Help me decide - Metal roof thickness

RLWATSO1 · Nov 29, 2016

Hello all, we are planning our 36x40x12 garage build for the spring and I'm trying to decide on two different choices on metal roof. Our builder is using Everlast Roofing metal roof but we have the option of going with a 28 guage or 27 guage product. Other than slightly thicker metal, the big difference between the two is in the warranty.

28 gauge:

40-year non-prorated warranty
25-year perforation warranty
10-year edge rust warranty

27 gauge:

50-year non-prorated warranty
25-year perforation warranty
15-year edge rust warranty

The difference in price is about $500 for our project... what do you guys think? Is it worth it to spend the extra $500?

nybirdman · Nov 29, 2016

That would be a no brainer for me;go with the heavier.You gain ten years of warranty for the extra $.

Junkyard Jim · Nov 29, 2016

That's a heck of a warranty on both and not much difference in thickness, but I would spend the $500 for a little "peace of mind" because I need all I can get. Make sure your builder installs it to the letter of the law so they can't wiggle out of a claim based on something like that.

TnAndy · Nov 29, 2016

It's a sales gimmick.

What do you think the odds are the folks that formed your metal out of rolls they buy, will still be in business in 20 years.....much less 40 or 50.

Most building material warranties aren't worth the paper they are printed on....assuming you even GET a printed copy.

Go to:Everlast Roofing: Everlast II(R) Figure out which one of the 6 different warranties you're looking at....then read ALL the fine print and ways they can get out of it....the stuff the salesman didn't mention......

Personally, I'd go with the cheaper.

Like 'extended warranties' on nearly everything. Bought a humidifier today at Lowes....the 2yr warranty is $19.99......the 3 year warranty is 20 something. I never buy them. Could buy the fool humidifier 5 or 10, or 50 times over from the money saved from never buying extended warranties.

roadhunter · Nov 29, 2016

Those are some odd thicknesses IMO. I've found most metal building to use 26 gauge where pole barns use the lighter 29 gauge. I used 24 gauge 7.2 panel on boat docks to decrease the number of uprights necessary. Can't say I've ever seen 27 or 28 gauge. Around here the roofing contractors I know use 26 gauge only.

I'd go with the heavier material. I'd also measure it to make sure you get what you pay for.

thepumpguysc · Nov 29, 2016

At $2.00 sqft for the panels you can buy a few for $500.00.. and a whole lotta spray paint for the rust. just my .02

LD1 · Nov 29, 2016

The difference in metal thickness is 0.0015". Bout the thickness of a human hare.

One layer of paint is likely thicker than the difference in metal thickness.

I am inclined to agree with the above poster.....save your money. When it comes to how long the roofing lasts, there are FAR more important things that can make or break the job than a simple 27ga vs 28ga difference. Get pre-cut lengths and minimize onsite cutting, keeping condensation and moisture at bay, dont let the metal touch the ground, proper install with the screws so moisture dont get around them, etc etc.

Deere Dude · Nov 29, 2016

A contractor was trying to splain the difference to me and the thing that stuck in my head was even though some metal might be a hair thinner, it might have a higher tensile strength thqat the thicker so it would hold up better to walking on or tree limbs banging into it. Thickness, tensile strength and paint quality all need to be taken into consideration.

Rustyiron · Nov 29, 2016

I'd worry more about the galv. than the thickness & his details like purlin spacing. G-100 is the heaviest galvanizing rating and I do like Everlast's materials and they are a good company. "Cut edge rust" is a problem but I'd spend the $500 on a better (higher) "G" rating on the base material over the very slight increase in thickness.