R-Panel and Corrugated Roof Types in Tallahassee
R-panel, PBR and corrugated cover a lot of roof per sheet, can span open framing on outbuildings, and cost less than concealed-fastener systems. Which one fits depends on the building and the look you want.
R-Panel on Homes
R-panel has tall trapezoid ribs every 12 inches with wide flats between them. One manufacturer notes it's used more and more on houses and on combined shop-and-living buildings. On a house it goes over a solid deck with underlayment, the same as any metal roof. That taller rib is part of why makers rate R-panel down to 1 in 12 with sealed laps, against 3 in 12 for low-rib 5V.
- Coverage: 36 inches per panel
- Rib height: 1-1/4 inches on 12 inch centers
- Gauge: 26 is the standard for one maker's R and PBR panels
PBR Panels on Shops and Garages
PBR stands for purlin bearing return (some makers say purlin-bearing leg). It's an R-panel with an extra leg on the lap edge that sits on the purlin and lies fully under the next sheet. Makers sell plain R-panel mainly for walls and PBR for roofs, because the extra leg supports the lap where installers walk and screw. One sheet lists open-framing spans of up to 4 to 5 feet. See metal building roofing and metal barn roofing for those buildings.
Corrugated Panels for a Rustic Look
Corrugated has the old rounded wave. One 7/8 inch profile has corrugations 7/8 inch deep on 2-2/3 inch centers and covers 32 inches on a roof. It's sold in 26 and 24 gauge. It suits sheds, porches and houses going for a rustic look. Fixr points out that corrugated is mostly used on sheds and garages because of its exposed screws and plain appearance, so on a house it's a style choice. HomeGuide also notes that corrugated in humid climates tends toward the shorter end of metal roof lifespans.
Galvalume, Galvanized and Painted Finishes
Bare panels come in two metallic coatings. Galvanized steel has a zinc coat, and the Florida Building Code wants G-90 on roofing (G-60 is allowed on Group U utility buildings such as sheds). Galvalume has an aluminum-zinc coat, and HomeGuide notes it resists corrosion better than galvanized. For Galvalume coating weights (AZ50 and AZ55), see 5V crimp metal roofing. Painted panels add an SMP or PVDF finish. One maker says SMP was long the R-panel standard and PVDF is now its default. See standing seam metal roofs for how those paints compare.
Why Tallahassee homeowners call Tallahassee Metal Roof Co.
- Free referral, no charge to homeowners
- Your request reaches a single metal roofing contractor, not a list
- Ask for panel, gauge and Product Approval number in writing
- Free, no-obligation estimate from the roofer
R-Panel and Corrugated Quote Checklist
Through-fastened quotes look alike until you read the lines. Compare these:
Profile and gauge
R, PBR or corrugated, and 26 or 29 gauge, written on the quote.Deck or open framing
A house gets a solid deck and underlayment. A shop may go straight onto purlins. That changes the price and the condensation risk.Lap sealant
At 1 in 12 the laps need butyl sealant per one maker. Under the Florida Building Code, lapped panels without sealant need 3 in 12.Screws
Count, length and washer type, plus screw spacing at the eaves, rakes and ridge, where uplift is highest.Trim and closures
Ridge cap, eave trim, rake trim and foam closures at the rib openings, itemized.Small jobs
HomeGuide notes smaller roofs cost more per square foot because many contractors charge a minimum fee.
Screw-Down Panels in Tallahassee and Rural Leon County
Inside city limits, R-panel shows up on newer houses and garages. Out in unincorporated Leon County, it's on barns, equipment sheds and shop buildings, and the permit comes from the County rather than the City. See metal roof replacement for which office handles which address.
The weak point of any through-fastened roof is the screw. Every one is a hole in the panel sealed only by a rubber washer. A good quote will say how many screws per sheet and what spacing at the edges. When those washers do give out, the metal roof screw replacement page covers cost and timing.