Picking the Right Roof Panels

Whether you’re looking for prefab garages in Alberta or metal building kits in North Carolina, you need to make sure your metal building has the proper roof panels for your purposes. The roof is arguably the most important part of any building, and steel buildings are no different. While steel is naturally more resilient than its more traditional counterparts, you still have a few options to protect your roof.

Roof panels come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you need to make sure you’re getting the ones most appropriate for your needs. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive overview of all the roof panel details and options you need to consider before you buy. Learn all about picking the right roof panels for your metal building.

Structural and Architectural

A structural roof and an architectural roof have distinct differences you need to know, as each is designed for a unique purpose. Structural roofs have much thicker panels and don’t require any extra underpayment to install. Heat can travel freely through the roof, and it’s functionally waterproof, even in standing water.

Architectural roofs take a different approach, as they implement much thinner panels in their construction. They also have to be supported with additional materials to keep the whole roof properly supported and to keep any water out. They have a higher pitch and are vulnerable to standing water, but its water shedding capability is much better than its architectural counterpart.

Hydrostatic and Hydrokinetic

Hydrostatic and hydrokinetic roofs generally have the same distinctions as structural and architectural roofs, but the difference is caused by the seams rather than the panels. A hydrostatic roof will have bigger seams that don’t require an additional deck for support. They are generally more sturdy and able to support more open framing setups.

Hydrokinetic roofs, on the other hand, use smaller seams, generally half the size of their hydrostatic counterparts. The most important thing you need to know about this kind of roof is that it’s not inherently watertight, so you’re going to need something else to keep water out. It’s important to note, however, that its water-shedding ability is quite advanced and it generally comes with a steeper slope.

Standing Seam and Concealed Fastener

These roof types both offer plenty of benefits to enjoy. A standing seam forces panels adjacent to one another to bend at a right angle and fold over each other, creating a waterproof seal. The seam is reinforced with a sealant, so you can be sure nothing’s getting through. The only downside is that they are really obvious to spot, which can make some roof designs look a bit jarring.

Concealed fasteners eliminate this aesthetic problem by using hidden clips between the panels, creating a smooth outer surface. They also allow the panels ample room to breathe through temperature changes and don’t add any extra weight on the roof supports. If you’re trying to highlight your roof’s appearance, concealed fasteners are always your best bet.

Designing Your Metal Building

Even small steel home kits can lead to impressive buildings when properly designed. At Metal Pro Buildings, our engineering team is happy to work with you to design a building that works perfectly for your needs. Contact us for metal building kits in North Carolina, prefab garages in Alberta or any other metal building you might need in the United States or Canada.