roofing panel involves taking into account several factors such as material type, style, and personal preferences. Some options to consider are:

Aluminum roofing, which offers corrosion resistance, lightweight properties, and design flexibility, making it a versatile choice for various roof designs.
Zinc roofing, which is a pricier option but offers unique visual aspects and long-term durability, especially in coastal environments where it resists corrosion from sea salt spray.
Copper roofing, which is also a pricier option but offers a distinctive appearance and excellent durability.

Consider these factors and choose the metal roofing panel that best suits your needs and preferences.

Meanwhile, steel is the most widely used and cost-effective metal roofing material, offering durability and fire resistance. Ultimately, the right selection depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

Understanding Metal Roofing Costs

Compared to other roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, metal roofing often comes with a higher upfront cost. However, despite the initial expense, metal roofs offer long-term value with potential lifespans of 45 to over 100 years depending on the material. The cost of metal roofing is determined by a combination of factors such as:

Material type
Labor costs
Roof dimensions
Additional spending on permits, underlayment, and coatings

Larger roofing projects typically have lower per square foot costs due to economies of scale; conversely, smaller projects under 500 square feet may be more expensive. However, considering the durability, longevity, and energy efficiency of metal roofs, the cost is often justified and provides excellent long-term value.

Features That Make a Difference

The performance, longevity, and visual appeal of metal roofing systems are influenced by various features. Protective coatings, for instance, enhance the roof’s resilience and longevity, maintain cooler building temperatures through reflective properties, and result in cost savings by minimizing the need for repairs. Precious metals like zinc and copper not only offer durability but also visual appeal, with zinc developing a protective patina for a corrosion-resistant blue/gray finish, and copper, known for its striking color change over time.

Technological enhancements such as stone-coated steel provide texture and color options, while coatings such as:

Galvalume Plus®
Signature® 200
Signature® 300
Signature® 300 Metallic

The durability, longevity, and fire resistant qualities of metal roofing panels, especially in commercial roofing, can be significantly improved with the expertise of Becker Roofing by adding a protective layer.

Summary

In conclusion, metal roofing offers a wide range of options to suit various needs and preferences. From standing seam panels known for their exceptional durability to the budget-friendly ribbed metal roofing panels, there’s a type of metal roofing for every requirement. Whether you’re after the classic design of the R-Panel from McElroy Metal or the superior leak protection of Double-Lok® panels from MBCI, the choice is yours. Remember, while the initial cost of metal roofing may be higher than other types of roofing, the long-term value, durability, and aesthetic appeal make it a worthy investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between R panel and standing seam?

The main difference between R-panel and standing seam is that standing seam features concealed fasteners, making it a preferred choice for its sleek look and added protection. Exposed fasteners in R-panel make it a more cost-effective option for certain projects.

What is the best grade of metal roofing?

The best grade of metal roofing is 24 gauge due to its higher durability, especially in harsh climates. This grade provides fire resistance, low maintenance, and protection against corrosion.

What is the biggest problem with metal roofs?

The biggest problem with metal roofs is wear and tear caused by exposure to elements like extreme weather, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations. This can lead to corrosion, rust, weakened seams, and ultimately water penetration.

What are the different types of metal roof panels?

Stone-coated metal roofing is made from steel sheets and coated with stone granules, combining the strength of metal roofing with the aesthetic appeal of traditional roofing materials like asphalt shingles and clay tiles. Corrugated and standing seam metal roofs can be made of aluminum, copper, or steel.

What is the most budget-friendly metal roofing panel?

The most budget-friendly metal roofing panel is the ribbed metal roofing panel because it offers a balance of cost-effectiveness and robust design.

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Solar Panel Roof Repair Keller TX: What You Need to Know

October 28, 2025

Key Highlights Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about roof replacement involving solar panels: A roof replacement on a home with solar panels requires specialized expertise to protect your investment. The process involves safe removal, storage, and reinstallation of your solar panels by a qualified team. For Keller homeowners, addressing roof issues promptly is key to maintaining your home's integrity and your solar energy system's efficiency. Hiring a contractor skilled in both residential roofing and solar, like Becker Roofing and Exteriors, ensures a seamless project. Our project managers' services manage the entire process, and insurance often covers the costs associated with panel removal and reinstallation for a covered claim. Introduction You’ve made a smart investment in solar power, but what happens when the roof underneath your panels needs attention? For many homeowners in North TX, this question arises when their roof reaches the end of its life or suffers storm damage. Replacing a roof with an existing solar array is more complex than a standard project. It requires careful coordination and specialized skills to protect both your home and your energy system. Understanding the right way to manage different roofing materials and solar technology is the key to a successful project. Understanding Roof Replacement with Solar Panels When your home has a solar system, a roof replacement becomes a two-part project. It’s not just about shingles and underlayment; it’s about carefully detaching and resetting your valuable solar energy equipment. This process demands a team that understands both roofing and solar technology to avoid damaging your panels or voiding their warranties. For Keller homeowners, this means you can't hire just any roofer. You need professionals who offer roofing services that include a clear plan for managing your solar panels. The process involves a detailed inspection, safe panel removal, roof replacement, and finally, precise reinstallation to ensure your solar system functions perfectly. Why Roof & Solar Panel Integration Matters for Homeowners Your solar panels are a significant solar investment, and protecting them during a roof replacement is crucial. Handling a solar setup improperly can lead to cracked panels, damaged wiring, or a less efficient system upon reinstallation. A specialized contractor ensures every component is disconnected, stored, and reinstalled according to manufacturer specifications, safeguarding your system’s performance and longevity. Furthermore, the integrity of your new roof depends on correct panel reinstallation. In almost all cases of full replacement, panels must be removed. Attempting to work around them can compromise the new roof, leading to leaks around the mounting hardware. Proper integration ensures your roof is watertight, preserving your home’s structure and the aesthetic appeal of your solar array. Ultimately, hiring a team that masters both roofing and solar provides complete peace of mind. You can trust that your home is protected and your commitment to energy efficiency is preserved without the stress of coordinating multiple contractors or worrying about potential damage. Common Reasons for Roof Replacements with Existing Solar Panels Even with solar panels, your roof is still exposed to the elements and natural aging. Many homeowners find they need roof repair services or a full replacement for reasons that have little to do with the panels themselves. Understanding these common causes can help you plan for your residential roofing needs. The most frequent reasons for a roof replacement under solar panels include: Storm Damage: High winds, hail, and falling debris common in Texas can cause significant damage that requires a new roof. Roof Age: Most roofing materials have a finite lifespan. If your roof was already several years old when you installed panels, it may be time for a replacement. Material Failure: Over time, shingles can curl, crack, or lose their granules, and underlayment can degrade, leading to leaks. Leaks under solar panels often stem from failed flashing around the panel mounts or from pre-existing roof issues. Regular inspections and standard maintenance are vital, but sometimes a replacement is unavoidable. When that time comes, addressing the roof and panels together is the most effective approach. Step-By-Step Process: Roof Replacement & Solar Panel Removal A successful roof replacement with solar panels follows a precise, multi-stage plan. The first step always begins with a thorough inspection of the job site, including your roof and the solar array. This allows us to create a detailed strategy for a safe and efficient solar panel removal before any roofing work begins. We manage the entire process to ensure a smooth transition from start to finish. Once the panels are safely removed and stored, our team proceeds with the full roof replacement. After the new roof is installed, we reinstall the solar panels, ensuring every connection is secure and your system is ready to generate power. Safe Solar Panel Removal & Protection Procedures Safely handling your solar panels is our top priority. The process requires more than just unbolting hardware; it demands the expertise of a trained solar installer or technician. Our team methodically disconnects the electrical wiring, labels each component for accurate reinstallation, and carefully detaches the panels from their mounting racks. We follow strict safety protocols at every job site to protect both our crew and your property. Key procedures include: Using specialized tools designed for solar panel handling to prevent scratches or damage. Adhering to all fall protection requirements to ensure a safe work environment on your roof. Once removed, the panels are securely stored away from the work area. This attention to detail ensures that when we reinstall them on your quality roof, you get the most efficient possible solar power system, just as you had before. Having a specialist handle this is essential to protect your system's warranty and function. Timeline: What to Expect During Roof Work A roof replacement involving solar panels naturally takes a bit longer than a standard roofing project. The extra steps of removing and reinstalling the solar array add time, but our decades of experience in the Fort Worth metroplex help us streamline the process. A typical project can often be completed in three to five days, depending on the size of your roof and solar system. After our thorough inspections, we provide you with a clear timeline so you know exactly what to expect. While we perform our roof repair services, we work efficiently to minimize disruption to your daily life. Our goal is to get your home protected and your solar panels back online as quickly as possible. Here is a general outline of the project timeline: