What Lengths Does Metal Roofing Come in?

Sheet metal roofing has gained popularity in U.S homes because it is fire resistant and energy saving. You should be familiar with the standard lengths when buying sheet metal roofing to prevent shortage.

Panels
Style, material, and manufacturers determine sheet roofing panel measurements. Corrugated panels, for instance, are weather resistant, lightweight, and robust because they are often made from galvanized steel and aluminum.

Custom
Potential waste is still possible when using precut metal roofing panels, depending on the panel lengths. You should still order more panels to avoid shortage. Order sheet metal roofing cut to size to avoid wastage.

Shingles
Shingles have more advantages than most roofing materials. They can duplicate the look of other roofing materials because they come in a wide range of colors and texture. Although shingle sizes vary by manufacturer and material, typical measurements are 12.5 inches wide and 39.75 inches long, with an exposure of 12 inches. They are packed in boxes of 15 or 30 shingles covering about 49.2 square feet and 98.4 square feet respectively.

Codes
You must consult the International Residential Code when ordering metal roofing since it defines roofing building codes. Modern architecture with roofs sloping at 2 percent can use panels while metal roof shingles are suitable for traditional-style homes with roofs sloping at 25 percent or greater.

Corrugated Roof Sheet Sizes
These roofing panels vary in length, thickness, and width but fit standard roof joists, rafter layouts and trusses. The conformity of the panel widths to the conventional spacing between rafters or ceiling joists makes it easy to lay the sheets across roof decks. Metal thickness determines resistance to corrosion and physical damage.

Panel Width
26 inches is the standard width for corrugated roof sheets, which is wide enough to accommodate the 24-inch space between rafter, truss, and joist. The 2-inch difference allows for corrugation or ribs stretching between adjacent rafters and overlap successive roofing sheets. Roofers trim width of ends pieces, but you can order custom cut roofing sheets for larger projects with non-standard spacing.

Panel Length
Lengths of sheet metal roofing range from 8 feet long to 24 feet long. However, some sheet metal restoration stores stock lengths of up to 16 feet. Panel lengths match standard roof framing lumber, unlike rafter lengths that rarely match the 2-foot increments. Although custom-made panels are available in longer dimensions, roofers trim panel lengths on site with cutting tools.

Panel Thickness
Panel thickness also referred to as “gauge”, vary depending on the panel material. Higher gauge metals are thinner than lower ones. Local building codes determine acceptable metal roofing gauge for residential projects. Accessory structures like patio cover have flexible thickness requirements. Thicker panels cost more because they contain more materials.

Standing Seam Panels
Standing seam roofing panels are technically the same as corrugated roofing panels. However, the sets of angled peaks and groves of standing seam roofing panels interlock instead of overlapping. In addition, unlike conventional corrugated roofing, standing seam roofing is highly resistant to moisture.

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