One of the most well-known and popular metal panels, corrugated metal continues to be a favorite among both residential and commercial property owners. Corrugated metal’s versatility, durability, and low maintenance puts it at the top of the list for homeowners, builders, and architects alike.
What is Corrugated Metal?
Corrugated refers to a repeating pattern or series of ridges or waves. The rippled-like design was introduced hundreds of years ago and quickly became popular because of its ability to be prefabricated and quickly used by workers with minimal skills in building or construction.
How is Corrugated Steel Made?
Today, corrugated metal sheets are typically made using a cold-form process. First, the process starts with a flat piece of metal which is then pressed into 3D corrugated patterns using a series of rollers. Then, different roller arrangements create different types of corrugation from the sizes of waves to the angles. The process of cold rolling produces a thicker, stronger product and presents a better appearance than steel that’s been hot-rolled.
How Much Does Corrugated Metal Cost?
The price point of corrugated metal heavily depends upon the specifications of a project. Depending on the amount of metal you need, whether or not customization is needed, the type of gauge (or thickness) you need, and a number of other elements factor into the price of most metal panels, including corrugated. It’s also important to understand all of the different components that come with the installation of corrugated metal, whether for a roof, siding, or interior application. Ordering and installing a metal roof, for example, is much more than just ordering panels. You’ll receive trim, fasteners and hardware, clips, closures, and more. Therefore, the best way to get an accurate price on how much it costs to install a corrugated metal roof, siding, or interior project is to fill out a quote form or talk to a Product Specialist directly.
Pros & Cons of Corrugated Metal
If you’re trying to decide between corrugated metal or another material, there are a few pros and cons you need to consider.
Pros:
Longevity: Like other steel and metal products, corrugated metal will last much longer than other materials. Regardless of how you use it — inside or outside — you can expect it to last between 40 to 70 years. That lifetime extends even further on interior applications where the steel isn’t exposed to weather or other elements.
Durability: Corrugated metal’s durability is one of its biggest pros. Due to its wavy design and material makeup, corrugated panels can withstand the test of time and weather better than other materials.
Low Maintenance: Metal is one of the easiest materials to maintain. It doesn’t require monthly cleaning, yearly staining, or heavy duty cleaning products. Instead, most exterior corrugated metal applications just need an annual look-over due to their exposed fastener system. If cleaning is needed, metal usually just needs a nice rinse and light wipe-down.
Green Choice: Steel panels are an eco-friendly choice. Some are not only 100% recyclable, but they can also be used for solar panel installation and rainwater collection systems on roofing applications, and will save building owners between 10-25% on heating and cooling costs when used as siding or roofing.
Versatility: Corrugated panels have the ability to be used in countless different ways. From barns and roofing to accent walls and wainscoting, the ways in which you can use corrugated metal are endless.
Cons:
Exposed Fastener System: Corrugated metal uses an exposed fastener system. Meaning, the hardware used to secure it — whether used on an interior or exterior application — is on the outside of the panels. Due to this, an annual inspection is required in order to make sure there’s no rusting, ensure the washers are intact, and that the fasteners have not loosened over time.
Higher Upfront Cost: When compared to other materials like shingles or wood, corrugated steel is a bit more expensive. However, this higher upfront cost is always worth the investment because of how long the material lasts, and how little maintenance is needed. The price point can also vary quite greatly depending on the gauge, or thickness of the steel, and the type of color or finish desired for a specific project.
What Can Corrugated Metal Be Used For?
Corrugated metal has the ability to be used in multiple different applications. Its versatility is one of the many reasons it has remained so popular throughout the years. Here are just a few of the different ways corrugated panels used.
Roofing
Siding
Wainscoting
Agricultural Buildings, Barns, and Sheds
Kitchen Islands and Bars
Garages and Outbuildings
Fences
Other Interior Uses
Other Exterior Uses
