R-panel at a glance
| Spec | Typical for the profile |
|---|---|
| Coverage | 36 inches per panel |
| Ribs | Major ribs about 1-1/4 inches tall on 12-inch centers |
| Fastening | Exposed screws with sealing washers, through the panel into purlins or deck |
| Minimum slope | Often about 1:12, per the panel's published data |
| Gauge we install | 24 or 26 |
Typical published values for the R-panel profile; exact numbers depend on the manufacturer and panel.
R-panel vs. PBR
They're the same basic profile. PBR adds a purlin-bearing leg at the side lap, a small extra flange that rests on the purlin and supports the overlap. On open framing, that's the version you want. Over a solid deck, the two act much the same. See our R-panel and PBR page for homes and barns.
Details that decide whether it leaks
- Screw placement and torque: overdriven screws crush washers and underdriven ones leak. We set them to seat the washer, not flatten it.
- Side laps: sealant tape and stitch screws at the laps on low slopes
- End laps: we form panels to length, so most runs have none
- Closures: foam closures at the eave and ridge keep out wind-driven rain, birds and wasps
- Light panels: matched to the profile, and replaced when hail cracks them
- Condensation: insulation and vapor control so the building doesn't drip inside on cold mornings
Repair, restore or replace
| Condition | What we usually recommend |
|---|---|
| Leaks at screws and laps, panels sound | Re-screw with new fasteners, seal laps and trim |
| Aging finish, light rust, panels sound | Restoration coating over repaired fasteners and laps |
| Panels rusted through or badly hail-damaged | Retrofit over the old roof or new panels |
| Low slope with chronic lap leaks | Consider mechanically seamed standing seam |
Why gauge matters on a commercial building
Thicker steel spans purlins better, dents less in hail and stands up better to foot traffic from HVAC and maintenance crews. That's why we install 24 or 26 gauge and never a thinner panel. See 26 gauge metal roofing.
What helps us quote faster
- Roof access for an on-roof inspection, plus a contact who knows the building
- Leak history, past repair invoices and any existing warranty paperwork
- Drawings or a roof plan, if you have them
- Your schedule limits: hours, tenants, events, deliveries
- Your insurance certificate requirements, so we can send them before work starts
We're certified with Johns Manville, GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning and Atlas. We offer same-day response in almost every case, and we answer leak and storm calls 24/7.
More metal: snap-lock standing seam · mechanically seamed · commercial R-panel · 26 gauge · roll-formed to length · retrofit over an existing roof · back to metal roofing
Commercial warranty: a workmanship warranty from 10 years up to lifetime, depending on the job, plus 10- to 20-year NDL (no-dollar-limit) manufacturer warranties. 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.