Homeowners in rugged climates often choose corrugated metal roofing for new construction or re-roofing projects. Although metal roofing represented a minor part of the residential re-roofing industry, accounting for just 15 percent of market share as of 2020, it is quickly gaining popularity as of 2024. This is thanks to its strength, durability and longevity.
The Modernize experts created this guide to corrugated metal roofing to help homeowners understand the benefits of corrugated roof panels, installation costs, maintenance needs, and different types of corrugated metal sheets. Read on to learn more about unique roofing material, and even find a corrugated steel roofing contractor in your area when you are ready for your roofing project.
What is a Corrugated Metal Roof?
There are many different styles of metal roofing, including metal shingles and tiles, standing seam systems, and corrugated metal sheets or panels.
Corrugated metal roofing is made from roll-formed steel coils that are cold-pressed in a series of rollers into a three-dimensional pattern. The cold-rolling process adds thickness and greater strength to the metal, which can be cut to exact or standard lengths depending on the project. The underside of the corrugated steel roofing usually has a galvanized or galvalume layer applied to enhance the steel’s weather-resistant properties. Corrugated roofing is often used in storm-prone areas as the roofing design allows for optimal rainwater drainage.
5 Benefits of Corrugated Metal Roofing
Metal roofing works well for both flat roofs and sloped roofs. Homeowners considering corrugated metal panels for their re-roofing project should be aware of the many inherent benefits of this type of roofing material:
- Efficient in any climate. Corrugated roofing is ideal for areas that receive heavy snow and rainfall. It won’t rust because it’s galvanized, and the corrugated pattern of ridges and valleys provides excellent drainage. It’s attached directly to the roof sheathing, so it’s able to withstand high winds better than other types of roofing materials.
- Lightweight. Corrugated metal panels are considerably lighter than slate or tile, which puts less strain on your home infrastructure.
- Longevity. Corrugated roof panels have an expected lifespan of 50 to 60 years, depending on the specific type of metal used, and can last much longer than that with a bit of routine maintenance. Generally speaking, a corrugated metal roof can last three times longer than a traditional asphalt shingle roof.
- Energy efficiency. Heat-reflective coatings help homes stay cooler in the summer and reduce energy bills.
- Sustainability. Any scraps left over from your corrugated metal roofing installation job are fully recyclable.
Additionally, because this type of roofing material comes in longer panels, it’s easy to install, which can save you money on labor. The initial material cost of a corrugated metal roof is usually higher than traditional asphalt shingles, but homeowners who invest in metal roofing see an average ROI of 54.% as of 2022.
Corrugated metal roofing can also lower your insurance rates because it’s fire resistant, especially in states like Texas and California that are vulnerable to wildfires.
Types of Corrugated Roofing
As noted above, most corrugated metal roofing is made from galvanized or galvalume steel. There are several types of corrugated metal roofing products, though.
Corrugated aluminum roofing
Corrugated aluminum roofing is chosen by homeowners because of its light weight and affordable price tag, when compared to other types of metal roofing material costs. Aluminum roofing often comes in corrugated panels that are easily installed and come in a variety of color options. It is often used to cover small sheds or similar small structures.
Corrugated steel roofing
Corrugated steel roofing panels are even stronger and more durable than aluminum roofing panels. They are manufactured in a variety of sizes and gauges, or thicknesses. The lower the gauge, the thicker the product.
Twenty-nine gauge steel roofing is common for barns, sheds, outbuildings and similar structures. It can be screwed directly to the roof decking and hang two feet over the framing.
Twenty-six gauge metal roofing panels, meanwhile, are most commonly used for home roofs. It’s commonly used to clad the roofs of steel-framed buildings.
Heavy-duty 22-gauge corrugated steel roofing panels are among the most sturdy and durable metal roofing products on the market and are well-paired with rustic, mountain and ranch architectural designs.
Corrugated copper roofing
Corrugated copper roofing panels are among the most expensive metal roofing products for homes, but they offer unmatched visual appeal, durability and longevity.
These corrugated panels are extremely resistant to all forms of inclement weather and won’t ever rust. Over time, this type of roofing material will develop a natural patina that enhances its aesthetic appeal. It can be used for roof cladding, siding, or to enhance interior architectural design elements.
Corrugated Metal Roofing Costs
A corrugated metal roof can cost between $10,500 to $19,500 to install, or $15,000 on average, for a standard 3,000-square-foot roof. The overall cost of the project will depend on the metal roof material, slope, pitch, and size of your roof. You can expect to pay $3.50 to $6.50 per sq. foot or $350 to $650 per square installed. Costs will also vary depending on local roof contractor’s pricing.
Keep in mind that the price for higher quality corrugated metal roofing, such as copper, can run as high as $75,000 for a new 3,000 square foot roof.
When planning for a new corrugated metal roof, it’s important to crunch the numbers and estimate the cost prior to getting started, as costs can vary drastically based on the roofing specs. Use our cost calculator below to get an estimate of what your roofing project may cost.
Corrugated Roof Panels vs. Metal Shingles
One of the main differences between corrugated roof panels and metal shingles is the size of the metal. A corrugated metal roofing system consists of large panels that are screwed directly to the roof sheathing. The fasteners are exposed in a corrugated metal roofing system, which is one of the main differences between corrugated roof panels and standing seam metal roofing.
Metal shingles and metal tiles, meanwhile, are individual pieces that are attached directly to the roof. Both materials are extremely durable.
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Corrugated Metal Roof
Average Cost: $15,000- Best for longer roofs
- Cheaper than metal shingles
- Great value for durability
- Better for commercial buildings
- Lasts 30 to 45 years
- Less leak proof than shingles
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Metal Roofing Shingles
Average Cost: $28,500- Various style and color options
- Better for homes
- Lasts 40 to 80 years
- More expensive than corrugated metal roofing
- Hard to repair if damaged
- Shingles subject to expansion and contraction
Corrugated roof panels are often used to cover larger roofs in agricultural, industrial and commercial buildings as well as select residential properties. Metal shingles and tiles, however, are specifically designed for residential roofs and come in several styles and designs.
Finally, corrugated roof panels are more rigid than flat roofing structures, providing more dimensional stability and structural integrity. For instance, corrugated panels can make a lightweight metal like aluminum sturdy enough to withstand the elements.
We always suggest finding a local roofer to help you with a new roof installation to be sure you are getting it installed properly the first time around.
Corrugated vs. Standing Seam Metal Roofing
The main difference between corrugated and standing seam metal roofing styles is their design and appearance. Corrugated metal roofing has a surface structured into ridges and grooves, which looks like a rippled or wavy surface. Standing seam metal roofing, on the other hand, has interlocking vertical metal panels that form a clean, modern design.
Additionally, corrugated panels are installed with exposed fasteners, while standing seam roofs use concealed fasteners.
Lastly, standing seam metal roofs are recommended for climates that are prone to heavy rainfall or wind, since they are considered more watertight and designed to resist wind uplift.
Corrugated Roofing Maintenance
The majority of corrugated roofing products are made from galvanized steel. During the galvanization process, a thin layer of zinc is applied to the corrugated metal to protect it from rust (oxidization) and corrosion. Long-term exposure to the harsh elements and sunlight will degrade this protective finish, so at some point you will need to recoat your metal roof. A simple polymer re-coating will restore your corrugated metal roof to like-new conditions.
Cleaning is simple. You can wash it down using soap and water from a hose or pressure washer. Avoid cleaning with abrasive tools such as wire brushes or steel wool, which can scratch your roof.
Installing Corrugated Roofing
Corrugated metal roofing may be one of the easier roofing materials to install, but it’s still a job best left for professionals since there’s zero room for error.
Installing corrugated roofing panels starts just like any other roofing job: roofers cover the roof sheathing with a waterproof underlayment such as roofing felt to “dry in” the roof. Eave trim, drip edge pieces and flashing are installed next, followed by the metal roofing panels. However, if your home has boxed or half-round gutters, those eliminate the need for eave trim.
Screw placement along the panels and edge overlap are two of the most crucial aspects of the metal roof installation process. Overlap can vary, but 4 inches is often recommended. Screws should be no more than 24 inches apart, and they also should be installed to seat flat on the roof.
Metal roofing panels often can be cut to fit the length of your roof, so there won’t be any splices. Extremely long pieces of corrugated metal roofing can be quite unwieldy and heavy, another reason why this job requires a professional roofing contractor.
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