METAL ROOFING AND WALL PANELS The right metal roofing manufacturer is the first step in a successful metal roof installation. Navigational Note If you know which metal roofing product best fits your application, click on the product list on the left side. For standing seam recommendations (does not include curved or tapered panels) from us, please use the quickfind option on the left menu. Guidelines to a Successful Metal Roof or Metal Wall Installation Only standing seam or lap seam metal panels should be used for metal roofing applications. For information on standing seam metal roof panels, visit our standing seam sheet roofing page. Metal panels that perform well in vertical applications: - Standing seam panels like our Permaseam – due to the complexity of seaming, one piece snap-lock systems are the most common selection of standing seam metal roofing
- Lap seam, exposed fastener metal panels like our 4” Box Rib – There are countless examples of this application on metal building systems.
- Tongue-and-groove like our Flush panel - this type of engagement is commonly used in soffit and fascia applications. Long runs on this style of panel are highly discouraged.
Metal panels that perform well in horizontal applications: - Lap seam, exposed fastener metal panels like our 7/8” Corrugated
- Concealed Fastener shingle style metal panels like our Wave
Why metal roof and wall panels go beyond looks... Many times, a metal roofing system will be selected almost solely for the look that it provides -- with very little attention paid to the metal panel’s engagement style. Tongue-and-groove engagements, for example, are best suited for metal soffit applications. This creates a standing seam to prevent water infiltration. When used as a metal wall panel, the seam is far more vulnerable to water infiltration. Lap seam metal panels are the most commonly used option for wall applications. Water can flow from one metal panel to the next with almost no opportunity for water to enter. Still, these metal panels have exposed fasteners. Lap seam panels are sometimes called utility panels, as they can be used almost anywhere. They function in metal roofing systems, metal wall systems, soffits, fascias, metal decks and parapet walls. Because of the exposed fasteners that penetrate through them, they require maintenance to prevent leaks at the fastener locations and do not address thermal movement. As a result, the panel lengths must be limited. More recently, there are metal wall panels available that offer the appearance of the lap seam panel in narrower pieces that hook together. Using cleats, the metal panel can be secured to the structure without the use of exposed fasteners. This improves appearance, weather tightness, and the ability to manage thermal movement. For assistance with selection of a metal roofing system and/or metal wall panel, contact your area metal roofing specialist. | 
