There is a lot of confusion about metal thickness, especially if the hardness or grade of the metal is not included. The higher the number the thinner the metal. Commercial-Grade steel is usually 24 gauge for Standing Seam Panels. Residential construction is usually 26 gauge for Standing seam panels. Both have the highest impact rating (Class 4). Why do you think 24 gauge is used for commercial applications? It’s simple, commercial panels are generally longer so the extra thickness is needed to get the longer panel on the roof without bending. After it is installed there is no fundamental difference. 26 gauge is available in matte finishes which is very important in residential metal roofing because it doesn’t “telegraph” the expansion and contraction bulges, commonly known as “oil canning”. 29 gauge metal panels dominate the farm and agricultural industry. Did you know there can be a 40% difference in dent resistance between a thick and thin 29 gauge metal panel. In the metal industry, the gauge is a range of thicknesses that manufacturers have to stay within. For instance, the 4Ever Metal shingles are made from 28 gauge thickness. There can be a 40% difference in dent protection between the low and high end of 29 gauge. This difference in dent protection is an important consideration when investing in a metal roof, and that is one of the reasons we choose the 28 gauge which is thicker than all the 29 gauge agricultural metals.
Now that we have talked about steel thickness let’s talk about steel hardness. Metal roofing is produced from different hardness grades. Grade 80 is hard steel used to produce metal agricultural panels of 28 to 29 gauges. This combination of thickness and hardness is great for metal shingles. 4Ever Metal shingles are made out of Grade 80 hardness. To bend the shingle a long roll forming process is used to gradually bend the panels. All the trim is 26 gauge Grade 50 due to the severe angels that are necessary to make drip edge, wall flashing and valley metal.
An advantage of using such hard steel is that it is not damaged by walking on it. Once the protective plastic film coating is removed you can safely walk on the shingles with a soft rubber sole shoe without fear of bending or scratching.
For more information on our 4Ever Metal shingle call 540-222-1642 or visit us at AlphaRain.com.
Written By: Brandy Dysart
Owner and Founder of Alpha Rain Metal Roofing