Types of Corrugated Roof Panels

Common Designs

• Three common designs dominate the corrugated roof panel market. The first and most popular are basic round corrugated panels, which consist of a short curved wave pattern that allows one sheet to easily fit with another during installation. The second are corrugated square panels, which are similar to the basic round style except that the wave pattern is square. These types of panels are most commonly employed to build roof decking. The third are alternating ridge panels, where flat valleys separate large and small alternating ridges. This design provides for extra durability while also allowing the panel's valleys to be easily mounted to rafters.

Plastic vs. Metal

• Corrugated roof panels are most commonly made from metals such as steel, aluminum, copper and zinc. Steel is the most popular and is typically either stainless or galvanized. Galvanized steel is generally stronger and less expensive and stands up to harsh weather better than its stainless cousin. However, stainless steel is generally considered more aesthetically pleasing and does not require a zinc coating to protect against corrosion, as does galvanized (zinc often turns ugly colors over time).

  Plastic and fiberglass panels, which offer an alternative to metal, are usually the cheapest and lightest and are not subject to rust the way metal is. However, they tend to be very loud in the rain, rip off more easily in heavy winds and do not insulate well against heat and cold.

Specialized Materials

• More recently, the market has introduced trademarked materials that aim to maximize the benefits of both metal and plastic while minimizing the drawbacks. One such material is Trimdek, which is square-fluted and extremely light weight and made of high-strength, anti-corrosive steel. It can be used for walls as well as roofs and is available in long lengths and many colors. Another extremely strong material called Spandek has a modern-looking trapezoidal profile and is often used when supports are widely spaced, all while boasting a weight and rigidity similar to Trimdek. In addition, a variety of rust-proof metal alloys that do not change color are starting to replace zinc on some metal roof panel brands.

Standing Seam Roofs

• Standing seam roofs use a number of raised interlocking panels that are mounted vertically, allowing water to run off more easily than with traditional paneling, thereby avoiding seepage between panels. Most standing seam roofs use metal corrugated panels as opposed to plastic. The panels are either attached using visible fasteners that are driven straight through the roofing materials into the rafters or using hidden fasteners that are covered by each overlapping panel, creating a more eye-pleasing aesthetic. Standing seam roofs can be cut and laid in several designs. They are also easy to manipulate and can be installed over existing roofing with minimal hassle.