Choosing the Right Metal Roofing Panels for Your Project

When it comes to roofing, is your first thought to investigate asphalt or another roofing material you are familiar with? Well, just because something is familiar to you doesn’t mean it is the best option necessarily!

While asphalt roofs need to be re-roofed every 15-20 years, metal roofs don’t require this. They also are lightweight, energy-efficient, and come in various styles and designs to match your home’s aesthetic. Many of us aren’t metal roof experts, so when it comes time to select a roof style and material, the number of options can feel overwhelming.

That’s where we can help though. We’ve outlined below the most common types of metal roofing you’ll want to explore, and from there, you can select the style and design you like best!

Exposed Fastener Systems

This type of metal roofing features metal roofing panels that overlap and are directly fastened to the roof. They are often fastened through the panel face, so the hardware is visible. This style is an ideal solution for low-profile residential, agriculture, and industrial buildings.

The benefits of fastener systems are that they are easy to install without any required special tools and because of their easy installation, they are very affordable. Installing a fastener-style metal roof will also increase the value of your home and/or building by 1-6%. Beyond that, fastener systems are made from the highest metal quality and the interlocking panels have a Class A rating for wind and fire resistance. Finally, this style of roofing is energy efficient because it eliminates energy waste and provides lower energy consumption.

On the contrary, some owners don’t prefer the look of having exposed fasteners, hardware, and holes through the panels. If any holes aren’t enclosed, you also run the risk of having water enter the roof system.

Legacy Panels

A second option is a legacy panel which is a combination of style and affordability. This option is installed like an exposed fastener roof, so it’ll come with the same pros and cons as outlined above. The difference with legacy panels is the look of them. Unlike the standard fastener system, these have 12” on-center rib panels which provide a sleeker look.

Additional benefits of this roofing style are that the panels can be custom cut for your order and come in 30+ paint colors that come with Sherwin-Williams' 40-year paint warranty. The downside is that this styling comes at a higher cost than the standard fastener style roofing.

Max-Rib Panels

Max-rib panels are another fastener-style roof type, but this elevated style provides building owners with a sophisticated look with quality that is long-lasting. This style offers a classic metal roofing appearance that features a low profile. Max-rib panels have the same pros and cons as legacy panels, so these two options merely come down to your stylistic preference.

Standing Seam Systems

Unlike the prior three styles, standing seam systems secure the fasteners beneath the metal roof panels, keeping the hardware hidden. Another term for this metal roofing type is “concealed fasteners.” With this type, you won’t find any exposed hardware in the plane of the panels. Standing seams feature vertical legs with a flat area between the legs

The benefits of this roofing type include low maintenance because it is made from high-end steel, and it is attractive due to its smooth, hardware-free appearance. Standing seam systems are also wind and fire-resistant due to the interlocking panels and Class A fire rating and all the roof components are high quality and made from the highest-grade materials. Just like with the fastener systems, standing seams are also energy efficient and have a terrific return on investment (between 1-6%). Standing seams also come in 30+ colors with the same Sherwin-Williams 40-year paint warranty.

The con of this style is that it is more expensive because it requires more labor to hide all the fasteners. If curb appeal and aesthetics are important to you, then this option may be the best one!

Regardless of the style you choose, you’ll want to pay special attention to a few things about your metal roofs. You’ll want to ensure that the metal roofing has a good coating for long-term durability, that the installation team is reputable, and that the company you are working with has a good base metal.

The good news is that when you choose Delta Metals, you don’t have to worry about any of this! Delta Metals offers competitive pricing, knowledgeable reps, and a hassle-free guarantee. That means that once you select your roof, you don’t have to worry about anything else!

Get in touch with a member of our team today for a custom quote to get started! Or, if you have more questions, we can help with that too!