Corrugated vs. the "ribbed" panels
| Corrugated (round wave) | PBR / R-panel (trapezoid rib) | Standing seam | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rib | Shallow, rounded; 7/8-in or 1/2-in depth are common | About 1-1/4 in, 12 in on center | Raised seam, hidden fasteners |
| Coverage | Often about 32 in to 36 in, depending on profile | 36 in | 12 in to 18 in common |
| Minimum slope | Varies widely: some panels publish 1:12 with sealant at every lap, while makers commonly recommend 3:12 or steeper | Commonly 1:12 | Down to about 1/4:12 for some mechanically seamed panels |
| Fasteners | Exposed, in the valleys or on the crowns per the maker | Exposed | Hidden |
| Look | Rustic, industrial, historic | Utilitarian metal building | Clean, architectural |
Published values vary by manufacturer and panel. We confirm the exact panel's data before we quote.
Where commercial corrugated roofs leak
- Fasteners: sun-dried washers and screws that have worked loose; on older roofs, nails instead of screws
- End and side laps: shallow corrugations hold less water at the lap, so low slopes leak first here
- Rust: at cut edges, laps and low spots, especially on older galvanized panels
- Ridge and closures: missing or crushed closures let wind-driven rain and birds in
- Hail: thin, older sheets dent and crack at the finish; light panels break
Install, repair, coat, retrofit or switch
| Condition | What we usually recommend |
|---|---|
| Sheets sound, leaks at fasteners and laps | Re-fasten with new screws and washers, seal laps, replace closures and trim |
| Sheets sound, surface rust and aging finish | Rust treatment, then a restoration coating over repaired fasteners and laps |
| Rusted-through or thin sheets, structure good | Retrofit over the old roof, with no tear-off over the operation |
| Sheets worn out, corrugated look matters | New corrugated panels in 24 or 26 gauge |
| Low slope with chronic lap leaks, look does not matter | Move to PBR or mechanically seamed standing seam |
We have hands-on experience with coating systems from American WeatherStar, EpoxyFlex, Carlisle and Tropical Roofing Products. We walk the roof, fly a drone for photos of areas that are hard to reach safely, and run drone thermal (infrared) scans that help show where water has gotten under the surface. Every inspection comes with a free digital photo report, so you see what we see.
Keep the corrugated look, or switch?
If the corrugated look is part of the building's character, like a restaurant, venue or older storefront, we install new corrugated panels in 24 or 26 gauge so you keep that look. Repair, coating and retrofit stay on the table when the existing sheets are still sound. If the building just needs to stay dry and the look does not matter, PBR or standing seam usually handles North Texas weather better: taller ribs carry more water at low slopes, and standing seam hides its fasteners. Our standing seam and PBR are 24 or 26 gauge, formed on our own roll formers to the length of each run, so long runs have no end laps.
Gauge matters more on corrugated
Corrugated sheet is sold in a wide range of thicknesses, and the thin, low-cost sheets common at big-box stores dent and crease easily. New corrugated we install is 24 or 26 gauge, and that gauge is written on the quote. See 26 vs. 24 gauge.
After a storm
We separate cosmetic dents from damage that lets water in and document both. We document the damage with photos and measurements and can be on the roof when your adjuster inspects. We don't adjust or negotiate claims; you work the claim with your insurance company. Texas law requires you to pay your deductible, and we never waive or rebate it.
We're certified with GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, Atlas, Johns Manville, Carlisle, Tropical Roofing Products, Mule-Hide and Enviroshake. We offer same-day response in almost every case, and we answer leak and storm calls 24/7 at (817) 733-9228.
Related: commercial R-panel · commercial metal roofing · warehouses · metal roofing
Commercial warranty: a workmanship warranty from 10 years up to lifetime, depending on the job, plus both 10-year and 20-year NDL (no-dollar-limit) manufacturer warranties (the price depends on which NDL term you choose). Manufacturer coverage depends on the product and brand, and on the project qualifying for that manufacturer's program. We put the exact warranty for your roof in writing.
Certified, with 30 years installing every major roofing brand, a family roofing business going back 75 years, and over $80 million in completed roofing projects. 5.0 stars on Google at all three of our offices.
Request a free inspection or call (817) 733-9228. Small repairs are welcome too.
