The complete metal roofing guide
From rugged R-Panel to sleek standing seam, here’s how our metal roofing systems are built, how they differ, and the details—oil canning, energy, fading and more—every homeowner should understand.
Rugged, economical, exposed-fastener
What R-Panel Is
A rugged, ribbed exposed-fastener metal panel installed over a prepared roof deck—economical, durable, and versatile for homes, barns and commercial buildings.
Gauges (20–26)
R-Panel is available in roughly 20–26 gauge depending on the application. Remember: a lower gauge number means thicker, heavier-duty metal.
Profiles, Colors & Finishes
Multiple panel profiles and a wide range of factory colors and finishes to match your home.
Exposed-Fastener Install
Fasteners are driven through the panel face into the deck/purlins. Fast and cost-effective—different from concealed-fastener standing seam.
Concealed-fastener, premium & modern
How Panels Are Formed
Standing seam panels are roll-formed from flat metal coils into long vertical panels with raised seams at the edges.
Thicknesses & Gauges
Available in several coil thicknesses/gauges depending on the system and application.
Concealed Fasteners
Fasteners are hidden beneath the seams—nothing penetrates the panel face, which reduces leak points and gives a clean, modern look.
Colors & Finishes
A broad palette of premium, factory-applied colors and finishes.
Snap-lock vs. mechanically seamed
Snap-Lock Standing Seam
Panels have engineered edges that snap together over a concealed clip—no field seaming required. Clean, efficient, and well-suited to many residential roofs.
Mechanically Seamed Standing Seam
After panels are set, a seaming tool folds the seam closed (single- or double-lock). This creates an exceptionally weather-tight seam favored for low slopes and demanding conditions.
Ice & water barrier under metal
Metal roofs get hotter than shingle roofs, so applicable metal assemblies require high-temperature ice & water barrier—a membrane engineered to withstand higher temperatures without breaking down. Standard IWS isn’t rated for those conditions. See our Ice & Water Barrier page.
Oil canning, energy, fading & installation
Oil canning & striations
Oil canning is the slight waviness you can sometimes see in the flat areas of metal panels. It’s caused by stresses in the metal and is affected by panel width, gauge, substrate flatness and lighting. It’s primarily an aesthetic condition—not a structural problem or roof failure. Striations (small stiffening ribs rolled into the panel) help reduce its visual appearance.
Will a metal roof raise my electric bill?
No—in fact the opposite can be true. Thermal performance depends on the whole assembly: insulation and attic ventilation, plus the panel’s coating, finish and color. There’s a difference between the R-value of the roof assembly/insulation and the solar reflectance of the metal itself. Lighter colors and reflective ‘cool-roof’ coatings reflect more sunlight and reduce solar heat gain.
Color fading over time
Some color change can occur over years of UV exposure and weathering. Quality metal systems carry manufacturer paint/finish warranties—often including fade and chalk provisions. We’ll share the applicable manufacturer warranty for your chosen system.
We don’t install metal over existing shingles
Some metal systems can go over old shingles—but Texas Roofing & Construction doesn’t use that method. We remove the existing roofing first so we can inspect the decking and underlying components, properly address ventilation, avoid adding unnecessary weight/layers, and install the new metal system over a properly prepared substrate.
Considering a metal roof? Get a free consultation.
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